What is a partnership visa in New Zealand?

A partnership (or partner) visa lets you live in New Zealand based on a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, a work-visa holder, or a student. Depending on your situation it can be a visitor, work, or resident visa.

Do I have to be married?

No. Immigration New Zealand recognises marriage, civil union and de facto relationships. What matters is that the relationship is genuine, stable, and that you live together.

Which partnership visa do I need?

It depends on your partner's status (New Zealander, worker, or student) and whether you want to visit, work, or get residence. The six options are listed below — start with the one that matches your partner.

New Zealand partnership visas

A partnership visa lets you live in New Zealand based on a genuine and stable relationship. Which one you need depends on your partner’s status and whether you want to visit, work, or get residence. Here are the six options.

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

An open work visa for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident — work for any employer while you live together in New Zealand.

Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

Residence for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, based on a genuine and stable relationship and time living together.

Partner of a Worker Work Visa

A visa for the partner of someone on an eligible work visa (including AEWV) — different criteria to the partner-of-a-New-Zealander visa.

Partnership Visitor Visa

Visit and live in New Zealand with your partner — a visitor visa based on your relationship, for partners not yet eligible for a work or resident visa.

Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa

A visitor visa to come to New Zealand to marry your partner under a culturally arranged marriage, and then apply for partnership-based visas.

Partner of a Student Work Visa

An open work visa for the partner of an eligible international student studying in New Zealand.

Not sure where to start?

Work out which visa fits by who your partner is and where you are in your relationship.

Can I bring my partner to New Zealand? — answers by relationship type (spouse, de facto, fiancé, partner you haven’t lived with yet, and more).
Use the visa finder — a couple of questions to point you to the right visa.
Read the guides — genuine and stable relationship, evidence, cost, processing and more.
Check the glossary — plain-English definitions of the key terms.

Common questions

What is a partnership visa in New Zealand?: A partnership (or partner) visa lets you live in New Zealand based on a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, a work-visa holder, or a student. Depending on your situation it can be a visitor, work, or resident visa.
Do I have to be married?: No. Immigration New Zealand recognises marriage, civil union and de facto relationships. What matters is that the relationship is genuine, stable, and that you live together.
Which partnership visa do I need?: It depends on your partner's status (New Zealander, worker, or student) and whether you want to visit, work, or get residence. The six options are listed below — start with the one that matches your partner.

This page is general information, not immigration or legal advice. For advice on your situation, talk to MyLaw. Reading it does not create a solicitor–client relationship.