Is it possible to arrive in SA on a tourist visa and then get temporary residency?

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Posted by

on 28 May 2014

Hello, I will be moving to South Africa from the UK on a 90 day visitors permit. I want to apply for a temporary residence permit whilst im in South Africa, does anyone know if this is possible? Or can you only apply for a TR permit in your home country? The other issue is my fiance is a South African citizen, so if we got married during this time whilst on my visitors permit, is it possible to apply for a TR permit when im in SA? Or would I still have to come back to the UK first to apply?? Thanks so much if anyone can help!

Anonymous (not verified) on 29 May 2014 - 10:58

Hi magicmonkey,

Unfortunatley, first time applicants are no longer permitted to arrive in the country on a 90 day tourist visa and then apply for temporary residency. It used to be the case that you could do this but a lot of changes came into effect on the 26th May,

I am not sure if the situation changes if you get married while on the tourist visa. From what I can gather, you will still need to return home and apply for your spousal permit from the SA embassy in the UK. It might be a good idea to consult an immigration lawyer to get the latest information.

You can use the Visas for South Africa page for a bit more information.

Best of luck,

Shantalie

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