Partnership Resident Visa
The Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa allows individuals to live, work and study in New Zealand based on their relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
It is suitable for individuals who:​
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Are married to, in a civil union with, or in a de facto relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
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Have been living together or can demonstrate the relationship is genuine, stable, and ongoing.
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Intend to live together in New Zealand after visa approval.
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Meet health and character requirements.
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If your relationship is less than 12 months, you will usually be granted a temporary visa first, and after meeting living-together requirement, you can apply for residence.
1. Relationship Evidence
You must prove that your partnership is genuine and stable. Evidence may include:
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Joint lease or mortgage
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Shared utility bills or bank accounts
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Photos together with family/friends
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Travel evidence showing joint trips
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Communication logs, if living separately temporarily
2. Living Together
Immigration requires proof that you have lived together in the same household. If temporary separation occurs (work, travel, family reasons), you may provide an explanation and supporting documentation.
3. Sponsor Eligibility
Your New Zealand partner must:
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Hold New Zealand citizenship or residence
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Intend to live in New Zealand with you
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Be eligible to sponsor (not barred from sponsorship)
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Partners must also show that the relationship is exclusive and ongoing.
4. Health & Character
Standard medical checks and police certificates apply.
Requirements
Different Pathways
1. Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa (Residence)
You may be granted residence directly if:
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You can provide 12 months or more of evidence of living together, and
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The relationship meets all partnership requirements
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Once granted residence, you will have the right to:
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Live and work in New Zealand indefinitely
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Study in New Zealand
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Include dependent children in your application (up to age 24)
2. Partner of a New Zealand Resident Work Visa (Temporary)
If you do not yet meet the 12-month living together requirement, you may be granted a temporary partnership work visa.
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This visa allows you to:
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Work in New Zealand with no employer restrictions
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Study for up to 3 months
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Build up the “living together” period to apply for residence later
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Typical visa duration ranges from 1 year to 2 years, depending on relationship history.​
Processing Times
Processing may vary depending on the quality of documents provided. 80% of applications are usually decided within 6 months for residence. Well-prepared evidence helps avoid delays.
Key Features
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Allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand.
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No strict income requirement for sponsors, but the sponsor must show they can support you.
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If residence is granted, you may later become eligible for permanent resident visa after meeting residence conditions.