Information reviewed: 18 October 2026 | Refer to Immigration New Zealand for current requirements.
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa is a residence route for eligible partners of New Zealand citizens or residents who meet partnership and sponsorship requirements.
Explore the eligibility requirements, evidence to prepare, application stages and related New Zealand visa options below. Individual circumstances and the latest government instructions determine the outcome.
Visa focusNew Zealand
Page typeEligibility guide
RequirementsVisa-specific
Last review18 Oct 2026
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: overview
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa is a residence route for eligible partners of New Zealand citizens or residents who meet partnership and sponsorship requirements.
This is different from a temporary Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa. A genuine relationship alone is insufficient without meeting the specific living-together and support rules.
Eligibility and important requirements
Review these key conditions before choosing this pathway:
Partner status: The supporting partner must be a qualifying New Zealand citizen or resident.
Living together: You must generally have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months.
Partner support: The New Zealand partner must meet the relevant support requirements.
Identity and admissibility: Provide appropriate relationship, health, character and identity evidence.
Application process: step by step
Check residence pathway: Confirm the supporting partner’s status and any applicable sponsorship restrictions.
Establish cohabitation: Prepare a chronological record of shared living arrangements and supporting documents.
Review family details: Check eligibility and evidence for dependent children where relevant.
Apply online: Submit the residence application and respond to additional requests.
Documents and evidence checklist
Valid passport and identity details.
Documents supporting the particular eligibility requirements listed above.
Employment, qualification or relationship records, where relevant.
Medical, police, English language or financial evidence, where required.
Certified translations and additional supporting evidence, where applicable.
This is an initial checklist, not an exhaustive or universal list. The official application instructions take precedence.
Fees, processing times and visa conditions
Government fees, processing times and visa conditions can change. Confirm the current amounts and conditions on the official guidance for Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa before applying. Other charges may apply for medical checks, translations, professional registration or qualification assessments.
Our team can help organise an initial eligibility screening, identify the relevant visa pathway, review document readiness and explain the next steps. Where regulated immigration advice is required, it must be provided by an appropriately licensed or exempt adviser.
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