Partnership visa

Reuniting You with the One You Love

If you're in a committed relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible to apply for a visa — and even residence — based on your partnership. While it may sound like a simple process, proving your relationship meets Immigration New Zealand’s strict requirements can be more complex than expected.

We’re here to help you build a strong application that gives your relationship the recognition it deserves.

What Does Immigration NZ Consider a Partnership?

A partnership is defined as a genuine and stable relationship between two people — regardless of gender — who have lived together for at least 12 months. Immigration New Zealand recognises:

• Legal marriages
• Civil unions
• De facto relationships

The focus is not on your marital status, but on whether your relationship is real, long-term, and built on mutual commitment.

Proving the Relationship

The core of your partnership visa application is evidence. Immigration New Zealand requires you to show, not just say, that you’re in a genuine and stable relationship. This includes:

• Proof of living together for at least one year
• Joint finances, shared responsibilities, and social connection
• Clear communication history and a relationship timeline

Even when couples are confident in the strength of their bond, providing sufficient evidence can be unexpectedly difficult — especially if you’ve spent time apart due to work, travel, or visa restrictions.

Challenges You Might Face

The partnership visa process can feel personal and even intrusive. Every detail — from how long you’ve lived together to how you split expenses — may be examined. This is because Immigration New Zealand has designed the system to detect and prevent visa misuse.

Even perfectly genuine couples can find the scrutiny uncomfortable, particularly when cultural differences, distance, or previous immigration history come into play.

And yes — even innocent past actions, like visa overstays or inconsistent documentation, can become roadblocks. That’s why it’s so important to get it right from the start.

Important Things to Know

• You must meet health and character requirements.
• There are limits on how often a New Zealand citizen or resident can sponsor a partner.
• If children are involved, further care is needed in preparing the application.
• Time spent apart doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but you’ll need to explain your circumstances clearly and honestly.

We’re With You All the Way

At JD Immigration, we understand that behind every application is a love story. Whether you're just starting life together or reuniting after time apart, we take the time to understand your unique situation and help you gather the right evidence to make your case strong.

Navigating this process can be emotional — but with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We're here to walk with you, step by step, as you and your partner build your future in New Zealand.

Parent Visa Options – Reuniting Families in New Zealand- 

If your adult child is a New Zealand citizen or resident, and you’re hoping to join them here, New Zealand offers two main visa options: the Parent Category and the Parent Retirement Category.

Each has its own rules and requirements, and navigating them can be tricky. At JD Immigration, we’re here to make the process easier for you and your family.