Partnership visas recognize the importance of keeping couples together, allowing New Zealand citizens and residents to bring their partners to live in Aotearoa. Whether you're married, in a civil union, or living together in a de facto relationship, these visas provide pathways from temporary work permission to permanent residence.
This guide covers everything you need to know about partnership-based immigration in New Zealand.
Types of Partnership Visas
New Zealand offers both temporary and permanent partnership visa options:
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
A temporary visa allowing you to work while your relationship continues. This is often the first step, proving your relationship before applying for residence.
Duration: Typically granted for 1-2 years Work rights: Open work visa (any employer) Study rights: Usually allowed
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Permanent residence based on your relationship. Granted when Immigration NZ is satisfied the relationship is genuine and stable.
What you get:
- Indefinite stay in New Zealand
- Full work and study rights
- Access to public services
- Pathway to citizenship
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Sponsor
Your New Zealand partner must be:
- A New Zealand citizen, OR
- A holder of a resident class visa
They must also:
- Meet character requirements
- Not have sponsored previous partners within certain timeframes
- Be willing to sponsor and provide declarations
Relationship Types Recognized
New Zealand recognizes:
- Marriage: Legally married anywhere in the world
- Civil union: Registered in New Zealand or equivalent overseas
- De facto: Living together in a genuine partnership
Same-sex relationships are recognized equally.
Relationship Requirements
Immigration assesses whether your relationship is:
Genuine: A real relationship, not entered into for immigration purposes Stable: Likely to continue, demonstrated by history and commitment
Typically, you need to demonstrate 12+ months of living together for de facto relationships, though circumstances like long-distance during the partnership may be considered.
Evidence of Relationship
Partnership applications require extensive documentation proving your relationship is genuine. Evidence falls into several categories:
Living Together
- Joint tenancy agreements
- Utility bills in both names
- Bank statements showing shared address
- Statutory declarations from flatmates/landlords
- Mail addressed to both at same address
Financial Interdependence
- Joint bank accounts
- Shared expenses (screenshots, statements)
- Joint ownership of assets
- Joint debts or loans
- Insurance policies naming each other
Social Recognition
- Photos together (variety of occasions)
- Photos with family and friends
- Wedding/commitment ceremony documentation
- Travel bookings together
- Social media evidence
Communication
- Messaging history (WhatsApp, email excerpts)
- Phone records showing regular contact
- Video call logs (especially for long-distance periods)
Future Commitment
- Shared life plans
- Joint investments or property purchase
- Children together (strongest evidence)
- Wills naming each other as beneficiaries
Third-Party Evidence
- Statutory declarations from friends and family
- Letters from people who know you as a couple
- Photos with others acknowledging your relationship
Application Process
Work Visa Application
- Gather evidence: Compile relationship documentation
- Complete forms: Online application through Immigration NZ
- Submit documents: Upload all evidence
- Pay fees: NZ$740 approximately
- Await decision: 4-8 weeks typically
- Interview (if required): Some applications include relationship interviews
Residence Application
After the work visa (or directly if relationship is well-established):
- Stronger evidence: More comprehensive documentation often required
- Sponsor evidence: Your NZ partner provides additional declarations
- Health and character: Full medical examination and police certificates
- Application submission: Comprehensive package
- Assessment: May include interviews
- Decision: Several months to over a year
Special Circumstances
Long-Distance Relationships
If you haven't lived together for 12 months due to circumstances, you can still qualify by showing:
- Regular visits (evidence of travel)
- Sustained communication
- Future commitment evidence
- Reasons for separation (work, immigration barriers, etc.)
Recent Relationships
Relationships under 12 months face extra scrutiny. Strong evidence of genuineness becomes crucial:
- Clear future commitment
- Joint plans and investments
- Strong third-party support
Previous Relationship Breakdowns
If either partner has previously separated shortly after obtaining partnership-based visas, applications face heightened assessment.
Common Issues
Insufficient Evidence
The most common decline reason. Address by:
- Gathering comprehensive documentation
- Multiple evidence types for each category
- Third-party declarations to corroborate
Relationship Timing Concerns
If the relationship started in immigration-significant circumstances (e.g., visa expiring), additional evidence of genuineness helps.
Sponsor History
If your NZ partner has sponsored previous partners, timeframes may apply before they can sponsor again.
Processing Times
| Visa Type | Typical Processing |
|---|---|
| Partner Work Visa | 4-8 weeks |
| Partner Resident Visa | 8-16 months |
Complex cases or those requiring interviews may take longer.
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Partner Work Visa | NZ$740 |
| Partner Resident Visa | NZ$2,750 |
| Medical examination | NZ$400-600 |
| Police certificates | Varies |
Immigration adviser fees are additional if using professional help.
Tips for Success
- Document from the start: Begin collecting evidence from relationship beginning
- Quality over quantity: Well-organized, clear evidence beats disorganized volumes
- Address gaps: Proactively explain any unusual circumstances
- Third-party support: Independent witnesses add credibility
- Be honest: Inconsistencies or false information have serious consequences
- Plan ahead: Gathering evidence takes time—don't rush
After Partnership Visa
Work Visa Holders
Your work visa allows you to work and study while your relationship continues. Before it expires, you can:
- Apply for partnership residence
- Apply for extension if relationship continues
- Apply for different visa if circumstances change
Residence Visa Holders
Partnership residence provides indefinite stay. You can:
- Apply for permanent residence (after meeting travel conditions)
- Apply for citizenship (after 5 years residence)
- Sponsor family members
Applying for a partnership visa? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can help you present your relationship evidence effectively.