(All Applications Should Be Handed-In At The Consulate)

As an immediate family member of a South African citizen or permanent resident you may be issued a relative’s permit once the financial means as contemplated in the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002) have been complied with. Relative’s visa may be issued for a maximum period of two years at a time.

Applications must be made at any regional office of the Department of Home Affairs or nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate abroad. For a spouse and/or a dependent child of a South African citizen or if married to a South African, visa is issued free of charge, whilst there is a fee for other relatives wishing to join their family members in South Africa.

To apply for a relative’s permit you must submit:

• A duly completed BI-1738 Application form + 2 photos
• A passport with at least 2 free page for a visa. The passport must be valid for 30 days after end of the intended visit
• Copy of valid Swiss permit
• A statement and/or documentation confirming the purpose and duration of your visit and proof that you are an immediate family member of a South African citizen/permanent resident (a full birth certificate for children, a marriage certificate in the case of a spouse and proof of kinship for others)
• A police clearance certificate from each country in which you resided for 12 months or longer since the age of 18 years ( police report to be apostille)
• Medical and radiology reports for yourself and all family members accompanying you (pregnant women and children younger than 12 years need not submit these reports)
• Proof of South African citizenship or permanent residence of the relative in South Africa in the form of an identity document or passport
• Proof availability of a minimum amount of R8 500 per month per person for living expenses (this does not apply for a spouse or dependent minor child of a South African citizen/permanent resident)
• Proof of medical cover in South Africa 
• Payment of visa fee CHF 35.00, if applicable (Bank details to be obtained at the Consulate)