Partnership Visitor Visa
A Partnership Visitor Visa lets you come to New Zealand and stay with your partner based on your relationship, without needing a job offer. It suits partners who aren't yet eligible for a work or resident visa — for example, early in a relationship or while gathering the evidence and time needed for the next step. It is a visitor visa, so it does not give you the right to work.
Who it’s for
- You want to be in New Zealand with your partner but don't yet qualify for a work or resident partnership visa.
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealander (or, in some cases, a visa holder).
- You don't need to work while you're here.
Eligibility
- You are in a genuine and stable relationship with your supporting partner.
- You can show you'll comply with visitor conditions (including not working).
- You meet health and character requirements.
- You can support yourself or be supported during your stay.
How to apply
- 1Decide if a visitor visa is the right step. If you don't yet qualify for a work or resident partnership visa, a visitor visa may bridge the gap.
- 2Gather relationship evidence. Show the relationship is genuine and stable, even if it's relatively early.
- 3Apply to Immigration New Zealand. Submit your visitor visa application with relationship evidence and health and character documents.
- 4Plan your next visa. Use the time to build the evidence and living-together history for a work or resident visa.
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 on a partnership visitor visa?
- No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work. If you need to work, look at the partner-of-a-New-Zealander or partner-of-a-worker work visas.
- Is this a good first step?
- Often, yes — it lets you be together while you build the relationship history and evidence for a work or resident visa later.
- How long can I stay?
- Visitor visas are granted for a limited period. Check the official INZ page for current durations and conditions.
- Can I switch to a work or resident visa later?
- Yes — many partners move from a visitor visa to a work and then resident visa as they become eligible.
Get help with your partnership visitor visa
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