Do we have to be married for a NZ partner visa?

No. Marriage, civil union and de facto partnerships can all qualify if the relationship is genuine and stable. Living together is a key factor.

How long must we have lived together?

There is no single universal number across all partner visas; requirements depend on the category. Check the specific visa's rules on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Can my partner on a work visa support me?

In some cases a partner on an eligible temporary visa can support a partner visa. Eligibility depends on their visa and the current rules.

New Zealand partner visa basics

Plain-language guide · New Zealand · general information

What a partner visa covers

New Zealand has partnership-based visas that let the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident (or, in some cases, a person on an eligible temporary visa) come to or stay in New Zealand. Depending on the situation it may be a temporary visa (visitor or work) or a pathway toward residence, so identifying the right category is the first step.

Living together and 'partnership'

A central concept is that you are in a genuine and stable partnership and are living together, or can show why you cannot at the moment. Immigration New Zealand looks at whether the relationship is credible and ongoing, not just its label, so how you evidence day-to-day life together matters.

Evidence that helps

Useful evidence spans your history together, shared accommodation (a joint tenancy, mail to the same address), joint finances or commitments, communication when apart, photos over time, and statements from people who know you both. As elsewhere, a consistent spread over time is more convincing than a burst of documents from one week.

Your partner's status shapes the visa

Whether your partner is a citizen, a resident, or on a temporary visa affects what you can apply for and what it leads to. A partner supporting you must usually meet their own requirements too. Getting the base category right avoids applying for the wrong thing.

Tip: 'living together' is assessed on substance. If you genuinely cannot live together yet, prepare a clear, evidenced explanation rather than leaving a gap unexplained.

Common questions

Do we have to be married for a NZ partner visa?: No. Marriage, civil union and de facto partnerships can all qualify if the relationship is genuine and stable. Living together is a key factor.
How long must we have lived together?: There is no single universal number across all partner visas; requirements depend on the category. Check the specific visa's rules on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Can my partner on a work visa support me?: In some cases a partner on an eligible temporary visa can support a partner visa. Eligibility depends on their visa and the current rules.

The right category depends on your partner's status. Tell the assistant the details for a plain-language starting point.

This guide is general information about New Zealand partnership visas and is not immigration advice. Categories and rules change; confirm current requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website (immigration.govt.nz) or with a Licensed Immigration Adviser or New Zealand lawyer.