Eligibility quiz
Are you married to someone or in a permanent spousal partnership with them?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Africa for life
You can live in South Africa indefinitely, as long as you keep your status and follow its conditions.
Study in South Africa
Permanent residents can ordinarily study without a separate study visa, subject to any conditions on their permit.
Work in South Africa
Permanent residents can ordinarily work without a separate work visa, subject to any conditions on their permit.
Reunite with family
You can support an eligible partner, child or parent applying to live in South Africa, whatever their citizenship.
They must meet the relevant relationship, dependency and support conditions; residence is not automatic.
Use public healthcare
Permanent residents can use healthcare services under the rules for each service.
Emergency medical treatment may not be refused.
Claim social support
Permanent residents can claim social support if they meet the rules for the particular benefit.
How to apply
Applying from inside South AfricaApplying from inside South Africa
Find your local office
Find the nearest Department of Home Affairs regional office where you can apply for permanent residence.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African Department of Home Affairs regional office near your city takes permanent residence applications?”
Download the application form
Download Form 18, also called BI-947, for permanent residence.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete the form in English, using black ink or typing, and select the basis for your application. You and your supporting spouse or partner must sign it.
Get form guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in South Africa's BI-947 permanent residence application through a spouse or partner?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the Home Affairs office.
See required documentsArrange your interview
Contact the regional office to arrange your interview and submission appointment.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an interview at the South African Department of Home Affairs regional office near your city for a permanent residence application?”
Pay the fee
Pay the application fee using the method your regional office specifies, and keep the original receipt.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the permanent residence application fee at the South African Department of Home Affairs regional office near your city?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your completed form, documents and original fee receipt to the regional office and submit them in person; your supporting spouse or partner must also attend. Attend the interview and give biometrics if you are over 16.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a spouse or partner permanent residence application at the South African Department of Home Affairs regional office near your city?”
Wait for the decision
Track your application and tell Home Affairs about any change to your address, information or circumstances. Keep your temporary visa valid while you wait, and respond to any requests from the department.
Track your applicationAttend your follow-up interview
If you received permanent residence through your five-year relationship, attend a Home Affairs interview during the last six months of the second year after your permit was issued. Your permit lets you live permanently in South Africa.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange a South African Department of Home Affairs follow-up interview near your city after getting permanent residence through my spouse?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your full birth certificate or an extract from your birth record, and one for each dependent child applying with you. Bring the original or a certified copy. If your name has changed, add the document recording the change, such as a declaration, deed poll or adoption certificate.
Spouse's support declaration
Bring a declaration of support from your spouse or partner. For an application under section 27(g), the declaration must cover financial, medical, physical and emotional responsibility.
Spouse's residence record
Bring a copy of your spouse or partner's permanent residence permit. If you are applying under section 27(g), also bring confirmation that they did not receive residence under that section.
Parents' consent *
Bring written consent from both parents for the child to emigrate.
* Only if a minor child is emigrating with only one parent.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificates *
Bring your marriage certificate or an extract from the marriage record. If you have a customary marriage, bring proof that it was registered. For an application based on five years of marriage, your records must show how long you have been married.
* Only if you are married.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationRelationship and cohabitation evidence *
Bring documents showing your relationship and that you live together, including shared accounts or other evidence of shared financial responsibilities where applicable.
* Only if you are applying as an unmarried partner or need to show that you and your spouse live together.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPrevious marriage records *
Bring your divorce decree or proof of legal separation, including any relevant custody and maintenance orders. If a previous spouse has died, bring their death certificate.
* Only if you are divorced or legally separated or a previous spouse has died.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPartnership affidavit *
Bring the required affidavit about your permanent partnership. It goes with your notarial contract and evidence of your relationship and living together.
* Only if you are applying as an unmarried partner.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPartnership contract *
Bring the notarial contract for your permanent partnership. It goes with your partnership affidavit and evidence of your relationship and living together.
* Only if you are applying as an unmarried partner.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permit conditions and departure
You must follow your permit conditions and leave South Africa if your status expires or is lawfully withdrawn.
Permanent residence can end
Your status can end if you break its conditions, commit specified offences or fail to take up residence within one year.
It can be withdrawn after more than three years abroad, unless an approved extension, exemption or legal exception applies.
If based on your spousal relationship, it ends if that relationship ends within two years of issue, unless your spouse has died.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
South Africa Permits & Visas – DHA & VFS Experts
English Facebook group for people living in South Africa interested in South African visas
Join on FacebookVisas 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 FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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