Understanding the New Zealand Partnership Visa

The New Zealand Partnership Visa is an option available to partners of New Zealand residents who want to live, work, and study in the country. This visa category provides an opportunity to obtain either residency or an open work visa.
To be eligible for the Partner Visa, the applicant must be a partner of a New Zealand resident. Additionally, they must meet specific requirements to qualify for either residency or an open work visa.

The Partner Visa provides the opportunity to live in New Zealand indefinitely, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria. This visa category aims to keep families together and provides a pathway to residency for partners of New Zealand residents.

Types of Partnership Visas

New Zealand offers various types of partnership visas depending on the status of the partner. Some of the most common partnership visas include:

  • Partner of a Work Visitor Visa
  • Partner of a Worker Work Visa
  • Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
  • Partner of a Student Work Visa
  • Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
  • Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
  • Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa

Eligibility Criteria for the New Zealand Partnership Visa

The New Zealand Partnership Visa is a type of visa that allows partners of New Zealand residents to join them and enjoy the benefits of living in the country. However, not all couples may be eligible for this visa.

Types of Eligible Relationships
The Partnership Visa is available to couples who are in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand resident. This includes married couples, couples in a civil union (opposite or same sex), couples in a de facto relationship (opposite or same sex), and couples who are not legally married or bound by a registered civil or de facto partnership but can demonstrate that they are in a committed and durable relationship.

Genuine and Stable Relationship Requirement
It's essential to note that to be eligible for the Partnership Visa, the relationship must be genuine and stable. This means that the couple is in an exclusive relationship and has a strong likelihood of lasting.

Requirements for the New Zealand Spouse Visa

To be eligible for the New Zealand Partnership Visa, both you and your partner must meet specific requirements set by Immigration New Zealand (NZ). This article outlines the eligibility criteria for both applicants and partners of applicants.

Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To be eligible for the Partnership Visa, you must be in New Zealand on another visa or coming to New Zealand to join your partner. You must also prove that you are in a genuine and stable relationship and have lived together for at least 12 months. Additionally, you must meet the health and character requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Partners of Applicants
Partners of applicants must demonstrate that they are a New Zealand citizen or resident and have the ability to support their partner. They must not have any domestic violence-related offences or sexual convictions, and they cannot have sponsored more than one partner for residence within the last 5 years. Australian citizens or Resident Visa holders living in New Zealand must show that New Zealand is their primary place of residence.

The Process of Applying for a Partnership Visa in New Zealand

1 Document
Collection

2 Application
Submission

3 Application
Processing

4 Visa
Approval