Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Official name: Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Partners of New Zealand citizens and residents can get residence if they have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months (after both turned 18) and the New Zealand partner supports the application. It costs from NZD $5360. After 2 years in a row on the visa, holders can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. Couples who have lived together overseas for 5 years may be given a Permanent Resident Visa straight away.
Life in New Zealand
Finance
3
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
NZD
New Zealand Dollar
Cost of living
89
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10.5–39%
Income tax (national)
GST 15%
39% applies to income over NZD 180,000; ACC earners' levy is charged in addition.
Living
1
Happiness
#11 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Partners (married, civil union or de facto) of New Zealand citizens and residents.
Eligibility
Partner
Sign in to check this route against your profileThe New Zealand partner is a citizen or resident and supports the application. If they hold residence through an Australian passport or Australian residence, they must live in New Zealand.
Relationship
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou both need to be 18 or older and have lived together in a genuine, stable relationship for at least 12 months when applying.
- The 12 months counts only after both of you turned 18
- You must be living together when you apply
Official wording
Both at least 18, living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months after both turned 18, when applying.
Partner's sponsorship historyNZ partner
Sign in to check this route against your profileYour NZ partner must not have sponsored a partner to a successful resident visa too recently or too often.
Partner's sponsorship limits
- Time window
- 5 years
- Total successful applicationsno more than 1
- 1
Official wording
The New Zealand partner must not have acted as a partner in a successful resident visa application within the past 5 years, or in more than 1 successful application.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 more requirements
- 4 documents
- 1 fee
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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