Partnership-Based Visa Options in New Zealand

If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible to apply to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

That's right! Based on your relationship, you may be able to join them on a partnership visa if your partner holds (or applies for) a student or work visa, or is a New Zealand citizen/resident.

A Partnership-Based Visa application involves numerous steps and you will need to satisfy Immigration New Zealand requirements to qualify for a visa. Your partner must also meet a number of criteria to be an eligible sponsor and support your application.

To be eligible for a Partnership Visa you must consider the following:

You must be applying to join or accompany your partner in New Zealand
You must provide evidence that you are living in a genuine and stable relationship
You must satisfy Immigration New Zealand's health and character requirements

Here is a list of the common types of Partnership Visas granted by Immigration New Zealand:

Partner of a Worker visitor visa
Partner of a Worker work visa
Partner of a Student visitor visa
Partner of a Student work visa
Partner of a New Zealander visitor visa
Partner of a New Zealander work visa
Partner of a New Zealander resident visa

To establish eligibility for a Partnership Visa, Immigration New Zealand will require you to provide documents to prove your relationship. Acceptable forms of evidence can include:

Certificates to prove marriage or civil union
Timeline of your relationship
Proof showing similar address
Shared utility bills
Joint bank accounts, assets, rental agreement or home loan
Copies of conversations between you and your partner
Your photos together

The length of time a visa is granted and its conditions may vary depending on which category of visa you are applying for and your situation and eligibility.