This category of visa may be issued to a foreign national who is a member of the immediate family, within two degrees of kinship, to a South African citizen or permanent resident.
The period that this kind of visa is granted for is generally for a maximum period of twenty-four months although it is fully renewable.

A relatives visa issued to a spouse shall lapse upon the dissolution of the spousal relationship. The Department of Home Affairs may at any time request an interview with the couple in order to satisfy itself that the good faith spousal relationship exists and or continues to exist.

The holder of a relatives visa, apart from the spousal or life partner category, may not conduct work.