Form DHA-1712A: Affidavit for Parties in a Permanent Spousal Relationship
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What Is Form DHA-1712A?
Form DHA-1712A is an affidavit required by the Department of Home Affairs for parties in a permanent heterosexual or same-sex spousal or life partner relationship who are applying for a visa or permit based on that relationship.
It is used by couples who are not formally married but are in a permanent relationship, as well as by married couples in certain immigration contexts.
The form has two parts:
- Part A: Completed when making the initial visa or permit application
- Part B: Completed two years after the initial permit was issued, to confirm the relationship is ongoing (required for spousal visa renewals)
When Do You Need DHA-1712A?
You need Form DHA-1712A when:
- A foreign national is applying for a spousal or life partner temporary residence permit (section 11(6) of the Immigration Act) based on their relationship with a South African citizen or permanent resident
- A foreign national is applying for permanent residence based on their spousal or life partner relationship
- Renewing a spousal permit two years after initial issue (Part B)
What the Affidavit Covers
Part A: Initial application:
- Full details of both parties (names, ID/passport numbers, nationalities, residential addresses)
- The nature and duration of the relationship
- Proof of cohabitation (joint lease, utility accounts, or other documents showing shared residence)
- Declaration by both parties that the relationship is genuine and ongoing
Part B: Two-year renewal confirmation:
- Confirmation that the relationship referred to in Part A continues
- Updated contact details
- Updated proof of cohabitation
Documents Required With DHA-1712A
- Completed Form DHA-1712A (both parties must sign)
- Proof of cohabitation: joint lease or property ownership, joint bank account statements, joint utility accounts, or similar
- Proof of the relationship’s duration: joint photographs, travel records, correspondence
- Both parties’ original IDs or passports and certified copies
- If unmarried life partners: a supporting affidavit from both parties confirming the relationship
Important: Same-Sex and Opposite-Sex Couples
Form DHA-1712A applies equally to both opposite-sex and same-sex couples. South Africa’s Constitution and Civil Union Act recognise same-sex partnerships, and DHA processes spousal applications for both categories under the same form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does being in a life partnership give the same visa rights as marriage? For immigration purposes, a life partner in a permanent relationship has access to the same spousal visa categories as a married partner under South African immigration law, provided the relationship can be demonstrated to DHA’s satisfaction using DHA-1712A.
What counts as proof of cohabitation? DHA looks for documents showing you share an address and financial life. A joint lease or mortgage document is the strongest evidence. Joint utility bills, joint bank statements, or letters addressed to both parties at the same address are also accepted.
We are married: do we still need DHA-1712A? A marriage certificate is the primary proof for married couples. DHA-1712A is required when the basis of the application is a life partnership rather than a formal marriage, or when the immigration application specifically requires it alongside the marriage certificate.
Related Forms
- Form DHA-1738: Temporary Residence Permit, the permit application form submitted alongside DHA-1712A
- Form DHA-947: Permanent Residence Permit, for permanent residence based on spousal or life partner grounds
Related Guides
- Visas for South Africa: Complete Guide
- Permanent Residence in South Africa
- All DHA Forms: Complete Hub