If you are legally married, in a civil union, or in a de-facto (live-in, long-term) relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, then New Zealand’s immigration system (managed by Immigration New Zealand – INZ) gives you a few “partner visa” options. These visas allow you to live together in New Zealand and, in most cases, also give you the right to work or study while you’re there.

The goal of these visas

The main idea is family reunification. INZ recognises that couples should be able to live together, so these partner visas are designed to:

Let New Zealand citizens or residents sponsor their spouse or partner to come and live in NZ; or
Let foreign workers or students bring their partners while they are in NZ temporarily.

So, no matter whether your partner is a citizen, a permanent resident, or simply on a work/student visa, there is likely a partner category that fits your situation.

What visa types exist for spouses/partners?

Here are the key visa types you might use:

1. Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa

This visa lets a person visit New Zealand to marry a New Zealand citizen or resident in a marriage arranged according to cultural traditions. The couple must have met before the wedding, and the marriage should take place within three months of arrival. It’s a short-term visa that allows entry for marriage and time to apply for a partner visa afterward.

2. Partner of Military Visitor Visa

This visa allows the partner of a member of the New Zealand Defence Force to visit New Zealand while their partner serves. It offers temporary stay, usually matching the military posting period. Holders can travel freely and spend time with their partner but cannot work unless they later apply for a separate work visa.

3. Partner of Military Work Visa

This visa allows the partner of a New Zealand Defence Force member to work in New Zealand while accompanying them. It provides open work rights for the visa’s duration and helps families stay together during military postings. The couple must prove a genuine and stable relationship through documents and shared living arrangements.

4. Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

This visa lets the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident live and work in the country permanently. Applicants must prove a genuine and stable relationship of at least 12 months. Once granted, it offers permanent residence, access to healthcare, and education rights similar to other residents.

5. Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa

This visa allows the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident to visit and live together temporarily. It’s ideal for couples still gathering proof of relationship before applying for residence. The visa is usually granted for 12 months, allowing multiple entries but does not give work rights.

6. Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

This visa allows partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to live and work in New Zealand temporarily. It’s open work-type, meaning the holder can work for any employer. The couple must show they live together in a genuine and stable relationship, often as a step toward residence.

7. Partner of a Student Visitor Visa

This visa allows the partner of an international student to stay in New Zealand while their partner studies. It’s a visitor visa only, so the holder cannot work or study long term. It helps families stay together and provides time for the partner to explore New Zealand legally.

8. Partner of a Student Work Visa

If the student is enrolled in a master’s, doctorate, or high-level qualification, their partner can get an open work visa. It allows employment in any field during the student’s study period. Proof of a genuine relationship and financial stability is required at the time of application.

9. Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa

This visa lets partners of skilled workers in New Zealand join them temporarily. It allows travel and stay for the same period as the worker’s visa but does not permit employment. The relationship must be genuine, and financial support should come from the working partner.

10. Partner of a Worker Work Visa

This visa allows the partner of an overseas worker in New Zealand to work for any employer. It provides the same validity as the primary worker’s visa. Applicants must show evidence of a stable relationship and often undergo basic health and character checks before approval.

11. Partner of NZ Scholarship Student Visa

Partners of students studying in New Zealand on a government scholarship can apply for this visa. It allows them to accompany the student for the study duration, either as a visitor or with work rights depending on conditions. It helps families stay united while one partner completes higher education.

Eligibility: what must you satisfy?

To apply you generally need to meet the following:

“Partner visa pathways” simply means there are different visa types or stages based on your relationship and your partner’s immigration status.

For example:

1. Partner of a New Zealand Citizen or Resident Visa — for those whose partner already lives in NZ permanently. This is the residence pathway.

2. Partner of a Worker Visa — for spouses/partners of people holding a valid work visa.

3. Partner of a Student Visa — for those whose partner is studying in New Zealand.

4. Temporary Partner-based Visa — short-term visa that lets you stay while you work toward residence.

Each type has its own rules and evidence requirements, but all aim to let you live together.

Forms & What to Fill

Here are some of the key forms you’ll encounter:

INZ 1178 “Partnership Support Form for Residence” used when applying for the Partner of NZ Resident Visa.
INZ 1198 “Partnership-Based Temporary Visa Application” –
for temporary partner entry (visitor/work) based on partnership.
INZ 1146 “Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications” – when your partner supports your temporary partner-visa application.
Other supporting evidence checklists – e.g., the guide “Partnership and how to prove it” from INZ explains the evidence you need to show.

How to apply – step by step

Gather your evidence – get together marriage or civil union certificate (if married), proof of living together, shared finances, etc. INZ defines what “living together” means. ([Immigration New Zealand][5])
Choose the correct visa category – depending on whether your partner is a citizen/resident, temporary visa holder, or you are aiming for residence.
Complete the correct form – e.g., INZ 1178 (residence), or INZ 1198 (temporary), plus any partner-supporting forms.
Submit online or via paper, as required – INZ allows online applications for many partner visas.
Pay the visa/immigration levy fee – check fees current at time of application (INZ site).
Health/character checks – you may need a medical examination, chest X-ray, and police certificates.
Wait for decision – processing times vary. Ensure you maintain status while waiting.
If residence granted, you may later apply for any further status or citizenship (if eligible).

FAQs

Q1. Can I work in New Zealand if I have a partner visa?

Yes. Many partner visas allow you to live and work. For example the “Partner work visa” page shows spouses of work-visa holders can apply and then work. ([Government of New Zealand][7])

Q2. Does the length of our relationship matter?

Yes. If you apply for the Partner of NZ Resident Visa, you generally need to show you’ve been living together in a genuine, stable relationship for 12 months or more for certain cases. ([Immigration New Zealand][1])

Q3. What counts as “living together”?

INZ says living together means sharing a home, not merely visiting or staying part-time. Bills, rental agreements, mail addressed to both of you at the same address are good evidence. ([Immigration New Zealand][5])

Q4. Are same-sex relationships eligible?

Yes, New Zealand recognises same-sex marriage and civil unions, and INZ notes its partnership visas cover same-sex relationships that meet the genuine and stable criteria. ([Immigration New Zealand][4])

Q5. My partner holds a work visa in NZ; can I apply for a partner visa?

Yes. If your partner holds an eligible work or student visa you may apply for a Partner of a Worker or Partner of a Student Visa, usually enabling you to live and work while they hold their pass. ([Government of New Zealand][8])

Q6. How long does it take to process?

Processing times vary depending on completeness, evidence, how busy INZ is, and complexity. Some guides suggest several months for a resident partner visa. ([Immigration Adviser Auckland][9])

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules, visa types, requirements, forms, fees and processing times for New Zealand change from time to time. Always check the latest details on the official Immigration New Zealand website and consider seeking advice from a licensed immigration adviser if your case is complex (for example: prior immigration issues, non-traditional relationship arrangements, questions of genuineness of partnership). The author and publisher assume no responsibility for outcomes based on this article.

If you like, I can prepare a checklist specific for your situation (for example: “Partner of NZ citizen, living outside NZ” vs “Partner of NZ resident living in NZ”) to help you prepare the exact evidence and form set.

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