Planning to join your partner in New Zealand? Whether you are married or in a live-in (de facto) relationship, you may be eligible for a New Zealand partner visa. This visa allows the spouse or partner of a New Zealand citizen, resident, or eligible visa holder to live in New Zealand. Depending on your partner’s visa type, you may also be able to work or study while staying with them. The New Zealand spouse visa is for genuine couples who want to stay together in New Zealand. To apply, you must prove your relationship is real, stable, and ongoing. Immigration New Zealand accepts both legally married and de facto partners for this visa. However, showing strong evidence of your relationship is very important for success. In this blog, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the New Zealand spouse visa, including types of partner visas, who can apply, what documents are needed, how to apply, work and study rights, common rejection reasons, and how expert help can make a difference.
This blog is written under the expert guidance of Licensed Immigration Adviser Ms. Parwinder Kaur from West Highlander Immigration, Chandigarh.
What is a New Zealand Spouse Visa?
A New Zealand spouse visa, technically a partnership visa, allows the partner or spouse of a New Zealand citizen, resident, or visa holder to live, sometimes indefinitely, in New Zealand. It includes both married couples and those in a genuine de facto (live-in) relationship. The partner must have a genuine, stable relationship with their sponsor. Immigration New Zealand requires evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared bills, photos, and communication records to show the couple’s stable life together. Depending on the sponsor’s visa status, applicants may be eligible for different categories: resident, work, or visitor visas. For example, the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa allows indefinite stay, work, and study, and often leads to permanent residency after two years. If the sponsor holds a work or student visa, the partner can apply for a corresponding dependent visa New Zealand, allowing them to work or study, or stay temporarily as a visitor. In all cases, applicants must meet health and character requirements. The flexibility of the spouse visa means partners can live together, study, and work in New Zealand, based entirely on their relationship and the sponsor’s visa type.
Types of New Zealand Spouse Visas
New Zealand offers different types of spouse visas depending on your partner’s immigration status. These visas are officially called New Zealand partner visas, and they allow you to live in New Zealand with your husband, wife, or partner. Whether you are married or in a genuine de facto (live-in) relationship, you may qualify for one of the following:
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: This visa is for people whose partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident. It allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand. If your relationship is long-term (2+ years), you may even be granted residence directly.
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa: If you’re in a genuine relationship but not ready to apply for residence, this visa allows you to stay in New Zealand temporarily and spend time with your partner.
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa: This visa allows you to work in New Zealand if your New Zealand citizen or resident partner supports your application.
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa: If your partner is in New Zealand on a work visa, you may apply for this visa to live and work here.
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa: This visa allows you to join your partner in New Zealand temporarily, but does not give work rights.
- Partner of a Student Work Visa: If your partner is studying a level 9 or Green List qualification, you may be eligible to work full-time.
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa: This lets you live with your student partner in New Zealand, but you cannot work.
Each New Zealand spouse visa has different rights, so choosing the correct type is very important.
Who can apply for De Facto? (Eligibility Criteria)
To qualify for a New Zealand partner visa or New Zealand spouse visa, you must be either legally married or in a genuine de facto (live‑in) relationship. You and your partner must both be over 18 (or aged 16–17 with parental consent). For most partner visas, especially the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa immigration requires you to have lived together in a stable relationship for at least 12 months before applying. Your relationship must be both genuine and stable. Immigration New Zealand checks your shared life such as joint finances, shared assets, decisions together, leisure activities, and public recognition of your partnership. You’ll need to provide evidence like joint bank statements, utility bills, rental agreements, photographs, communication.
Both partners must meet health and character requirements. This means providing medical certificates (including chest X-rays if needed) and police clearance certificates. Your sponsoring partner must also be eligible; they cannot have supported more than one partner visa in the past five years, and must be a New Zealand citizen or resident with good character. Meeting all these criteria, a marriage or de facto relationship, shared living for 12 months, genuine partnership evidence, and health/character checks, will give you a strong foundation to apply for a dependent visa in New Zealand under the partner category.
Documents Required to Prove Relationship for De Facto Visa
To apply for a New Zealand partner visa or New Zealand spouse visa, it’s very important to show Immigration New Zealand that your relationship is real and stable. You will need to submit strong and clear documents as proof. Below are the main documents you should prepare:
- Proof of Living Together: You must show that you and your partner have been living together. This can include joint rental agreements, utility bills in both names (like electricity or internet), or official letters showing the same residential address. These documents are very important for both married and de facto partners applying for a dependent visa New Zealand.
- Joint Financial Documents: You should include evidence of shared finances. This includes joint bank account statements, shared savings, or any financial transactions between the two of you. These show that you are managing your life together as a couple.
- Communication and Social Proof: Photos together from different times and places, social media screenshots, call logs, emails, and messages help prove a real relationship. Travel tickets taken together or hotel bookings can also help.
- Letters from Friends and Family: You can submit letters from friends, family, or community members confirming they know about your relationship and consider it genuine. This adds strong personal support.
- Identity and Immigration Status Documents: You will also need to submit your and your partner’s passport copies, visa details, and evidence of your partner’s immigration status in New Zealand.
These documents together will make your New Zealand spouse visa application stronger and more genuine.
How to Apply for a De Facto Visa?
Applying for a New Zealand partner visa is an online process handled through the Immigration New Zealand website. The first step is to create a RealMe login, which gives you access to the official visa application system. Once logged in, you need to choose the correct visa category based on your partner’s immigration status, for example, whether they are a New Zealand citizen, resident, worker, or student. Next, fill out the application form carefully and upload all the required documents. These include identity documents, relationship proof, health and character certificates, and documents showing your partner’s immigration status. You must also upload a completed sponsorship form signed by your partner.
After uploading all the documents, you will need to pay the visa application fee online. Once the application is submitted, Immigration New Zealand will begin processing it. The average processing time can vary depending on the visa type and your individual case, but it usually takes between 3 to 7 months. It’s very important to make sure all information is accurate and complete. Any missing or unclear documents can delay your New Zealand partner visa decision. Always double-check everything before submitting your application.
West Highlander Immigration
West Highlander Immigration is a trusted study abroad and visa consultancy based in Chandigarh. With over 19 years of experience, the company has helped many students and partners successfully apply for New Zealand visas. It operates under the expert guidance of Licensed Immigration Adviser Ms. Parwinder Kaur, who is officially licensed to give New Zealand immigration advice. West Highlander offers complete services including profile assessment, documentation help, and visa application support. If you are planning to apply for a New Zealand partner visa or New Zealand spouse visa, West Highlander can guide you step-by-step.