Eligibility quiz
Do you have a biological or legally adopted child who is 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 that accepts relative’s visa applications from where you live. If South Africa has no mission in your country of origin, confirm which mission in a neighbouring country is designated to receive your application before you travel.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South African consulate serving your city accepts relative’s visa applications?”
Download the application form
Obtain the temporary-residence application form DHA-1738, also called Form 8.
Find the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “Where can I download South Africa’s DHA-1738 relative’s visa application form?”
Fill in the form
Complete and sign the form in English. Write “N/A” where a question does not apply to you.
Get form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete South Africa’s DHA-1738 relative’s visa application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsHand in your application
Contact the consulate for its appointment and submission instructions, then attend in person with your completed form and supporting documents so your fingerprints and other biometric details can be taken. Pay the applicable fee in the way the consulate tells you.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for a South African relative’s visa application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate’s decision and respond if it asks for more information or documents. Do not make travel arrangements until your visa has been issued.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow up on a South African relative’s visa application at the consulate serving your city?”
Once in South AfricaOnce in South Africa
Enter South Africa
Once your visa is issued, enter South Africa while it is valid and follow its conditions. The visa lets you stay for the period it specifies, up to two years.
See entry guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter South Africa with a relative’s visa?”
Apply to extend
If you want to stay longer, apply for an extension online through VFS Global at least 60 days before your visa expires.
Find extension serviceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply online to extend a South African relative’s visa through VFS Global?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate
Get your South African child’s full, unabridged birth certificate showing your relationship. If you adopted your child, add the adoption decision; if the documents do not establish parentage, you may also need paternity-test results.
Child’s citizenship proof
Provide your South African child’s valid South African passport or identity document as an original or certified copy. A birth certificate may be accepted where appropriate, especially for a baby.
Marriage certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate or proof of your qualifying relationship. Provide the original or a copy authenticated by the office that issued it.
* Only if your spouse accompanies or joins you in South Africa.
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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