Are you dreaming of starting a new chapter with your partner in the stunning landscapes of New Zealand?
If you’re married to a New Zealand resident or citizen, the New Zealand spouse visa could be your ticket to making that dream a reality. In this blog, we’ll talk about the exciting possibilities this partner visa opens up, from living and working together to exploring all that this beautiful country has to offer. Let’s walk you through the options and get you one step closer to a fresh start down under!
What’s the need for a Partnership Visa?
If you’re married to a New Zealand resident or citizen and want to join them, you’ll need a partnership visa. It’s not just about being together – New Zealand has rules in place to ensure that relationships are genuine and long-term before granting residency or work privileges. So, whether you’re planning to live, work, or study, having the right visa is essential to enjoy these freedoms legally.
The partnership visa ensures that couples can live and build their future together while giving the country assurance that the relationship is real. It’s also the first step toward eventually applying for residency. Getting the visa is the key to joining your partner and embracing life in New Zealand together, with opportunities awaiting you both!
Spouse Visas for New Zealand Residents or Citizens
You have two main visa options: the Visitor Visa and the Work Visa.
Both visas are designed to help spouses reunite with their partners and live together in New Zealand, but they come with different provisions. Let’s break them down thoroughly to help you understand which one might be best for your situation and what requirements you need to fulfill.
Spouse of a New Zealand Resident Visitor Visa:
The New Zealand Resident Spouse Visitor Visa is an excellent option for spouses who want to visit New Zealand for a limited time, either to explore the country or spend time with their partner. It is typically granted for shorter stays, making it ideal for couples who want to enjoy their time together without the intention of working.
Duration of Stay
Less than 12 months together: If you and your partner have been living together for less than 12 months, you will receive a visa valid for up to 1 year. However, you can apply for extensions, up to 3 years in total, provided that the relationship remains stable.
12 months or more together: If you have been in a relationship for 12 months or longer, you may be granted a visa that is valid for up to 3 years.
Cost and Processing Time
Cost: The New Zealand Resident Spouse Visitor Visa application starts at 341 NZD.
Processing Time: Generally, 80% of applications are processed within 12 weeks, but processing times can vary depending on individual cases, the completeness of the application, and whether additional documentation is needed.
Study and Travel
Study: The New Zealand Resident Spouse Visitor Visa allows you to study for up to 3 months.
Explore: You can explore New Zealand’s culture, landscapes, and attractions, but you are not allowed to work on a Visitor Visa.
Documentary Requirements for Visitor Visa
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from New Zealand.
- Photos: One photo is required for online applications, or two photos for paper applications, adhering to the specific requirements.
- Proof of Identity: Valid passport or certificate of identity.
- English Translations: If your documents aren’t in English, you will need to provide translations.
- Health and Character Certificates: You may need a medical exam or chest X-ray depending on the length of stay. If you’re staying for less than 6 months, a chest X-ray may not be necessary. Also, your character certificate is needed.
Sponsorship Form
To show that they support your application, your partner must complete a Partnership Support Form. This form confirms that they are financially and legally backing your partner visa application.
Financial Requirements
When applying for a New Zealand spouse visa, you’ll need to prove that you have enough financial support for your stay in the country. The requirement is: NZD $1,000 per month (or NZD $400 if you’ve already prepaid your accommodation). To show you meet these requirements, you can provide documents such as:
- Bank statements, Credit card statements, Evidence of accommodation payments (e.g., hotel receipts or pre-paid bookings)
- If you have a sponsor, they will also need to provide proof of their ability to support you financially.
Spouse of a New Zealand Resident Work Visa:
The New Zealand Resident Spouse Work Visa is designed for individuals who want to live with their partner in New Zealand and work during their stay. This partner visa is particularly suitable if you want to financially contribute, gain work experience, or develop your career in New Zealand.
Duration of Stay
Less than 12 months together: If you and your partner have been living together for less than 12 months, your New Zealand Resident Spouse Work Visa will be granted for 1 year. However, you can apply for extensions to stay up to 3 years.
12 months or more together: If you have been living together for 12 months or more, you will be granted a Work Visa for up to 3 years initially.
Cost and Processing Time
Cost: The Work Visa for spouses starts at 1,630 NZD.
Processing Time: Typically, 80% of applications are processed within 10 weeks, but as with the Visitor Visa, this can vary based on the completeness of the application and any additional documentation required.
Study and Work Opportunities
Work: The major advantage of the Work Visa is that it allows you to work for any employer in New Zealand, which provides more freedom to earn a living and contribute to New Zealand’s workforce.
Study: You can study for up to 3 months while holding a New Zealand Resident Spouse Work Visa, which allows you to improve your qualifications if you choose to.
Documentary Requirements for Work Visa
- Proof of Identity: Like the Visitor Partner Visa, you will need to submit a valid passport.
- Photos: One photo for online applications and two photos for paper applications.
- Health Requirements: Same as your visitor New Zealand spouse visa.
- Character Requirements: You will need to provide a police certificate from any country where you’ve lived for more than 12 months since the age of 17.
Your Partner’s Immigration Status
Your New Zealand resident partner must provide evidence of their New Zealand residency. Acceptable documents include:
- A New Zealand passport.
- A New Zealand birth certificate.
- A certificate of New Zealand citizenship.
Genuine and Stable Relationship
You must provide evidence that you and your partner are in a genuine and stable relationship. This includes proof of how long you’ve been living together, shared responsibilities, financial arrangements, and emotional support (e.g., photos, social media posts, and communication logs).
Financial Support
You must prove that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This can be shown through:
Bank statements, Salary proof from your partner or employer, Evidence of accommodation pre-payment, or sponsorship forms from an acceptable sponsor.
Partner of a New Zealander Visa Process
If you’re applying for a New Zealand Spouse Resident Visa in 2025, there are several important steps you need to follow. Here’s a simplified guide to the process:
Your Partner’s Support for the Application
The first step in applying for a Spouse Resident Visa is for your New Zealand resident partner to fill out a form called the Partnership Support Form. This form is crucial because it shows that your partner supports your application for residency. Submit Your Visa Application Online
Once your partner has completed the Partnership Support Form, you will need to submit your visa application online. At this stage, you’ll need to upload the necessary documents, such as proof of your relationship, identity documents, and your partner’s evidence of residency. You will also need to pay the immigration application fee.
Wait for the Visa Decision
After you submit your application, the next step is to wait for the decision. The processing time for a New Zealand Spouse Resident Visa can take up to 10-12 weeks. This timeline can vary depending on factors like the complexity of your case or how complete your application is.
Apply for Permanent Residency
You can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after coming to New Zealand. This will allow you to stay in New Zealand without any time restrictions.
West Highlander Immigration:
At West Highlander, we provide expert assistance in obtaining New Zealand spouse or partner residency visas. With over 19 years of experience, we guide applicants through every step of the visa process to ensure a high success rate. Led by Ms. Parwinder Kaur, an LIA agent and director, West Highlander is dedicated to helping partners reunite and start their new lives in New Zealand.
If you need expert support with your visa application, reach out to us today! Let us be your trusted partner in making your dream of living in New Zealand with your loved one come true.