Is the partnership visa fee refundable if I'm declined?

Generally no. The Immigration New Zealand application fee pays for processing the application, not for a successful outcome, so it is not usually refunded if your application is declined. This is one reason getting the evidence right the first time matters.

Do I have to pay for a lawyer or adviser?

No. Professional fees are optional and separate from the government fee. You can apply yourself, but a licensed adviser or lawyer can help present your relationship evidence well and reduce the risk of an avoidable decline.

Why can't you just tell me the exact fee here?

Because Immigration New Zealand fees and levies change over time and vary by visa type and where you apply. Quoting a figure that later changes would mislead you, so we point you to the official Immigration New Zealand website for the current amount.

Partnership visa cost and fees

There is no single price for a partnership visa. What you pay depends mainly on which visa you apply for, whether you apply from inside or outside New Zealand, and whether you use a licensed adviser or lawyer. The core cost is the Immigration New Zealand application fee plus an immigration levy, and current amounts are published on the official Immigration New Zealand website. MyLaw can give you a precise quote for your situation.

Reviewed by Michael Yoon, Immigration Lawyer (MyLaw) · Last reviewed 22 June 2026

What drives the cost

Several factors decide what your application will cost, so it pays to understand them before you budget:

The visa type - a partner work visa, visitor visa and resident visa each have their own fee.
Whether you apply onshore (inside New Zealand) or offshore, as fees can differ.
The Immigration New Zealand application fee plus a separate immigration levy.
How many people are included in the application, if dependants are added.
Optional professional fees if you engage a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer.

Government fees versus professional fees

It helps to separate the two kinds of cost. The government charge is what Immigration New Zealand collects to process your application - the application fee and the immigration levy. Professional fees are entirely separate and optional: they are what you pay an adviser or lawyer to prepare and manage your case. You can lodge an application yourself without professional fees, but many people choose support to reduce the risk of decline.

Where to find current figures

Immigration New Zealand reviews its fees and levies from time to time, so any figure you see quoted online can quickly go out of date. Always check the fee for your specific visa on the official Immigration New Zealand website at the time you apply, using their fees finder for the country you are applying from.

Getting a precise quote

Because the total depends on your visa type, where you apply, who is included and the level of help you want, the most reliable way to know your real cost is to ask. MyLaw can confirm the right visa for your circumstances and give you a clear, itemised quote covering both the Immigration New Zealand charges and any professional fees.

Common questions

Is the partnership visa fee refundable if I'm declined?: Generally no. The Immigration New Zealand application fee pays for processing the application, not for a successful outcome, so it is not usually refunded if your application is declined. This is one reason getting the evidence right the first time matters.
Do I have to pay for a lawyer or adviser?: No. Professional fees are optional and separate from the government fee. You can apply yourself, but a licensed adviser or lawyer can help present your relationship evidence well and reduce the risk of an avoidable decline.
Why can't you just tell me the exact fee here?: Because Immigration New Zealand fees and levies change over time and vary by visa type and where you apply. Quoting a figure that later changes would mislead you, so we point you to the official Immigration New Zealand website for the current amount.

Related visas

Related guides

How to apply for a partnership visa

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.