Partnership Visas: Live and Work With Your Partner in New Zealand
If you are in a relationship with a New Zealander or someone holding a New Zealand visa, you may be eligible to join them. A Partnership Based Visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for the same length of time as your partner. We specialise in helping couples gather the right evidence to prove their relationship meets the standards required by Immigration New Zealand.
01. Introduction
Understanding the different pathways Your eligibility depends on your partner’s status. Most partners fall into one of these three categories:
- Partner of a New Zealander: For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Partner of a Worker: For partners of people holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or other eligible work visas.
- Partner of a Student: For partners of students studying at a high level (e.g., Master’s or PhD) or in roles on the Green List.
The type of visa you receive is tied to your partner’s visa.
The most important thing to understand is that Immigration New Zealand (INZ) defines a partnership as two people living together in a “genuine and stable” relationship. This applies to legal marriages, civil unions, and de facto relationships. Our team helps you determine which specific visa type is best for your situation and what rights you will have, such as the ability to work or access healthcare.
02. How do you qualify?
What does “Genuine and Stable” really mean? Immigration New Zealand doesn’t just look at a marriage certificate; they look at your entire life together. To be successful, you must show that you:
- Live together: You share the same home (this is the most important rule).
- Share finances: You have joint bank accounts, shared bills, or shared assets like a car or house.
- Share a life: You make plans together, go on holidays, and are recognised as a couple by your friends and family.
To qualify for a Partnership Based Visa, you and your partner must both be at least 18 years old (or have parental consent if aged 16 or 17) and have met in person before applying. Your partner must also meet “character” requirements to be an eligible sponsor, meaning they cannot have certain domestic violence convictions or have sponsored multiple partners in the past.
03. Proof of your relationship
Because “living together” is a strict requirement, you need a “paper trail.” We help you gather a mix of official and personal documents, such as:
- Joint tenancy agreements or home ownership papers.
- Utility bills (power, internet, or water) in both your names.
- Bank statements showing you both use a shared account for daily life.
- Photos of you together at different times and locations.
- Communication logs (messages or emails) showing you stay in touch when apart.
We help you organise these documents into a clear timeline that shows your relationship is sincere and long-term. This careful preparation is the best way to avoid a decline based on a lack of evidence.
What if you have lived apart? It is common for couples to spend time apart due to work or visa delays. If you have been separated, Immigration New Zealand will want to know why, how long it lasted, and how you kept the relationship going. We specialise in explaining these “separations” to ensure an immigration officer understands that your commitment remained strong despite the distance.
04. Processing times and costs
Processing times vary depending on whether you are applying for a temporary visa or residence. A temporary Partnership Based Visa (Visitor or Work) usually takes between 5 weeks and 5 months, while a Partnership Resident Visa can take 8 to 12 months. Any issues with health or character can extend these timeframes, so it is important to submit a complete application from the start.
The government application fee for a partnership-based visa is generally around NZD $1,630 for temporary visas or NZD $6,450 for residence.
Our service fees for a Partnership Resident Visa typically range from NZD $4,000 to $5,000. These costs cover our expert guidance in building your evidence folder and managing all communication with Immigration New Zealand.
05. Why choose us?
Partnership applications can get emotional and stressful because your future together depends on the decision. Many couples are surprised when their application is questioned simply because they didn’t keep enough “official” mail or photos. We act as your advocate, ensuring your story is told clearly and that every piece of evidence strengthens your case.
No surprises: We offer a thorough initial assessment to check if you meet the “living together” criteria before you begin. We are transparent about the total costs and the strength of your evidence. If we find gaps in your documentation, we tell you immediately and help you find ways to address them, ensuring you don’t waste time or money on an application that isn’t ready.
