Written: 17th March 2025
Life Partner Visa Checklist
161KB
Life Partner Visa Processing Time
Life Partner Visa
South Africa
Processing Time
Article Written By: Charl Vollmer
This article has been fact checked.
With 12 years of experience, Charl Vollmer is a trusted guide for those seeking to immigrate to South Africa.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Life Partner Visa in South Africa?
The processing time for a Life Partner Visa depends on where you apply and how complete your application is.
On average:
- ✅ Applications submitted in South Africa take 8 to 12 weeks.
- ✅ Applications submitted abroad take 6 to 10 weeks but can vary based on the South African embassy’s workload.
📌 Important: Incomplete applications, missing documents, or high application volumes can delay processing. Submitting a well-prepared application helps speed up approval.
Where Should You Apply – In South Africa or Abroad?
Choosing where to submit your Life Partner Visa application affects both processing times and requirements.
✅ Applying in South Africa
- More relaxed immigration regulations – Fewer extra documents may be needed.
- Processing time is slightly longer (8 to 12 weeks).
✅ Applying from Abroad
- Faster processing times – Usually 6 to 10 weeks, depending on embassy workload.
- Stricter immigration rules – Additional documentation may be required.
📌 Key takeaway: If you prefer faster processing, applying from abroad might be best. If you want fewer documentation hassles, applying inside South Africa is the better option.
💡 Not sure where to apply? Book a consultation and let us guide you!
Migrate With Q is a professional immigration consultancy that helps individuals obtain South African visas.
What Affects the Life Partner Visa Processing Time?
Several factors impact how fast your visa is processed:
1️⃣ Completeness of Application
- Missing or incorrect documents delay approval.
- Ensure all requirements are met. Read our in-depth guide about the Life Partner Visa South Africa Documents.
2️⃣ Embassy or DHA Workload
- High seasonal demand can slow down processing times.
- Applications in major cities or busy embassies may take longer.
3️⃣ Background Checks & Police Clearances
- A police clearance certificate from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months (in the past 5 years) is required.
- Some clearances take weeks to process – apply for them early.
4️⃣ Notarial Agreement Delays
- A notarial agreement, confirming your relationship is legally recognised, is mandatory.
- If you don’t have one yet, check our Notarial Agreement Guide for details.
How to Speed Up Your Life Partner Visa Approval
✅ Ensure All Documents Are Correct
- Double-check all paperwork before submission – refer to our Life Partner Visa Requirements.
✅ Apply for Police Clearance Early
- Some countries take weeks to issue police clearances. Get yours in advance.
✅ Work With an Immigration Expert
- A professional can help avoid mistakes and speed up processing.
💡 Want expert guidance? Book a consultation and let us handle your application for a stress-free process!
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Next Steps: Apply for Your Life Partner Visa
🔹 Step 1: Check if you meet the Life Partner Visa requirements.
🔹 Step 2: Gather supporting documents, including the Notarial Agreement.
🔹 Step 3: Decide whether to apply in South Africa or abroad.
🔹 Step 4: Submit your application and track progress.
🚀 Need help? Let’s make your visa approval fast and hassle-free! Book a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a life partner visa take to process in South Africa?
Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks when applying in South Africa.
How long does it take to process a Life Partner Visa from abroad?
Applications abroad take 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the workload of the South African embassy in your country.
Can I speed up my visa processing time?
Yes! Ensuring your application is complete and error-free, submitting police clearances early, and working with an immigration expert can prevent delays.
Do embassies process visas faster than South Africa’s DHA?
Embassies often process visas faster, but their requirements are stricter and may involve additional documents.
Final Thoughts & How to Get Started
If you’re applying for a life partner visa, processing time depends on where you apply and how well-prepared your documents are.
📌 Next Step?
✔️ Check if you qualify – Life Partner Visa Requirements
✔️ Get your documents ready – Notarial Agreement Guide
✔️ Apply stress-free – book a consultation.
🚀 Let’s make your move to South Africa smooth and successful!
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