WHAT IS A LIFE PARTNER VISA?

The Life Partner Visa is very similar to that of the Spousal Visa. It falls under the “relatives” category of visas and is a temporary residency visa. This is available to both heterosexual and same-sex couples.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A LIFE PARTNER VISA?

A foreigner who has been in a relationship with a Citizen of South Africa or Permanent Resident for two or more years but are not married, can apply for a Life Partner Visa. The applicant must make the application whilst in their country of citizenship, and cannot be made in South Africa. If can only be done in South Afica if the applicant is already in South Africa on a temporary. For example, if the applicant is in South Africa on a General Work Visa then the application can be done in South Africa.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SPOUSAL VISA?

1. The Life Partner Visa holder may apply for working, business, or study rights to add to their Life Partner Visa.
2. He or she may also qualify for Permanent Residency with proof that the couple has cohabitated and shared expenses for no less than two years.

IMPORTANT RULES TO QUALIFY FOR A LIFE PARTNER VISA

1. The foreign partner must be in a true relationship with a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident.
2. If either partner has been married before then valid finalized divorce papers must be produced.
3. The couple must have met before. Having just met online is not valid. Evidence of having been in a long term relationship should be provided.
4. The couple must provide evidence of a valid relationship as proof of cohabitation. In this regard it will be necessary to provide proof that you share a home, and the financial obligations associated with that.
5. It is recommended that the applicants open a joint bank account, and the applicant will need to show that they will be financially secure in South Africa.
6. The applicants may have to go through an interview process with the Department of Home Affairs and so should be prepared for that.

ADDING WORK OR BUSINESS RIGHTS TO A SPOUSAL OR LIFE PARTNER VISA

Foreign spouses who want to work while having a Spousal or Life Partner Visa must add the proper endorsement to their visas to allow for employment in South Africa.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDING WORK OR BUSINESS RIGHTS TO A SPOUSAL OR LIFE PARTNER VISA

1. Valid Spousal or Life Partner visa
2. Letter or contract of employment from a registered company in South Africa.
3. Application to add working rights to your visa.

Important note: If there is a job change, since the working endorsement is job specific, a new application must be done.