Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is a South African citizen and is your biological child or a child you adopted through a court? If you have more than one such child, answer about the same child throughout.
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in South Africa for life
You can live permanently in South Africa without renewing your status periodically.
You can leave and seek re-entry with a valid passport from your country of citizenship and proof of permanent residence.
Study in South Africa
You can study in South Africa without the usual study restrictions that come with temporary visas.
Work in South Africa
You can work in South Africa without the usual work restrictions that come with temporary visas.
Some jobs still require professional registration or a licence.
Use public healthcare
You can use public healthcare, although the rules for each service determine who qualifies.
Get social support
You can qualify for social support, including grants, if you meet the rules for the particular payment or service.
How to apply
Applying from inside South AfricaApplying from inside South Africa
Find your local office
Find the nearest appropriate Home Affairs regional office where you can apply.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Africa Home Affairs regional office near your city accepts permanent residence through a relative applications?”
Download the application form
Download form BI-947, the permanent residence application form.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign the form in English. Type it or print in black ink.
Get help with the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the South Africa permanent residence through a relative application form BI-947?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents required for the Home Affairs office.
See required documentsArrange your interview
Contact the regional office to arrange an interview before you submit your application. If the office uses MyHomeAffairsOnline for appointments, create an account or sign in and book there.
Book an appointmentGo to your interview
Bring your completed form and supporting documents to the regional office, and submit them in person. Pay the application fee using the method the office gives you, and provide fingerprints and other identification details if required.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Africa permanent residence through a relative application at the Home Affairs office near your city?”
Wait for the decision
Keep your receipt and reference number, track your application, and respond to any requests from Home Affairs. Keep your permission to stay in South Africa valid while you wait.
Track your applicationReceive your decision
Follow the office's instructions to receive or collect your decision. If approved, it confirms your permission to live permanently in South Africa.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I receive the decision on my South Africa permanent residence through a relative application from the Home Affairs office near your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide your full birth certificate or an extract from your birth record, and your South African child's birth certificate to show your relationship. Provide originals or certified copies. If your relationship is through adoption, add the adoption decision; if your name has changed, add the document showing the change, such as a statutory declaration, deed poll or adoption certificate.
Child's citizenship records
Provide proof that your child is a South African citizen. Ask the office receiving your application which records it accepts.
Child's residence confirmation
Provide confirmation that your child did not get permanent residence through the relative route under section 27(g). Ask the receiving office what form of confirmation it accepts.
Marriage and divorce records *
Provide your marriage certificate or extract, including proof of registration for a customary marriage. For a permanent partnership, include the required affidavit and notarised agreement. If you are divorced or legally separated, add your final divorce decrees, proof of separation and any relevant custody and maintenance orders, even if you have remarried.
* Only if you are married, in a permanent partnership, divorced or legally separated.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permanent residence can end
Breaking conditions ends your status; certain convictions, including immigration offences, or not settling within one year may end it.
Over three years abroad may also end it; entering and staying in South Africa interrupts this time.
Some government, South African employment, international organisation and accompanying spouse or dependent-child cases are exempt; more time can be granted in advance for good reason.
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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