If you are dating or getting married to a South African and you plan on moving to the country and starting a life together, then you should know that there are certain procedures you need to follow to legalize your stay in the country.
Also when you are considering the idea of moving to South Africa with your partner or spouse, ensure that your partner is also residing in South Africa with a legally recognized document.
For you to be able to reside in South Africa with your partner as a foreigner, you’ll need to acquire a spousal residency permit before you can proceed to apply for citizenship after the stipulated period spelled out by the Department of Home Affairs.
It is important to note that marrying a South African Citizen does not mean you’ll get an automatic pass to equally become a citizen. Therefore, to gain South African Citizenship by Marriage, you must, first of all, pass through the stage of permanent residence by marriage.
Eligibility Conditions For Obtaining Permanent Residence by Marriage
To be eligible for a permanent residence in South Africa as a life partner, the applicant must and the union must meet the following conditions;
- The marriage must have been conducted five years prior to the application with proof.
- Proof that both spouses have been living together throughout the specified period of five years.
- The applicant and the spouse must be of good mental health.
- The character and reputation of an applicant is equally a huge determinant of whether you’ll be granted permanent residence or not.
- The union must only be between two partners before being acceptable.
Documents Required When Applying For Permanent Residence via Marriage
- VFS appointment letter.
- Filled out Form DHA-947 which must be completed online.
- Application fee of 1350 Rand and proof of the payment.
- A passport sized photograph.
- Spousal visa which is still valid at the time of application.
- Birth certificate of applicant.
- A police report not older than 12 months at the time of application.
- Applicant’s medical records and that of the spouse.
- A valid marriage certificate or civil union certificate to proof marriage between applicant and spouse.
- Copy of spouse’s Residence Permit or passport.
- Proof of financial capacity of both parties.
- A document of declaration of support from the spouse of the applicant..
After receiving your permanent spousal residency permit in South Africa, the marriage must endure for an additional span of two years or the permit will be withdrawn. Also, application for citizenship can then be embarked upon after five years of receiving the permit.
How to Apply For South African Citizenship by Marriage
As the foreign partner of a South African who has possessed permanent residency for the prescribed amount of time, the process whereby the spouse can acquire citizenship in South Africa is as follows;
- The foreign spouse must be in possession of a valid permanent residence permit.
- Application can only be processed if such Permanent Residence status has been held for two to five years before applying.
- Submission of filled out Form DHA-63 and Form DHA-757.
- Applicant’s identity documents.
- Marriage certificate or any other supporting documents.
- Passport size photograghs.
- Form SAP-91 completed with biometrics.
- Application fee.
Conclusion
Once all these conditions have been met and documents acquired, they can be submitted at the Department of Home Affairs. The DHA will make decisions whether you will be granted citizenship status or not.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after marriage can one apply for citizenship in South Africa?
Your union must be at least five years old before you can apply for citizenship.
Who is qualified for South African Citizenship?
Qualifications for South African Citizenship includes: being born in South Africa to at least one parent who is a citizen or if you are adopted by a South African.
