Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
New Zealand
Last updated: December 27, 2025
Permanent residence
$3,250
5-7 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you live permanently in New Zealand if you're in a genuine relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. You must have lived together for at least 12 months. Once approved, you can work anywhere, study anything, and use New Zealand's healthcare. You can bring your children (under 24) with you. This visa is active and accepting applications as of December 2025.
Key Benefits
- Work anywhere without restrictions
- Study full-time or part-time in any field
- Bring children under 24
- Access healthcare system
- Travel freely in and out of New Zealand
- Path to permanent residency after 2 years
- Path to citizenship after 5+ years as permanent resident
- Independent status - rights do not depend on staying with partner
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be at least 18 years old (16-17 with parent permission)
- Must be in genuine, real relationship (not just for immigration)
- Must have lived with partner 12+ months continuously
- Must have met partner in person
- Not closely related by blood or adoption
- No serious criminal record
- Must pass medical exam
- Must get police clearance
- Supporting partner must be New Zealand citizen or resident
- Supporting partner never sponsored more than 2 other partners before
- Supporting partner has not sponsored anyone in past 5 years
- Supporting partner has no serious criminal record or domestic violence history
Financial Requirement
NZD $1,000 per month for living costs, or NZD $400 per month if housing is prepaid. You and your partner must show shared finances.
Documents
- Marriage certificate or civil union certificateOriginal or certified copy
- Dated photos togetherSpanning several months of relationship
- Messages, emails, call logsWith dates showing communication
- Letters from friends and familyConfirming you are a couple
- Travel records togetherFlight bookings, hotel receipts
- Utility bills in both namesElectricity, water, gas, phone showing shared address
- Mail to shared addressMultiple months showing both partners
- Joint bank account or credit card statementsShowing shared finances
- Valid passportFor both applicant and supporting partner
- Full birth certificateOriginal or certified copy
- Medical exam resultsFrom approved doctor
- Police clearanceFrom every country lived in 12+ months (past 10 years)
- INZ 1178 Support FormSigned by supporting partner (New Zealand resident/citizen)
- Proof of New Zealand citizenship or residenceFor supporting partner
- Birth certificates for childrenIf bringing children under 24
- Medical exam for childrenIf children under 17
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.