Residence permit - joining spouse, parents or relative
Lesotho's residence permit has categories for foreigners joining a spouse, parents or a relative in Lesotho. Applicants show proof of the relationship and six months of the family member's bank statements. Permits are issued for 2 years or indefinitely, with different fees.
Life in Lesotho
Money
3
Currency
Lesotho Loti
LSL
Lesotho Loti
Cost of living
35
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–30%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15%
2026/27 PAYE: 20% on the first LSL 6,480 a month and 30% above, less a non-refundable tax credit of LSL 1,020 a month (so salaries up to LSL 5,100 a month pay no tax).
Living
1
Happiness
#124 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign spouses, children and relatives of Lesotho citizens or residence permit holders.
Eligibility
Joining spouseJoining spouse
Proof of marriage (and solemnising authority where applicable), application letters from applicant and spouse, and the spouse's 6 months of bank statements. For a non-citizen spouse, a certified copy of their residence permit.
Joining parentsJoining parents
Birth certificate as proof of relationship, application letters from applicant and parent, and the parents' 6 months of bank statements.
Joining relativeJoining relative
Proof of relationship, application letters from applicant and relative, and the relative's 6 months of bank statements.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPolice clearance
- Document checklistFilled medical form
- FeesJoining spouse - 2 years (female)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 more requirement
- 9 documents
- 4 fees
- 2 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Lesotho
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
Official sources
Other routes to Lesotho
- Visit & tourismVisitor visa and visa-exempt entry
- StudyResidence permit - study permit
- Work permitsResidence permit for employees
- Investors & entrepreneursBusiness people residence permit
Family in other countries
- LithuaniaTemporary residence permit for family reunification
- LuxembourgAuthorisation to stay for a family member of a third-country national
- LatviaTemporary residence permit for spouses and children of Latvian citizens, non-citizens and permanent residents
- MoroccoResidence Card for Family of Moroccan Citizens and Residents
- MonacoResidence permit for the spouse of a Monegasque national
- MoldovaProvisional residence for family reunification
