Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Residence for the partner of a NZ citizen or resident, with a 2-year pathway to permanent residence.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
People in a genuine and stable relationship of at least 12 months with a New Zealand citizen or resident who will sponsor and support the application.
Eligibility requirements
- Have a partner who is a NZ citizen or resident and supports the application via a Partnership Support Form
- Be living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months when you apply
- Be of good health and good character
- Dependent children can be included if aged 24 or younger, single and financially dependent
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
If the partner is a NZ citizen and the couple has lived together overseas for 5+ years, INZ may grant a Permanent Resident Visa directly. A sponsor cannot have supported more than one successful partnership-based residence application, with limits within 5 years.
Other New Zealand routes
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
TemporaryOpen work visa for the partner of a NZ citizen or resident, up to 3 years.
Dependent Child Resident Visa
PermanentResidence for the dependent child of a NZ citizen or resident parent.
Parent Resident Visa
PermanentSponsorship-based residence for parents of adult New Zealanders, allocated by queue and ballot.
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
PermanentInvestment-based residence for parents of adult New Zealanders with NZD $1 million to invest.