What is a relative permit for South Africa
A South African relatives visa allows applicants to move to South Africa and reside in the country on a permanent basis as long as they meet the requirements of the permit. This permit is ideal for young direct and indirect family members to move over to South Africa, to be accomadated by their family residing locally.
Those successful applicants for a relatives permit are afforded nearly all the rights of a South African citizen as they are awarded permanent residence. Permanent residence allows you total freedom to work, study or own and work in businesses as you please.
Who is a South African relatives permit for?
The relatives visa is for minors under the age of 18 who are looking to take up permanent residence in South Africa and live with family or a family member.
How would I qualify for permanent residency on this basis?
You must be in possession of a valid temporary residence relative visa and must be the child (under 18) of a South African citizen or permanent resident of South Africa.
What evidence should I provide for a South African relative permit application?
You must provide proof of a valid temporary residence relative visa by presenting your passport or proof of application thereof. You must also provide proof of kinship, by means of producing an original birth certificate.
The South African citizen or permanent resident must also undertake to support you financially, should the need for doing so arise.
All applications require the following be submitted along with two fees which must be payable in addition to your immigration companies service charges:
- Department of Home Affairs application fee
- A processing fee to the application centre
- The applicants unabridged birth certificate or an officiated copy thereof.
- You will need to complete the required application form.
- Biometrics of the applicant which will be taken at the place of submission.
- Where applicable a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
- A police clearance certificate.
- Medical report.
- Radiological report where the applicant is over the age of 12.
- Two (2) passport photographs.
- Proof of financial support showing the required ZAR 8,500 per month, per person.
- Proof of South African citizen/Permanent residence of the relative by means of an identity document or passport.
- Proof of the first kinship to the South African citizen/Permanent resident.
How long does it take to process a relative permit?
The average turn around time for a South African relative permit is around 30 working days.
Pros of a South African relative Permit
- Relatives permit can be endorsed to for those who want to work, conduct business or study in South Africa.
- Relatives permit covers both first and second level kinship
Cons of a South African relative Permit
- The applicant family must have the financial resources to support each applicant on a relatives visa with an available minimum budget of R8500.
- First-time applicants must submit their applications in their country of residence. You will not be able to submit your application while in South Africa on a visitor’s visa.
Temporary Residency Option
Apply for a relative visa if you’re looking to bring your relatives to South Africa on a temporary basis