Can I bring my same-sex partner to New Zealand?
Yes. New Zealand recognises same-sex relationships fully and equally. Whether you are married, in a civil union or de facto, your same-sex partner can apply for the same partnership-based visas on exactly the same terms — a genuine and stable relationship and, for most visas, living together.
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.
Not sure? Use the visa finder to check which partnership visa fits your situation.
What you need to know
- Same-sex partners are recognised on identical terms — there is no separate or stricter rule.
- Marriage, civil union and de facto relationships all qualify equally.
- The criteria are the same as for any couple: a genuine and stable relationship and, usually, living together.
- If you are coming from a country where your relationship could not be legally recognised, evidence of your shared life still does the work — talk to a lawyer about presenting it well.
About the evidence
The evidence is the same as for any couple: living together, shared finances and a shared life over time. The relationship being same-sex makes no difference to how it is assessed.
See what a genuine and stable relationship means and the evidence of living together.
Other visas that might apply
Get it right the first time
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Common questions
- Are same-sex partners treated differently?
- No. New Zealand recognises same-sex married, civil union and de facto partners on exactly the same terms as any other couple. The assessment is identical.
- What if we could not marry or register our relationship at home?
- You can still qualify as de facto partners. The focus is on whether your relationship is genuine and stable and that you live together, shown through your evidence rather than a certificate.