Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
Open work visa for the partner of a NZ citizen or resident, up to 3 years.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
Partners in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident who want to live and work in NZ while building toward residence eligibility.
Eligibility requirements
- Have a NZ citizen or resident partner who can sponsor and support the application
- Be living together in a genuine and stable relationship
- Be of good health and good character with genuine intentions to come to New Zealand
- The supporting partner must not have supported more than one successful partner-based resident visa application in the previous 5 years
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Multiple-entry travel allowed; study up to 3 months per 12-month period. Commonly the precursor to the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa once 12 months of living together is met.
Other New Zealand routes
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
PermanentResidence for the partner of a NZ citizen or resident, with a 2-year pathway to permanent residence.
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.