About applying for a relative’s permit

If you are a foreigner who is a relative to a South African Citizen or Permanent Residence holder (biological or judicially adopted child and adoptive parent), you can apply for relatives permit at a South African Foreign Offices if you want to visit the country.

The South African relative must be willing and able to support the foreign relative.

What you should do

• Complete forms BI- 947 and BI-29
• Bring the following:
• passport valid for no less than 30 days after expiry of the intended visit
• a medical report radiological reports
• proof that you are a member of the immediate family of the sponsoring citizen or permanent resident
• proof of salary advice or bank statement that the South African citizen or permanent resident has R5 000 per month per person, which amount will not apply in case of a spouse or minor child of the citizen or permanent resident
• full birth certificate in respect of each dependent child
• marriage certificate or in case of a foreign spousal relationship, proof of official recognition issued by the authorities of the foreign country (if applicable) 
• an affidavit where a spousal relationship to a South African citizen or resident is applicable as well as documentation proving cohabitation and the extent to which the related financial responsibilities are shared by the parties and setting out the particulars of children in the spousal relationship
• divorce decree, if applicable
• death certificate, in respect of late spouse, if applicable
• written consent from both parents, or sole custody parent if applicable with proof of sole custody
• proof of legal adoption if applicable 
• legal separation order, if applicable
• police clearance certificate if you are 18 years or older from the countries you resided for more than one year
• a vaccination certificate, if required.
  

Timeframe

It may take six months to finalise the application.

How much does it cost

R 1 520

Forms to complete

• * Application for permanent residence permit , BI-947
• * Power of attorney in respect of an application/extension of (an) immigration permit(s) or temporary residence, BI-29

Note: *Special specifications and requirements regarding the processing of this form apply and it may therefore not be downloaded for use as an application or registration form. All forms are available at any regional or district office of the Department.

Who to contact