Eligibility quiz
Are you married or in a permanent relationship like a marriage?
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 South AfricaApplying from South Africa
Find your local office
Find the Home Affairs office responsible for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which South Africa Home Affairs office serves your city for permanent residence permit applications?”
Download the application form
Download form DHA-947, Application for a Permanent Residence Permit.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in the form in English. You and your spouse or partner must sign it.
Get form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the South Africa Application for a Permanent Residence Permit form as a spouse or partner?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for your local office.
See required documentsArrange your interview
Contact your local Home Affairs office to arrange an interview before you submit your application.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I arrange an interview for a South Africa permanent residence permit as a spouse at the Home Affairs office serving your city?”
Pay the fee
Ask your local Home Affairs office how to pay the application fee, then pay it and keep proof of payment.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the South Africa permanent residence permit application fee at the Home Affairs office serving your city?”
Book an appointment
If your local office requires a separate booking, create an account and book a branch appointment online. You can use your passport number to register.
Book an appointmentAttend and submit
Go to the local Home Affairs office with your spouse or partner for the interview and hand in your completed form, documents and proof of payment. Give your fingerprints and other biometric information if you are over 16.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a South Africa permanent residence permit application as a spouse at the Home Affairs office serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Track your application and respond to any requests from Home Affairs. Renew your temporary visa as needed while you wait.
Track your applicationReport your relationship
After your permit is approved, submit the prescribed affidavit on Part B of Form 12 two years after the permit is issued to tell Home Affairs whether your relationship still exists. Your permit lets you live permanently in South Africa.
Find affidavit instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit Form 12 Part B after receiving a South Africa permanent residence permit as a spouse or partner?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Provide a copy of your birth certificate and a birth certificate for each dependent child accompanying or joining you. If you have changed your name, surname or sex, also provide your deed poll.
Relationship evidence
Provide documents showing that your relationship is genuine and that you share a life together. Include evidence of how you support each other financially and share responsibilities, where applicable.
Spouse's South African ID
Provide your South African spouse or partner's identity document. Bring the original or a certified copy.
Marriage certificate *
Provide your marriage certificate or an extract from the marriage record. If you have a customary marriage, also provide proof that it was registered.
* Only if you are married.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPartnership documents *
Provide the required sworn statement and a contract for your permanent spousal relationship drawn up by a notary. Include the other evidence needed to show that your relationship is genuine.
* Only if you apply 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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