What is the Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa?

This is a temporary visa for people who are in a genuine relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. It allows you to:

• Live together in New Zealand temporarily
• Study short courses (up to 3 months),
• Travel in and out of New Zealand freely while the visa is valid.

However, this visa does not give you work rights. You can’t take up employment while on this visa — not even part-time or casual jobs. If you want to work, you’ll need to apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa instead.

Who is this visa for?

This visa suits couples who:

• Are in a committed relationship but may not have lived together for long,
• Want to spend time together in New Zealand before applying for a longer-term visa,
• Need more time to gather documents for a partnership work or residence visa,
• Prefer a flexible, low-commitment option while exploring their future together.

It’s commonly used when:

• The New Zealand partner is living in New Zealand and wants their partner to visit or stay for a few months,
• The couple is not yet eligible for residence but wants to stay close,
• The partner overseas doesn’t meet health or character requirements yet for residence.

Types of relationships accepted

Immigration New Zealand accepts three types of relationships:

• Married couples
• Civil union partners
• De facto couples (including same-sex relationships)

If you have lived together only for a short time, you will generally be granted a shorter visa (such as 6 or 12 months) so you can build up your case.

What evidence do you need?

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.

How long is the visa granted for?

The duration depends on how long you’ve lived together and how much evidence you can provide.

Immigration may also offer a shorter visa if they want to reassess your relationship later or ask for more proof down the line.

Can you extend this visa or apply for another visa later?

Yes. Many couples begin on a visitor visa and later move on to:

• A Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa (if you want to work),
• A Partnership Residence Visa (if you’ve lived together in a genuine relationship for 12 months or more).

In fact, this visitor visa can act as a stepping stone. It gives you time to settle in, live together, and collect stronger evidence before applying for something more permanent.

Common mistakes to avoid

Here are some common reasons why this visa might be declined:

• Not enough relationship evidence,
• Conflicting or unclear documents (e.g. different addresses),
• Submitting an incomplete application or forgetting to include the New Zealand partner’s support form.

Don’t rush the process. Take time to prepare a complete, honest, and well-organised application.

When not to apply for this visa

This visa is not the best fit if:

• You want to work in New Zealand (apply for the partner work visa instead),
• You plan to stay long-term and meet residence criteria (go straight for partnership residence),
• You haven’t yet built a strong relationship or met your partner in person (you may need to wait and build your case further).

Final thoughts

The Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa offers a flexible and accessible way for couples to live together in New Zealand, even if they’re not yet eligible for a residence visa.

It’s ideal for couples in newer relationships, for those waiting on paperwork, or for those simply wanting to spend time together without immediately committing to something permanent.

While the requirements may seem simple, don’t take the application lightly. Immigration New Zealand wants to see clear evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable. A thoughtful, well-prepared application is your best chance of success.