The New Zealand Spouse Visa is an important pathway for partners of New Zealand citizens, residents, or eligible work and student visa holders to live together in New Zealand. It allows couples to stay legally in the country, with the possibility of work rights and, in some cases, a path to residency. This comprehensive guide is designed to give you a complete understanding of the spouse visa process. It explains the different types of partnership-based visas available, eligibility requirements, the application steps, supporting documents needed, and what Immigration New Zealand looks for when assessing genuine relationships.
Every section of this blog has been carefully prepared under the guidance of a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), ensuring that all information is accurate, practical, and aligned with current immigration policies. Whether you are applying for the first time or looking to renew or change your current visa, this guide will help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Types of New Zealand Spouse Visas
To help you clearly understand your options, this guide will cover all the key partnership-based visa categories available under New Zealand immigration policies. Each type of visa serves a different purpose depending on your partner’s status in New Zealand and your intended length of stay or activities while in the country. In the following sections, we’ll provide detailed information about each of the following visa types:
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
- Partner of a Student Work Visa
- Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa enables the partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to live together in New Zealand permanently. This visa not only allows couples to reside legally in the country but also offers work rights and, eventually, a pathway to permanent residency.
- Visa Cost: From NZD 5,360
- New Zealander Partner Visa Processing Time: 80% of applications are processed within 7 months
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you and your partner must have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months at the time of application. If your partner is a New Zealand resident due to Australian citizenship or residency, they must be living in New Zealand. If you have been living with your New Zealand citizen partner overseas for 5 years or more, you may be eligible for a permanent resident visa, provided your partner is currently overseas or has returned to New Zealand within the last 3 months.
New Zealand Spouse Visa Requirements and Documents 2025
- Identity: Valid passport, full birth certificate, and acceptable photographs.
- Health: A chest x-ray and medical examination to confirm good health. Character: Police clearance certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Partner’s Immigration Status: Your partner must provide proof of their New Zealand citizenship or residency. Proof of Living Together: Documentation such as joint bills, tenancy agreements, photographs, and communication history to demonstrate at least 12 months of cohabitation.
- Partner’s Character: Your partner must not have any convictions for domestic violence or sexual offences and must provide police certificates for countries lived in for 12 months or more.
- Support Form: Your partner must complete the Partnership Support Form for Residence and meet eligibility to sponsor the application.
This visa offers a pathway to settle in New Zealand and build a future with your partner. With thorough documentation and a strong relationship, applicants can take confident steps toward residency.
Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
The Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa allows you to join your partner in New Zealand and stay for up to three years, depending on how long you’ve lived together. While this visa does not allow you to work, it gives you the chance to spend quality time with your partner, explore the country, and even study for up to three months. It’s a great starting point for couples who are not yet ready to apply for residency or who want to live together before taking the next step.
- New Zealand Partner Visa Cost: From NZD 341
- New Zealander Partner Visa Processing Time: 80% of applications are processed within 9 weeks
- Length of Stay: Up to 3 years (depending on how long you’ve lived together)
If you and your partner have lived together for less than 12 months, you’ll likely receive a visa for 1 year, with the option to apply for further visas. If you’ve already lived together for 12 months or more, you may be granted the full 3-year stay.
Requirements and Documents
- Identity: Valid passport and acceptable photos.
- Health: You may need to provide medical certificates or a chest X-ray, depending on your stay. Character: Police clearance certificates if you plan to stay in New Zealand for 24 months or more.
- Relationship Proof: Evidence showing your relationship is genuine and stable (e.g., joint bills, photos, messages, shared finances).
- Partner’s Eligibility: Your partner must be a New Zealand citizen or resident and complete a Partnership Support Form. Funds or Sponsorship: Proof you can support yourself or have an acceptable sponsor. Onward Travel: A return ticket or evidence of funds to buy one.
This visa is perfect for couples who want to be together in New Zealand temporarily before committing to long-term residency. It’s flexible, straightforward, and a great way to build your life together step by step.
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
The Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa gives you the opportunity to live and work in New Zealand if your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident. This visa is perfect for couples who want to be together and also have the freedom to work full-time. You can stay for up to 3 years, depending on how long you’ve lived with your partner.
- New Zealand Partner Visa Cost: From NZD 1,630
- New Zealander Partner Visa Processing Time: 80% of applications processed within 7.5 weeks
- Length of Stay: Up to 3 years
- Work Rights: Full-time work allowed
- Study Option: Can study for up to 3 months
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for this visa, you must be in a genuine and stable relationship with your New Zealand partner and be living together at the time of application. If you have lived together for less than 12 months, you’ll likely get a 1-year visa, but you can apply to extend up to 3 years in total. If you’ve lived together for 12 months or more, you may be granted the full 3-year visa.
New Zealand Spouse Visa Requirements and Documents
- Identity: A valid passport and acceptable photographs. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
- Health: A chest X-ray or medical exam may be required, especially if staying longer than 12 months. Character: Police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
- Relationship Proof: Show your relationship is genuine with evidence like joint bills, photos, communication history, shared rental agreements, or bank accounts.
- Partner’s Status: Your partner must prove New Zealand citizenship or residency (passport, birth certificate, or citizenship certificate). Partner’s Support: They must fill out a Partnership Support Form (INZ 1146) and be eligible to support a residence visa within 12 months.
- Funds or Sponsorship: You must show you can support yourself financially or have a sponsor. This includes bank statements, salary slips, or a sponsorship form.
This visa gives couples flexibility and a strong foundation for building their life in New Zealand together. With proper documents and genuine intent, you can confidently apply and enjoy life alongside your partner.
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
The Partner of a Worker Work Visa lets you live in New Zealand while your partner is working there on a valid work visa. This visa gives you the freedom to work for any employer and explore life in New Zealand alongside your partner. It’s a great option if you’re not quite ready for residency but want to be with your partner and live together for the length of their visa.
- New Zealand Partner Visa Cost: From NZD 1,630
- Processing Time: 80% of applications processed within 6 weeks
- Length of Stay: Same duration as your partner’s work visa
- Work Rights: Full-time, open work rights
- Study Option: You can study for up to 3 months
New Zealand Spouse Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must be in a genuine, stable relationship with your partner, and you must be living together when you apply. Immigration New Zealand will look for proof of your relationship through documents like photos, shared rental agreements, joint finances, and communication history. Your partner must also hold a qualifying work visa such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or an Essential Skills Work Visa (with wage conditions met).
Supporting Documents:
- Valid passport and acceptable photos
- Proof of good health (X-ray or medical exam if staying longer than 12 months). Police certificates if staying over 24 months
- Evidence of your relationship and cohabitation. Partnership Support Form (INZ 1146) completed by your partner
- Proof of your partner’s visa and character requirements. Proof of funds or sponsorship (if requested). Evidence of onward travel like a return ticket or sufficient funds
This visa is a great stepping stone to living and working in New Zealand as a couple. It gives you time to build a future together, while also gaining valuable work experience in the country.
Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
The Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa is a great way for couples to stay together while one partner works in New Zealand. If your partner holds an eligible New Zealand work visa, this visitor visa allows you to live with them, explore the country, and experience daily life in New Zealand without needing to work yourself.
- Stay Duration: Same as your partner’s work visa
- New Zealand Partner Visa Cost: From NZD 341
- Processing Time: 80% of applications processed within 9 weeks
- Study: You can study for up to 3 months
- Work: Not permitted on this visa
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you must be in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner, and you must be living together at the time of application. Your partner must hold a qualifying work visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Essential Skills Work Visa, or other eligible types. However, if your partner is on a Working Holiday Visa, RSE Visa, or some temporary work visas, they may not be able to support your application.
Documents and Requirements
- Identity: Valid passport and acceptable photographs. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand.
- Health: A chest X-ray or medical certificate may be required, depending on your length of stay and travel history. Character: Police clearance certificates are required if your total stay in New Zealand (including past visits) exceeds 24 months.
- Relationship Proof: Evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable. This can include shared bills, rental agreements, joint bank accounts, photos together, communication history, and statements from friends or family.
- Partner’s Status: Proof that your partner holds a valid work visa and meets character requirements. Your partner must not have convictions related to domestic violence or sexual offences. Support Form: Your partner must complete the ‘Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry’ (INZ 1146).
- Funds or Sponsorship: You must show proof of sufficient funds (NZD 1,000 per month, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid) or have a sponsor who meets Immigration New Zealand’s financial criteria. Onward Travel: You must have a return ticket or show evidence of sufficient funds to purchase one.
This visa is ideal for couples who want to live together in New Zealand without work commitments. It offers the opportunity to build your relationship while staying close and exploring the lifestyle the country has to offer. With accurate documentation and a genuine relationship, your chances of success are high.
Partner of a Student Work Visa
The Partner of a Student Work Visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand while your partner is studying an eligible course. If your partner is enrolled in a Level 9 or 10 qualification (Master’s or PhD), or a Level 7 or 8 qualification that’s related to skills needed in New Zealand (like those listed on the Green List or Post Study Work Visa list), you may be eligible for this visa.
- New Zealand Partner Visa Cost: From NZD 1,630
- Processing Time: 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks
- Length of Stay: Same as your partner’s student visa
- Work Rights: Full-time work allowed
- Study Option: You can study for up to 3 months
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this visa, you must:
- Be in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner
- Be living together at the time of applying
- Have a partner who holds a valid New Zealand Student Visa and is studying an eligible course
Documents and Requirements
- Identity: Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand), Acceptable passport-sized photographs
- Health: A chest X-ray or medical exam may be required if staying longer than 12 months. You’ll be notified if health checks are needed during processing. Character: If you’re 17 or older and plan to stay for more than 24 months, you must provide police clearance certificates. Certificates must be from your home country and any country where you’ve lived for over 5 years since age 17
- Relationship Proof: Show your relationship is real and stable through documents like joint bank accounts, shared rent agreements, photos, messages, or social media interactions. Include how long you’ve been together and how long you’ve lived together
- Partner’s Eligibility: Your partner must be studying an approved Level 7, 8, 9, or 10 qualification. They must complete the INZ 1146 Partnership Support Form.
- Financial Support: You must show you have at least NZD 4,200 for your stay. This can be proven through bank statements, credit card limits, or a sponsorship.
This visa is a great way to support your partner while gaining valuable work experience in New Zealand. It’s ideal for couples planning a future together, especially if one is studying towards a qualification that benefits the country.
Partner of a Student Visitor Visa
The Partner of a Student Visitor Visa lets you join your partner in New Zealand while they are studying on a valid student visa. It’s a great option for couples who want to stay together during their partner’s study period. While this visa does not allow you to work, you can stay in New Zealand for the same length as your partner’s student visa and even study short courses for up to 3 months.
- New Zealand Partner Visa Cost: From NZD 341
- Processing Time: 80% of applications are processed within 9 weeks
- Length of Stay: Same duration as your partner’s student visa
- Work Rights: Not allowed to work
- Study Option: You can study for up to 3 months
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this visa, you must be in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner. You need to be living together at the time of application, and your partner must be in New Zealand on a valid student visa. You can apply for this visa at the same time your partner applies for theirs, but yours will only be approved after theirs is granted.
Documents and Requirements
- Identity: A valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand) and acceptable photographs (1 if applying online, 2 for paper applications).
- Health: You may be asked to undergo a chest X-ray or medical exam depending on how long you’re staying and your travel history. Character: If you are 17 or older and plan to stay for more than 24 months, you must provide police clearance certificates from your home country and any country where you’ve lived for 5+ years since turning 17.
- Relationship Proof: You must show your relationship is genuine and stable with documents like joint bills, shared rental agreements, messages, photos, or statements from friends or family. Partner’s Eligibility: Your partner must hold a valid New Zealand student visa and complete the INZ 1146 Partnership Support Form.
- Genuine Intentions: Immigration New Zealand will assess whether you truly intend to stay temporarily and follow the rules of your visa.
This visa is a great way for couples to stay connected during their studies. With genuine documents and a strong relationship, you can enjoy New Zealand together while your partner pursues their education.
Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Refusal
Even with all the right intentions, some spouse visa applications get refused. The most common reason is not enough evidence to prove your relationship is genuine and stable. Immigration New Zealand needs to see that you and your partner are truly living together and supporting each other emotionally and financially. Missing or unclear documents, such as not including photos, messages, joint bills, or rental agreements, can also lead to delays or rejections. Another common issue is if your partner has criminal convictions, especially for domestic violence or sexual offences, or if they are not eligible to support your visa. Health and character concerns, like missing police certificates or medical checks, can also cause problems.
Important Tips for a Fast, Successful Application
To avoid refusal and speed up your visa approval, always provide complete and clear documents. Make sure your relationship history is well explained, and include plenty of proof that shows you live together and share responsibilities. Fill out all forms correctly, especially the INZ 1146 Partnership Support Form. Double-check that your partner’s visa and character documents are valid. It’s also a good idea to apply online, as this can help process your application faster. Most importantly, stay honest and consistent with your information. A strong, well-prepared application gives you the best chance of success.
How West Highlander Immigration can Help?
Applying for a New Zealand spouse visa in 2025 can be easy if you follow the right steps and meet all the visa requirements. Whether your partner is a student, worker, or resident in New Zealand, there are different visa options available to help you live together. For expert support, you can trust West Highlander Immigration, a reputed consultancy in Chandigarh. Ms. Parwinder Kaur, one of the directors of West Highlander, is a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), New Zealand Government. Her license number is 201002008. With 19 years of experience in helping clients with New Zealand visas, she can guide you with the right visa option, help you with your documents, and make the process smooth and stress-free.