Relative Permit South Africa

Who Qualifies for Relative-Based Permanent Residency?

Not all relatives qualify for Permanent Residence. The Act prioritises the immediate nuclear family.

1. Direct Residence (Right to Residence)
   This category is generally considered a “right” if the criteria are met.
   • Spouses & Life Partners (Section 26(b)): You must have been in a spousal relationship (marriage or permanent life partnership) with a South African citizen or permanent resident for at least five (5) years.
   • Minor Children (Section 26(c)): Biological or judicially adopted children of a South African citizen or permanent resident who are under the age of 21.
   • Children of Citizens (Section 26(d)): Children of South African Citizens who are over the age of 21.
     
     
2. Residence on Other Grounds (Discretionary)
   This category is discretionary, meaning the Department “may” issue the permit, usually requiring proof of financial support.
   • Parents (Section 27(g)): Parents of a South African citizen or permanent resident.
   • Adult Children of Permanent Residents (Section 27(g)): Children over 21 where the parent is a Permanent Resident (not a Citizen) typically fall here.

Important Exclusion: Siblings (Brothers and Sisters) DO NOT qualify for Permanent Residence under the relative category. They may only hold temporary visas and cannot convert to PR based solely on their sibling relationship.

Financial Requirements & Sponsorship

Unlike temporary visas which have a rigid R8,500 monthly income requirement, Permanent Residence focuses on the sponsor’s general “ability and willingness” to support the applicant.

• Spouses & Minor Children: Generally exempt from proving a specific financial threshold, though support must be evident.
• Parents & Adult Children (Section 27(g)): The South African sponsor must sign an Undertaking of Support. They must prove they are “able and willing” to support the applicant. While no specific amount is gazetted for PR, adjudicators often use the R8,500 per month disposable income figure as a baseline to assess the sponsor’s capability.

Benefits of Permanent Residency

Transitioning from a temporary Relative’s Visa to Permanent Residence is transformative:

• Work & Business Rights: You are free to work for any employer, study, or open a business. You no longer need special endorsements or to wait for Department of Labour findings.
• Security: You are no longer required to renew visas every 2 years.
• Status: You obtain a South African ID book (Non-Citizen) which facilitates banking, contracts, and credit.

Requirements & Documentation Checklist

New directives in 2023 and 2024 have simplified some requirements.

1. Essential Documents for All Applicants
   • DHA-947 Application Form: Completed online via VFS Global.
   • Valid Passport: Must be valid at the time of submission.
   • Medical Report (BI-811): Must be completed by a doctor. Note: The Radiological Report (Chest X-Ray) is no longer required (Waived per Immigration Directive 5 of 2023).
   • Police Clearance Certificates: Under new rules, you only need certificates from countries where you lived for 12 months or more in the last 5 years. (Previously it was every country since age 18).
   • Proof of Kinship: Unabridged Birth Certificates are mandatory to prove the parental link.
     
     
2. Category-Specific Requirements
   • For Spouses: Proof that the relationship has existed for 5 years (Marriage certificate or notarized cohabitation agreement + affidavits + proof of shared finances dating back 5 years).
   • For Parents (Section 27(g)):
     • Undertaking of Support signed by the South African child.
     • Certified copy of the South African child’s ID or PR certificate.
     • Proof of the sponsor’s financial status (Bank statements/Salary advice).

Application Process

Step 1: Online Submission
Complete the DHA-947 form on the VFS Global website.

Step 2: VFS Appointment
Pay the relevant fees and schedule an appointment at a VFS Centre (in SA) or Mission (abroad) to capture biometrics and hand in documents.

Fees (2025 Estimates)

• VFS Service Fee: R1,550 (Mandatory for everyone).10
• DHA Application Fee: R1,520.
  • Exemption: Spouses and dependent minor children are usually exempt from the DHA fee (paying only the VFS fee).
  • Payable: Parents and other relatives under Section 27(g) must pay the R1,520 fee.

Processing Times & Validity

• Processing Time: Permanent Residence applications face significant backlogs. Expect a wait of 2 to 5 years for Section 27(g) (Parents) and 18 months to 4 years for Section 26 (Spouses/Children).
• Maintaining Status: You MUST renew your temporary visa while waiting. If your temporary visa expires, you become illegal, even if your PR application is pending.
• Lapsing Conditions:
  • Spouses: PR lapses if the relationship ends within 2 years of receiving the permit.
  • Minor Children: Must confirm their status with Home Affairs within 2 years of turning 21, or the permit lapses.

Additional Considerations

• “Gap” Risk: Applying for PR does not grant you rights to work immediately. You must wait for the certificate to be issued.
• Appeals: If rejected, appeals can take an additional 2–4 years. Ensure your application is “perfect” upon first submission to avoid this.

---

Temporary Residency Option

Apply for a relative visa if you’re looking to bring your relatives to South Africa on a temporary basis

South African Relative Visa

---

South African Permit Options