Eligibility quiz
Were you adopted by a parent who is now a South African citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Africa
You can enter and live in South Africa with your qualifying relative for the period on your visa, up to two years.
You can leave and seek to return while it is valid, but re-entry is not guaranteed.
How to apply
From outside South AfricaFrom outside South Africa
Find your consulate
Find the South African consulate or embassy that accepts applications from where you live. If you are in South Africa on a visitor visa to visit family, return to your country of origin or permanent residence to apply.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African consulate serving your city accepts relative’s visa applications?”
Download the application form
Download form DHA-1738, the temporary residence visa application form.
Download the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download South Africa’s DHA-1738 relative’s visa application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete the applicable parts in English, select the relative’s visa category and sign the form.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in South Africa’s DHA-1738 relative’s visa application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Arrange an appointment using your consulate’s instructions.
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Pay the fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee using the method specified by your consulate. Keep proof of payment to bring with you.
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Go to your appointment
Go in person to the consulate with your completed form, passport, photos, supporting documents and proof of payment. Keep the receipt or reference you are given.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South African relative’s visa application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision and respond if the consulate asks for more information or an interview. You can use your receipt or reference to ask about your application’s progress.
Track your applicationTravel to South Africa
Once your visa has been issued, travel with it and your passport.
Find travel informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I travel to South Africa with an approved relative’s visa?”
Once in South AfricaOnce in South Africa
Present your visa
On arrival, show your passport and visa to immigration officials. You can stay for the authorised period, but you cannot work on this visa.
Find arrival informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “What do I present on arrival in South Africa with a relative’s visa?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get your full, unabridged birth certificate. If you need to prove paternity, include the paternity-test results.
Adoption documents
Get the adoption order or certificate showing that you were adopted by your South African parent. Provide the original or a copy authenticated by the office that issued it.
Parent's citizenship records
Provide proof that your adoptive parent is a South African citizen. This can be their South African passport, identity document or full South African birth certificate.
Custody and consent documents *
Provide the documents showing custody of the child or the required consent. Use originals or copies authenticated by the office that issued them.
* Only if custody or consent for a dependent child is relevant to your application.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificates *
Provide your marriage certificate or other evidence of your relationship. If relevant to your application, also include a divorce decree, legal-separation order or death certificate for your spouse.
* Only if you rely on your marriage or relationship in your application.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Conditions for staying
Keep your travel documents valid and follow the conditions of your permission.
Your sponsoring relative must promise financial support of R8,500 per person per month, unless that relative is a dependent child.
Before your permission expires, leave or get an extension; renewal is not automatic.
Work and study limits
This permission does not allow you to work, including working for yourself.
You need separate permission to work or study.
Permission can end
Your permission ends when it expires; if you are a spouse, it also ends when your spousal relationship is dissolved.
Immigration authorities can refuse an extension or cancel permission if you break its conditions or become barred from entering or staying in South Africa.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Visas and permits sa
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa Applications - Help
English Facebook group for people interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookSouth African Visa and Immigration Forum
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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