Partnership Visa NZ Requirements
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Partner Visa – Live Together in New Zealand
If you’re in a genuine relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, a partner visa could be the most direct way for you and your partner to live together in Aotearoa. Whether you are already in New Zealand or applying from overseas, understanding the process and getting it right is vital.
At Migration Associates, we help couples navigate the partner visa application with confidence. With our expert team of Licensed Immigration Advisers, we can guide you through every step — from preparing your documents to submitting a strong, complete application.
Take the first step today!
Book a paid consultation or try our free evaluation form.
What is a Partner Visa?
A partner visa is a visa that allows you to live in New Zealand based on your relationship with a citizen or resident. It’s ideal for couples who are in a committed relationship, living together, and planning a future in New Zealand.
Even if you already hold a different visa, the partner visa may offer more security and a clearer pathway to long-term residency. Understanding which visa suits your circumstances is something our team can help with.
Are You Eligible?
To apply, you must be in a real, stable relationship. You need to be living together or show evidence that you usually do. You must be 18 or older (or 16–17 with parental consent), and meet health and character checks. Your partner must also be eligible to sponsor you — they need to be a New Zealand citizen or resident and meet sponsorship rules.
If your partner entered New Zealand through a partner visa, they must have held residency for at least five years before they are allowed to sponsor someone else.
Proving Your Relationship
Immigration New Zealand expects strong proof that your relationship is genuine. This includes:
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- Evidence of living together (such as a lease or shared bills)
- Joint financial arrangements (like shared bank accounts)
- Photos over time, showing your relationship in different settings
- Travel history as a couple
- Communication records and messages
- Statements from friends and family
- A marriage or civil union certificate, if relevant
Each relationship is different. Our advisers help you present the evidence in the most effective way for your application.
Types of Partner Visas
There are three main types of partner visa, depending on your situation.
- Visitor Visa
This short-term visa allows you to stay with your partner in New Zealand. It’s helpful for those in newer relationships or where longer-term visas aren’t yet an option. You must show you will return home after your stay, and that you can financially support yourself.
- Work Visa
If you’ve been living together in a stable relationship, you may be eligible for a work visa. This allows you to live and work in New Zealand for 1–2 years. You’ll need to prove shared responsibilities and long-term commitment.
- Residence Visa
After living together for at least 12 months, you may qualify for a residence visa. This allows you to stay permanently, work without restrictions, and include dependent children if they meet the immigration criteria.
Onshore and Offshore Applications
If you’re applying for a partner visa while already in New Zealand, it’s considered an onshore application. If you’re applying from overseas, it’s offshore. The requirements are similar, but location, timing, and practical steps may differ. We help you choose the right path.
What About Same-Sex Couples?
New Zealand recognises same-sex relationships and marriages equally. Your gender or sexual orientation doesn’t affect your ability to apply. What matters is that the relationship is real, stable, and supported with the right documentation.
Including Children in Your Application
Dependent children under 24 can often be included if they are single, financially dependent, and meet health and character requirements. Each child is considered separately, and we can guide you through this process.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times depend on the type of visa:
- Visitor partner visa – up to 4 months
- Work partner visa – up to 7 months
- Residence partner visa – up to 12 months
Missing documentation or unclear evidence can cause delays. Working with a qualified Licenced Immigration Adviser helps avoid this.
Why Use a Licensed Immigration Adviser?
A partner visa application is a legal process. Errors, missing evidence, or poor presentation can lead to delays or rejection.
At Migration Associates, our experienced team helps you get it right from the start. We’ll guide you through eligibility, evidence, forms, and strategy — and stand by you during the full process.
Take the Next Step
You don’t have to go through this alone. Let our licensed team help you build a strong, complete application.
Book a paid consultation to get expert advice tailored to your situation. Or try our free evaluation form to find out where you stand.