Who can apply?

To be eligible, you must be:

• In a genuine and stable relationship with a NZ citizen or resident
• Living together (or have previously lived together) for a reasonable period
• Able to prove your relationship with strong supporting evidence
• Meeting standard health and character requirements

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

What does “genuine and stable” mean?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) defines a genuine and stable relationship as one that is:

• Real (not just for visa purposes)
• Ongoing and exclusive
• Emotionally and financially supportive
• Built around shared life plans

You’ll need to demonstrate these points through your documents, communications, living arrangements, and lifestyle as a couple.

Do you have to live together?

Yes, this is a key requirement. INZ expects that you and your partner have lived together for a meaningful amount of time. There’s no official minimum period, but generally:

• For a temporary visa, living together for 3 months or more is often acceptable (this is not an INZ policy requirement, though)
• For a residence visa, you’ll need to show at least 12 months of living together

If you haven’t lived together yet, you may need to start with a different visa to join your partner and begin cohabiting before applying for a full partnership work or residence visa.

What type of 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.

Can you work on this visa?

Yes, one of the biggest advantages of the Partner of a New Zealander temporary visa is that it’s usually an open work visa. That means:

• You can work full-time in any role, for any employer
• No job offer is needed when applying

This gives you the flexibility to settle in, find work, and contribute to your household while living in New Zealand with your partner.

How long is the visa valid?

• If you’ve been living together for less than 12 months, you’ll likely get a 12-month work visa
• If you’ve lived together for 12 months or more, you may get a 24-month visa and also be eligible to apply for residence at the same time

Note: This is a temporary visa, not a residence visa, but it can lead to residence once you meet the cohabitation threshold.

What if you already lived together overseas?

Living together overseas may count as long as you can prove it. Many couples move to New Zealand after spending time living together abroad. Note that time spent together whilst holidaying may not count if you were maintaining individual residences.

Can you apply from overseas?

Yes, you can apply from outside New Zealand. Your partner must be a NZ citizen or resident who is either:

• Living in New Zealand now
• Intending to return to New Zealand with you (this must be clearly explained and backed up)

What about dependent children?

If you have children together (or from a previous relationship), they may be eligible for:

• Dependent child visitor visas
• Student visas (in some cases, they may be treated as domestic students if you hold a work visa)

Each case is different, so it’s worth getting advice on whether your child qualifies to join you and under what conditions.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting weak or rushed relationship evidence
• Assuming being married is enough, you still need cohabitation proof
• Using a “cut and paste” style application without personalising your story

INZ officers see hundreds of these applications. What makes yours stand out is the genuine detail and clarity in your relationship story.

What happens after the temporary visa?

Once you’ve lived together for 12 months or more, you may be eligible to apply for residence under the Partnership category. The residence process involves:

• Meeting health and character checks again
• Showing continued cohabitation with your NZ partner
• Demonstrating that your relationship remains genuine and stable

Residence processing can take several months, so it’s smart to begin preparing well in advance.

Why choose Visa Matters?

At Visa Matters, we specialise in partnership-based visas. We know how emotional and personal these applications are, and how frustrating it can be to deal with strict documentation rules when your relationship is real.

We help you:

• Understand what INZ is really looking for
• Tell your story clearly and powerfully
• Avoid unnecessary delays or visa refusals
• Get long-term peace of mind about your future in NZ

Whether you’re applying from New Zealand or overseas, we’ve done this dozens of times, and we know what works.

Final thoughts

Living with your New Zealand partner shouldn’t be a legal nightmare. If your relationship is genuine and you’re willing to be open and organised, the Partner of a New Zealander work visa is one of the most supportive categories in New Zealand immigration.

But the details matter, and the way you present your story can make all the difference.

If you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with us today. Because at Visa Matters, every visa — and every relationship — matters.