New Zealand · family · Leads to settlement
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Residence visa for partners (married, civil union, or de facto) of New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Processing time
- 6–12 months (variable).
- Government fees
- NZD 2,060 (verify on INZ).
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa grants residence to partners of NZ citizens or residents in a genuine and stable relationship. The couple must have been living together for at least 12 months (unless married or in a civil union). De facto partnerships, same-sex relationships, and civil unions are all recognised. A two-stage process applies: partner work visa (temporary) followed by residence, or direct residence application for established partnerships.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian partner-visa applicants must provide marriage certificates or evidence of de facto relationship. Indian marriage …
British applicants
British partner-visa applicants benefit from straightforward document recognition. UK marriage certificates are accepted…
Filipino applicants
Filipino partner-visa applicants must provide PSA-issued marriage and birth certificates with DFA apostille. CFO seminar…
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Genuine and stable partnership with a NZ citizen or resident.
- ✓Living together for at least 12 months (unless married or in a civil union).
- ✓NZ partner sponsor must meet sponsorship requirements (including not having sponsored another partner in the past 5 years, unless exceptional circumstances).
- ✓Meet health and character requirements.
Common blockers
- !Insufficient evidence of a genuine and stable relationship.
- !Sponsor has already supported a partner visa within 5 years.
- !Less than 12 months of cohabitation for de facto partnerships.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage certificate, civil union certificate, or evidence of de facto relationship.
- ·Joint bank accounts, shared tenancy, or shared assets.
- ·Communication history if the couple has been apart.
- ·Sponsor's NZ citizenship or residence status evidence.
Application pathway
Establish the partnership
Ensure you have 12+ months of genuine cohabitation (or are married/in a civil union).
Consider a Partner Work Visa first
If you are new to NZ, a Partner Work Visa allows you to live and work while your residence application is processed.
Apply for Partner Resident Visa
Submit the full residence application with relationship evidence, police certificates, and medical checks.
Receive resident visa
On approval, you receive a resident visa. After 2 years, apply for permanent resident status.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicant + sponsorApply for a Partner Resident Visa ↗
Applicant applies online with relationship evidence while the New Zealand partner supports the residence application.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Does New Zealand recognise de facto partnerships for immigration?+
Yes. New Zealand recognises de facto (unmarried) partnerships, same-sex relationships, and civil unions for immigration purposes. For de facto partners, you must demonstrate at least 12 months of living together in a genuine and stable relationship. Marriage and civil union partners do not need the 12-month cohabitation requirement.
Can I work while waiting for my partner visa to be processed?+
Yes. You can apply for a Partner Work Visa (temporary), which allows you to work in New Zealand while your residence application is being processed. This is a common approach for partners who want to settle quickly.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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