Partners of New Zealand Citizens or Residents

If you're in a genuine relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for a visitor visa to live with your partner in New Zealand.

Who Can Apply

You can apply for this visa if:

  • You and your New Zealand partner are living together in a genuine and stable relationship
  • Your partner is a New Zealand citizen or residence class visa holder
  • Your partner supports your visa application and intends to live in New Zealand with you during your stay
  • You both meet the minimum partnership recognition criteria
  • Your partner meets the character requirements to support a visa application

Visa Duration Based on Relationship Length

Time Lived Together

Maximum Visa Duration

12 months or more

Up to 36 months

Less than 12 months

First visa: Up to 12 months
Further visas may be granted (up to 36 months total) if you're still living together and meet visa requirements

 If your application was submitted before 1 October 2024 and is undecided by that date, you can still be granted a visa of up to 36 months if you’ve lived together for 12+ months.

 When Your Partner Cannot Support You

Immigration will check if your New Zealand partner is eligible to support a future residence visa based on partnership.

  • If they can’t support a residence application within the next 12 months, your visitor visa may be declined.

 Evidence Required

You’ll need to provide documents showing:

  • Proof your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident
  • Proof of your genuine and stable relationship
  • Proof you're currently living together
  • A completed INZ 1146 support form from your partner
  • Evidence that you both plan to stay in New Zealand for the same time

Immigration may also ask your partner to sign a declaration confirming they’re eligible to support the application and that your relationship meets the minimum standards.

Helpful Tips

  • This visa lets you stay with your partner, but it does not include work rights.
  • If you're planning to apply for residence later, this visitor visa is a great first step.
  • Keep ongoing evidence of your relationship and living arrangements—this helps with any future visa renewals or residence applications.

Need support with your partnership visa?

Talk to JD Immigration for personalised advice and stress-free application support.