Partnership-based Applications
If you are applying for a New Zealand visa based on your relationship, you and your partner will need to meet certain criteria.
Mark sure to check the specific requirements for your situation as they vary for temporary and resident visas.
Temporary visas
You can apply for a temporary work or visitor visa to be with your partner in New Zealand if you both meet the criteria.
If your application is dependent on your partner’s temporary visa, your visa will only be valid for the same time period as theirs.
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident you can apply for a work or visitor visa of between 12- 24 months duration, depending on the length of the relationship.
Resident visa
You can be included as a secondary applicant in your partner’s application under most resident visa categories, including under the Skilled Migrant Category or Residence from Work. There may be an English language requirement for these applications.
If you’re the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, you can apply to live in New Zealand permanently. If you’re granted residence, you can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Immigration New Zealand defines partnership as two people of the opposite or same sex, who live together in a genuine and stable relationship in any of the following:
- a legal marriage
- a civil union
- a de facto relationship.
You and your supporting partner must:
- be aged 18 or over, or if they’re aged 16 or 17 years, have the consent of their parents or guardians
- have met each other before applying for a visa based on your partnership
- not be close relatives.
You must be able to show NZI that you’re living together in a genuine and stable relationship before INZ can grant you a visa based on your partnership.
Genuine and stable partnership
A partnership is genuine if it has been entered into on a long term and exclusive basis.
A partnership is stable if it is likely to endure.
The more evidence you provide, the easier it will be for immigration officer to make a decision about your application.
Based on the situation of our clients, our experienced immigration advisers give advice on collecting evidence to meet the partnership requirements and make it easier for you to be granted your visa.