WHAT IS A SPOUSAL VISA?

The Spousal Visa is a two-year visa that is renewable. It is a temporary resident visa that falls under the Relatives category of visas and is available to both heterosexual and same-sex couples.

WHO CAN APPLY FOR A SPOUSAL VISA?

A foreigner who is married to a South African Citizen or Permanent Resident is eligible to apply for a Spousal Visa. The Spousal Visa application can be submitted either in the applicant's country of nationality / residence or from within South Africa while the applicant is in South Africa on a Visitors (Tourist) Visa. Further extensions and renewals can also be done from within South Africa.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE SPOUSAL VISA?

1. The Spousal Visa allows the foreign spouse the option to add working, business, or study rights to their Spousal Visa.
2. If the foreign spouse has been married to their South African spouse for five or more years, he or she is eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

IMPORTANT RULES IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR A SPOUSAL VISA:

1. The most important requirement is that the applicant must be legally married to a South African citizen or permanent resident.  
2. In the case of a foreign spouse having been in a prior marriage, the finalized divorce documents must be provided.