SOUTH AFRICAN DEPENDENT VISA
South Africa Visa for Dependent Visa Applicants
If you intend to visit your family members in South Africa, then the South African Dependent Visa is an appropriate option. If you are a spouse, child, or any other dependent of an individual who legally resides in South Africa, this visa permits you to accompany and stay with your family in the country. For Indians, this provides a practical way to join family overseas and ultimately settle in one of the culturally rich and fast developing countries in Africa.
In this guide, you will learn how to apply for a South African visa as a dependent, including eligibility and documentation requirements, processing time, fees, and how Maxglob Overseas can help throughout the entire procedure.
✅ What Is a South African Dependent Visa?
A South African Dependent Visa is issued for the dependents of South African citizens or permanent residents, or of foreign nationals legally residing in South Africa. This visa is part of the South Africa visa (temporary residence visa) and is granted to:
South African citizens or resident’s spouses.
Life partners.
Minor children (biological or adopted).
Older parents in specific circumstances.
Any other person who is financially or legally under someone else.
The dependent visa can be issued for the same duration that the sponsor’s visa is valid. It can also be extended as long as the relationship and financial dependency exist.
📌 Who Is Eligible For A South African Dependent Visa?
As an Indian citizen, if your spouse, parent, or child is residing in South Africa legally, you can apply for a South Africa visa for Indians under the dependency category.
You may qualify if:
You are legally married to a South African citizen or holder of a visa.
You are a life partner and have proof of a long term relationship.
You are a dependent child under the age of 18 years.
You are a financially dependent of the person that lives in South Africa.
📝 Categories of South African Dependent Visas
There are different subcategories within the dependent visa. These are:
Spouse Visa: Issued to legally married partners.
Life Partner Visa: Available to unmarried couples who are in a long-term relationship.
Child Visa: Issued to minor children of the primary visa holder.
Relative’s Visa: Given to parents or dependent elderly relatives.
🧾 South African Dependent Visa Requirements
The documentation process is strict, and all applicants must submit authentic, verifiable paperwork.
✅ Dependent Documents:
Current Indian passport with a minimum of two blank pages.
Passport-sized photos.
Birth certificate (for minors).
Marriage certificate (for spouses).
Affidavit of support.
Certificate of no criminal record (if over 18).
Medical examination and X-ray results.
Documents proving kinship with the sponsor.
Visa purpose description letter.
✅ Sponsor Documents:
Identity document of South Africa or residence visa copy.
Income verification: Employment letter, payslips, or bank statements.
Accommodation proof.
Financial support undertaking.
Every document must be translated into English and notarized where required. A submitted document that is incomplete may cause processing delays or denial for the visa application.
🧭 Application Process for South Africa Dependent Visa
This is the process Indian applicants should follow to apply under the dependent category:
Step 1: Document Collection
Make sure all documents from both the dependent and the sponsor are complete and available.
Step 2: Appointment Booking
Your VFS Global center in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Bengaluru will be able to assist you with South African visa appointments so make sure to book one.
Step 3: Application Submission
Ensure your attendance on the date of the appointment. You will provide biometric information alongside the South African visa fee and present the required documents.
Step 4: Processing at the Embassy
The application will be processed at The South African High Commission in India. An interview or extra documents might be needed from your side.
Step 5: Approve the Visa
After approval, the visa will be stamped on the passport. You can then travel to South Africa and stay with your family.
🕒 Indians Processing Time for South Africa Visa
The South African Dependent Visa has a processing time of 30 to 60 working days. During peak times, the processing time may take even longer due to missing documents.
💰Cost of South Africa Visa
With regards to the visa for dependents, we receive questions about the South Africa visa cost quite frequently.
As of 2025, the estimated visa fees are as follows:
Visa application fee is between INR 4,800 and 5,500
VFS service fee: Between INR 1,500 and 2,000
Police and Medical clearance fees: Depend on the service provider
Additional fees for expedited services, notarization, translation of documents, and urgent processing will also apply. Always confirm the latest fees on the VFS Global website or through your visa consultant.
❗ Key Restrictions for Holders of Dependent Visas
No Rights for Employment: Holders of dependent visas cannot work or study unless they apply for additional endorsements.
Renewals Required: As with any visa, this is not a permanent visa and needs to be renewed prior to its expiration date.
Relationship Proof: Regular audits and renewals often demand new relationship or support evidence.
🏠 South Africa Life for Dependents
South Africa has a high standard of living, good education, and a variety of cultures. As a dependent, you receive medical care and services and education. Still, adjusting to a new setting can be difficult without proper assistance.
🤝 How Maxglob Overseas Assists You With Obtaining Your South African Visa
The South African immigration system can be quite challenging and this is exactly where Maxglob Overseas can assist you with.
We provide complete visa services for South African visa for Indians which includes:
Initial consultation for determining appropriate visa type.
Custom document checklist based on your profile.
Professional assistance with translation, notarization, and affidavits.
VFS appointment scheduling with interview coaching.
Complete application submission with follow-up and tracking with relevant bodies.
At Maxglob Overseas, we know well how critical is to maintain the family unit. Therefore, we offer clear and dependable visa consulting services to enable the sponsorship of family members for South Africa without undue delays.
🧠 South African Dependent Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it possible to work with a South African Dependent Visa?
No, as a South African Dependent Visa holder, you cannot work without applying for a separate work endorsement.
Q2. What is the duration of the visa?
The dependent visa is typically issued for the same duration as the sponsor’s visa, which is usually between one to three years.
Q3. What about the age limit for children that are dependents?
Yes, children over the age of 18 may not be eligible, unless they can provide evidence of being financially dependent.
Q4. Am I eligible to apply while already in South Africa?
It is better to apply from India before traveling to South Africa. In-country applications are only allowed in very few situations.
Q5. What are the options available in case of rejection?
In case of rejection, the decision can be appealed or refiled with new documentation. Maxglob Overseas is able to assist in strengthening the case.
📌 Conclusion
For Indians, the South African Dependent Visa provides an important opportunity to unite and settle in South Africa. It may appear complex at first, but the process simplifies greatly with the right understanding of the steps needed and proper guidance from professionals.
Whether you are applying for a South African visa as a spouse, child, or parent, remember to check that all documents are in order, understand the South Africa visa cost, and seek professional guidance to sidestep frequent mistakes.
Maxglob Overseas is ready to assist you with every step from consultation to visa stamping, ensuring your move to South Africa is effortless and relaxing.