Residence through partnership
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
This resident visa may be available to the partner of an eligible New Zealand citizen or resident. The assessment concerns the supporting partner's eligibility as well as the applicant and the relationship.
Enquire About Partnership Residence
Living together is central
Applicants generally need to show they have lived together with their partner in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months. Being married, engaged or in a long-distance relationship does not by itself prove the living-together requirement.
Immigration New Zealand also considers the supporting partner's eligibility and the applicable health and character requirements. Eligible dependent children may be included in the residence application.
Build a clear relationship timeline
Prepare a factual chronology of the relationship and shared homes. Identify when each person moved, how the household operated and any periods of separation. Keep original records that can support the chronology rather than trying to recreate a relationship history after an enquiry is made.
Separate evidence into practical themes: living arrangements, finances, shared responsibilities and the relationship's development. Documents should tell a consistent story. Where names, addresses or dates differ, note why and obtain clarification where appropriate.
Check the supporting partner's position
The supporting partner's New Zealand status must be established. Previous partnership sponsorship or support can also require attention under the official criteria. Discuss relevant history honestly rather than assuming that citizenship or residence removes all restrictions.
Make an initial summary of each person's immigration history, any children involved and upcoming expiry or travel dates. An adviser can then identify what needs closer assessment without you sending a large bundle of sensitive information through an initial contact form.
Temporary status and travel still matter
A pending residence application is not permission to ignore an existing temporary visa's conditions. Plan lawful stay and work separately. The partnership visa overview explains the distinction between temporary partnership options and residence.
After a grant, read the conditions attached to the resident visa. A Permanent Resident Visa and unrestricted return travel are not automatically the same thing as the initial resident visa.
Common questions
Are the Australian onshore and offshore partner stages relevant?
No. New Zealand's partnership categories do not use Australian subclass 820/801 or 309/100 stages. Use New Zealand's actual visa requirements and process.
Is a marriage certificate enough?
No. It may be part of the evidence, but the relationship and living-together requirements need to be demonstrated.
What should I do where our circumstances are unusual?
Explain the facts accurately and obtain personalised advice from an appropriately licensed or exempt professional. Do not rely on another couple's outcome as an assessment of yours.
General information checked 18 September 2026. Official source: INZ: Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa. This page is not an individual eligibility decision.