Who can apply?

You may be eligible if you are:

• In a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident
• Living together (or have previously lived together) in a shared home
• Able to provide evidence of your relationship and shared life
• Meeting health and character requirements

The visa is open to married couples, civil union partners, and de facto partners, including same-sex couples. Your relationship itself is more important than your legal marital status.

Is living together a requirement?

Yes, absolutely. For the resident visa, INZ typically expects at least 12 months of living together in a genuine and stable relationship. If you haven’t lived together for this long, you might consider a temporary visa first and apply for residence later.

“Living together” means more than visiting each other; it means sharing a household and daily life as a couple.

What kind of evidence should you provide?

Immigration New Zealand takes an evidence-based approach to relationship visas. You’ll need to show that your relationship is genuine and stable. This often means proving that you’ve built a life together. The exact evidence will depend on your situation. We’ll help you understand what’s most persuasive and how to present it in the strongest way.

Can you work or study on this visa?

Yes. This is a resident visa, so you’ll be able to:

• Work full-time in any job or start your own business
• Study full-time or part-time
• Access public healthcare (in most cases)

How long is the visa valid?

The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa grants residence. However, your travel conditions may be limited for the first two years. That means:

• You can live in New Zealand indefinitely
• Your visa allows travel in and out of the country for 2 years
• After 2 years, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa which removes those travel limits

As long as you continue to live in New Zealand or renew your travel conditions before they expire, your resident status remains valid.

What if you lived together overseas?

That may count in some circumstances. You’ll need to prove your cohabitation overseas by providing evidence.

If you were apart for any time due to work or study, you’ll need to show that your relationship continued.

Can you apply from outside New Zealand?

Yes, you can. Your New Zealand partner must either:

• Be living in New Zealand currently, or
• Be clearly planning to return and live with you in New Zealand

If your partner is overseas with you, you’ll need to show a genuine intention to return and settle together in New Zealand.

Common mistakes to avoid

Many people underestimate how closely INZ checks relationship claims. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Weak or inconsistent evidence of living together
• Poorly explained periods of long-distance
• Missing your partner’s proof of NZ citizenship/residency
• Thinking that a marriage certificate alone is enough (it’s not)
• Submitting generic or impersonal application forms

Your application should reflect your story — in your words, with your supporting evidence.

Why choose Visa Matters?

At Visa Matters, we specialise in complex relationship-based immigration cases. We understand how emotional, sensitive, and high-stakes these applications can be.

We’ve helped many clients:

• Understand what INZ is really looking for
• Tailor their application to reflect their real relationship
• Avoid costly mistakes or delays
• Secure their future in New Zealand together

Whether you’re applying from New Zealand or overseas, we can guide you through every step with clarity and care.

Final thoughts

If your relationship is real and your intention is genuine, the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa can be a powerful way to begin your life together in New Zealand. But every detail counts.

Immigration officers aren’t just ticking boxes; they’re assessing whether your relationship is real, long-term, and built on shared life goals. That’s why it pays to present your case clearly, with the right documents and advice.

If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our team. We’re here to support your journey, because at Visa Matters, every visa — and every relationship — matters.