How to Apply for Your Spousal Visa in SA (2026 Application Guide)
Meta Description: Ready to apply for your South African spousal visa? Our 2026 guide gives you the step-by-step application process and document checklist.
Introduction
You’re married and ready to start the process to live your new life in South Africa. We know it can be daunting, but don’t worry. This guide is your step-by-step plan to apply for a spousal visa in South Africa.
Step-by-step guide to applying for a spousal visa in South Africa
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
If you are legally married to a South African citizen or a permanent resident, you are eligible to apply for a spousal visa.
Step 2: Get Your Unabridged Marriage Certificate
This is the number one requirement for your application process. If you’re having trouble obtaining this, remember that experts at Abroadscope are always ready to help you.
Step 3: Gather Your Document File
A comprehensive SA spousal visa document checklist is crucial for a successful application. Here you can find the complete list of documents necessary for submitting your application.
Step 4: The VFS Application
You must fill out the online form (DHA-1738), then book an appointment for in-person biometric registration. Although you cannot send your application online, the preparation is digital. Remember: submission is always in-person.
Step 5: Pay the Fees
The total fee required for this process includes R425 for application and R1550 for visa issuance. Here at Abroadscope, we offer comprehensive financial guidance to help you through the cost requirements.
Understanding Critical Skills Visa vs General Work Visa
Before proceeding further, you need to understand the difference between a Critical Skills Visa and a General Work Visa, and decide which is best for your circumstances. The Critical Skills Visa is for individuals with skills and qualifications that are critical to the South African workforce, while the General Work Visa is for individuals who have general work skills. Seek guidance from Abroadscope to find out which visa category suits your needs the best.
Conclusion
The process of applying for a spousal visa in South Africa is detailed and complex. The good news is, you don’t have to navigate it alone. As the best immigration agent for work visas in Cape Town, Abroadscope can manage your application from start to finish. Don’t get lost in the paperwork. Apply for spousal visa in South Africa with our help today.
