South African Spousal Visas & Life Partner Visas

Are you in a committed relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident and looking to join them in South Africa? Whether you're married or in a long-term partnership, there are various South African Partner Visa options for spouses and life partners – but navigating the process is not as simple as it may seem.

At Intergate Emigration, we help couples reunite and stay together in South Africa by guiding them through the complex requirements of the South African Spousal Visa and Life Partner Visa. With our licensed Immigration Advisers, you can avoid the common mistakes that lead to delays, rejections, or visa complications.

‍

[[divider]]

‍

Visa Options for Partners and Spouses

South Africa provides two main visa categories for foreign nationals in a relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident:

‍

South African Spousal Visa (for legally married couples)

Valid for up to 2 or 3 years, this visa allows a foreign spouse to live in South Africa with their partner. After 5 years of marriage, the applicant may become eligible for permanent residence in South Africa.

‍

South African Life Partner Visa (for unmarried, committed couples)

To qualify, you must prove that you’ve been in a genuine and committed relationship for at least 2 years. These applications require a higher standard of proof and are carefully scrutinised by the Department of Home Affairs.

‍

Want to Work or Start a Business in South Africa?

Unlike some countries, South Africa doesn’t automatically grant work rights with partner visas. However, Spousal and Life Partner Visas in South Africa can be endorsed to allow for:

‍

Work Endorsement

If you have a job offer from a South African employer, you can apply for a work endorsement as part of your visa. The employer must provide supporting documents, and the position must meet specific compliance requirements.

‍

Business Endorsement

If you plan to start or run your own business in South Africa, you can apply for a business endorsement. You’ll need to provide a business plan, proof of funding, company registration documents, and meet certain viability requirements.

‍

Study Endorsement

If you intend to study in South Africa while on your current visa, you can apply for a study endorsement. You’ll need to provide a letter of acceptance from an accredited institution, proof of registration, and evidence of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. This endorsement allows you to study without needing a separate study visa.

‍

Important: Endorsements are not automatically granted. They must be applied for as part of your visa application or added later via an amendment. Mistakes or omissions in this process can result in your being unable to work legally in South Africa.

‍

Why Use a Licensed Immigration Adviser?

Many applicants underestimate the complexity of South African partner visas, especially when endorsements are involved.

‍

Common pitfalls include:

• Insufficient relationship evidence, particularly for life partners
• Incorrect or incomplete supporting documents
• Failure to meet financial or cohabitation requirements
• Inaccurate or inconsistent affidavits
• Assuming work rights are automatic
• Incorrect timing – for example, applying on the wrong visa type or while already in South Africa illegally

These errors often lead to application rejections or delays of several months. In some cases, applicants face bans or deportation.

‍

With Intergate Emigration, you benefit from:

• ✔️ A fully licensed Immigration Adviser
• ✔️ Tailored visa and endorsement strategies
• ✔️ Help with compiling business plans, work endorsements, or job offer documentation
• ✔️ Professional review of affidavits, financials, and relationship evidence
• ✔️ Ongoing guidance and communication with the Department of Home Affairs