Overview
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa is designed for couples who have chosen to make New Zealand their long-term home. To qualify, you must prove that you are in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently.
Who qualifies
You must be 18 or older (or 16-17 with parental consent) and have met your partner in person before applying. You must have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months immediately prior to your application. Your partner must be a New Zealand citizen or resident and must meet specific sponsorship requirements, including limits on how many partners they can sponsor over their lifetime.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you and your partner meet the 12-month cohabitation requirement and that your partner is eligible to sponsor you.
- 2
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Collect substantial documentation proving your relationship is genuine, stable, and that you have lived together for at least 12 months.
- 3
Step 3: Health and Character Checks
Complete the required medical examinations and obtain police certificates from countries where you have lived.
- 4
Step 4: Submit Application
Complete the online application form, pay the required fee, and upload all supporting documents.
- 5
Step 5: Processing
Wait for Immigration New Zealand to assess your application. You may be asked for further information during this time.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of identity
- Evidence of a genuine and stable relationship (e.g., joint bank accounts, shared lease, photos, correspondence)
- Medical and chest X-ray certificates
- Police clearance certificates
- Partnership Support Form signed by your New Zealand partner
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
This visa grants residence. After holding this visa for at least 2 years, you may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows for indefinite travel in and out of New Zealand.
Family options
You may include dependent children aged 24 or younger in your application if they are single and financially dependent on you.
Language notes
There is no specific English language test requirement for this visa.
After arrival
Once your visa is granted and you arrive in New Zealand, you have full rights to live, work, and study. You are encouraged to register for local services and healthcare.
Common pitfalls
- Insufficient evidence of living together for the full 12-month period
- Failure to declare previous partners
- Incomplete or outdated police/medical certificates
- Sponsoring partner not meeting the character or sponsorship limit requirements
FAQs about Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Who is the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa for?+
Individuals in a genuine, stable, and long-term relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident who wish to settle in New Zealand.
What are the eligibility requirements for Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa?+
You must be 18 or older (or 16-17 with parental consent) and have met your partner in person before applying. You must have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months immediately prior to your application. Your partner must be a New Zealand citizen or resident and must meet specific sponsorship requirements, including limits on how many partners they can sponsor over their lifetime.
How much does the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa cost?+
Typical fees listed for Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: NZD $5,360. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Approximately 5 to 7 months.
How long can I stay on the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa?+
Indefinite (Resident Visa)
Can I work on the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa?+
Full work rights; you may work for any employer in any role.
Does Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa lead to permanent residence in New Zealand?+
This visa grants residence. After holding this visa for at least 2 years, you may be eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows for indefinite travel in and out of New Zealand.
What are common mistakes with Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa?+
Insufficient evidence of living together for the full 12-month period Failure to declare previous partners Incomplete or outdated police/medical certificates