Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa is an open work visa for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident. If your relationship is genuine and stable and you are living together, it lets you work for almost any employer in New Zealand for the length of the visa — so you can build a life here together while you decide on residence. It is one of the most common ways a partner of a Kiwi starts working in New Zealand.
Who it’s for
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- You want to work in New Zealand (for any employer) rather than just visit.
- You are living together, or can explain why you are not yet.
Eligibility
- Your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident who meets Immigration New Zealand's requirements to support your application.
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship (marriage, civil union or de facto).
- You are living together, or you can credibly explain a temporary period apart.
- You meet health and character requirements.
How to apply
- 1Check you are eligible. Confirm your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident and that your relationship is genuine and stable.
- 2Gather your relationship evidence. Build a clear, well-organised evidence pack — living together, shared finances, communication and a relationship timeline.
- 3Complete the application. Apply online to Immigration New Zealand with your forms, evidence, and health and character documents.
- 4Respond to any requests. Immigration New Zealand may ask for more information — respond promptly and completely.
The evidence that decides it
Every partnership visa rises or falls on one thing: showing Immigration New Zealand your relationship is genuine and stable. Start with our guide on what that means and the evidence that proves it.
Genuine & stable relationship guideFree: Relationship evidence checklist
The exact documents that show your relationship is genuine and stable — emailed to you, with a copy shown on screen.
Common questions
- Can I work for any employer on this visa?
- Yes — it is an open work visa, so you can generally work for almost any employer in New Zealand for the length of the visa.
- Do we have to be married?
- No. Immigration New Zealand recognises marriage, civil union and de facto relationships. What matters is that the relationship is genuine and stable and that you live together.
- How long do we need to have been together?
- There is no fixed minimum for the work visa, but you must show the relationship is genuine and stable. Residence is different — it generally requires 12 months living together.
- Can this lead to residence?
- Yes. Many partners move from this work visa to the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa once they meet the living-together requirement.
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