How to apply for a partnership visa
Applying for a partnership visa follows a clear path: work out which partnership visa fits your situation, gather strong relationship evidence, complete the application online with Immigration New Zealand, pay the fee, respond to any requests for more information, and then receive the decision. The most important groundwork is choosing the right visa and assembling evidence that shows a genuine and stable relationship, because that is what most applications are decided on.
Reviewed by Michael Yoon, Immigration Lawyer (MyLaw) · Last reviewed 22 June 2026
Step 1: Work out which visa you need
Partnership covers several visas, and the right one depends on your partner's status and what you want to do here. A partner of a New Zealander may apply for a partner work or resident visa; a partner of a temporary worker or student has their own pathways; and a visitor option exists for shorter stays. Getting this choice right at the outset shapes everything that follows, including your work rights and eligibility for residence.
Step 2: Gather your relationship evidence
This is where applications are won or lost. Immigration New Zealand needs to be satisfied your relationship is genuine and stable, and for residence that you have generally been living together for at least twelve months. Build a clear picture across the whole period you've been together:
- Proof of living together, such as a joint tenancy or bills at the same address.
- Evidence of shared finances, like a joint account or shared commitments.
- A relationship timeline tying your key dates together.
- Photos, communication records and statements from people who know you as a couple.
Step 3: Complete and submit the application
Most partnership applications are completed online through an Immigration New Zealand account, where you enter your details, upload your evidence and complete the required forms (including partnership support and declaration forms). Check everything for consistency before you submit, then pay the application fee and levy to lodge it.
Step 4: Respond to requests and await the decision
After lodging, an officer may contact you for more information or clarification. Respond fully and promptly, as delays here are a common cause of slow processing. Once a decision is made you will be notified of the outcome; if approved, your visa conditions, including any work rights, will be set out. If declined, you will be told the reasons, which matters if you want to address them or seek advice.
Common questions
- Can I apply from inside New Zealand?
- Often yes, depending on the visa and your current status. Some partnership visas can be applied for onshore while others are designed for offshore applicants, and your current visa conditions may affect this. Confirm the right pathway for your situation before you lodge.
- Do I need a lawyer to apply?
- No, you can apply yourself. Many people do choose a licensed adviser or lawyer because partnership applications turn heavily on relationship evidence, and good preparation reduces the risk of an avoidable decline or a request for more information.
- What happens if my application is declined?
- Immigration New Zealand will give you the reasons in writing. Depending on the circumstances there may be options to provide further information, reapply with stronger evidence, or seek advice on your next steps, so it's worth acting on the stated reasons rather than rushing a new application.
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.