Relatives Permit

In terms of the Immigration Act 2002 (Act 13 of 2002) Section 18 and Regulation 15, a Relative’s Permit may be issued to a foreigner who is a member of the immediate family of a South African citizen or who holds permanent residence in the Republic of South Africa.

Holders of a Relative’s Permit are able to enter South Africa on a one (1) way flight ticket and then apply for permanent residence in South Africa.

The following documentation is required and criteria apply:

1. Application form - Form BI-1738.
2. Valid passport(s). Passport must be valid for at least one (1) month after the intended date of departure from the Republic of South Africa and have two (2) completely blank pages.
3. One (1) passport size photograph for each applicant.
4. A certified copy of your Marriage certificate or in the case of life partners (defacto relationship) a completed affidavit and notaries contract.
5. A certified copy of the South African citizen’s South African Passport or South African Identity Book or in the case of a permanent resident, their South African Identity Document or passport with permanent residence permit or full South African Birth Certificate (whichever is applicable).
6. Divorce decree (if applicable).
7. Proof of legal separation (if applicable).
8. Proof of custody where children accompany (if applicable).
9. Proof of Adoption (if applicable).
10. Consent from parent(s) (if applicable).
11. Death certificate in the case of spouse (if applicable).
12. Vaccination certificate if traveled through the yellow fever belt of Africa or South America (if applicable).
13. Police Clearance Certificate(s) in respect of all applicants eighteen (18) years and older in respect of all countries where applicant(s) resided for one (1) year or longer.
14. Medical and radiological reports. Radiology reports not necessary for pregnant women and children 12 years and below.
15. Additional information may be requested to satisfy the existence of a good faith spousal relationship in accordance with Regulation 9(3) and 11(6) of the Immigration Act.
16. Financial assurance is required in terms of Section 18(1) and shall consist of the following documentation:
1. Confirmation from the sponsor’s and/or the joint means of support of the applicant and the sponsor, for the requested duration of the permit.
2. The minimum amount required in respect of 15(a) shall be ZAR 5,000.00 (approximately AUD 1,000.00) per month per person. Please Note: The financial requirement set out by this point is not applicable in the case of a spouse or dependent minor child.
17. Application fees are not payable in respect of a spouse and / or dependent minor children. Otherwise, the fee is AUD 85.00 per person.

Return Postage:

• For applications originating from within Australia – a Self-addressed Express or Registered Post Envelope (only one envelope per family) OR a Postal Money Order or Bank Cheque made payable to the South African High Commission.
• For applications originating from outside Australia a Bank Draft for the amount of
  AUD 10.00 made payable to the South African High Commission.
  (Fee covers whole family / group)

Payment is to be in the form of either Money / Postal Order or Bank Draft in Australian currency made payable to “South African High Commission”.

Personal cheques and credit cards are NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Please Note:

The period of validity of the permit shall be determined by the financial assurance provided, but will not exceed twenty-four (24) months at a time.

A Relative’s Permit issued to a spouse shall lapse upon the dissolution of the spousal relationship. The South African Department of Home Affairs may at any time satisfy itself that a good faith spousal relationship exists and/or continues to exist as prescribed in Regulation 33 of the Immigration Act.

The holder of a Relative’s permit may NOT CONDUCT WORK. The holder of a Relative’s Permit may apply for a work permit once inside South Africa.

Persons on Relative’s Permits may apply for permanent residence at the Department of Home Affairs office nearest to their residence in South Africa.

Provisional airline bookings may be made for the proposed departure date; however, the Mission advises that payments should not be made in the event of an unsuccessful application.

The processing time for a Relative’s Permit application is ten (10) working days from receipt of the application.

Postal Address:

South African High Commission
State Circle
Yarralumla
ACT
2600

For further information, please contact this Mission between 08:30 and 13:00 Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), Monday to Friday.

Web Address: www.sahc.org.au

« back