Kia ora! If you’re in love with someone who is a native of New Zealand and dreams of living together in the country then in this guide we will help you learn how to apply step-by-step process so that you can navigate your journey to bloom your life with your loved ones..
Let’s make this journey as simple as possible for you!
What Is the Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa?
This visa is a golden ticket to live permanently in New Zealand with your partner. Whether you’re married, in a civil union, or a committed relationship, this visa allows you to:
✅ Live, work, and study in NZ without restrictions.
✅ Access healthcare and education just like a local.
✅ Apply for NZ citizenship later (after meeting residency requirements).
Real-Life Example:
Maria (from Brazil) applied for this visa after living with her Kiwi partner for 2 years. She included photos, joint bills, and letters from friends—now she’s happily settled in Wellington!
🔍 Am I Eligible? Let’s Find Out!
Check if you meet these must-have criteria before applying for the visa:
1. Genuine & Stable Relationship
You must prove your relationship is real, exclusive, and likely to last. Immigration NZ looks for:
- Living together (at least 12 months for de facto couples).
- Shared finances (joint bank accounts, bills, or property).
- Social recognition (photos together, testimonials from friends/family).
2. Your Partner’s Status
Your partner must be either:
✔ A NZ citizen (with a valid passport).
✔ A NZ resident (holding a permanent resident visa).
✔ An eligible Australian citizen (under special Trans-Tasman agreements).
3. Health & Character Requirements
- Medical check-up (if you plan to stay longer than 24 months).
- Police certificates from every country you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years.
💡 Pro Tip: If your relationship is newer than 12 months, consider the Partner Work Visa first!
📋 How Does Immigration NZ Assess My Application?
The authority will review your application based on four key pillars:
| Factor | What They Look For | How to Prove It |
|---|---|---|
| Credibility | Is your relationship real? | Photos, travel tickets, chat logs |
| Living Together | Do you share a life? | Lease agreements, utility bills |
| Financial Ties | Do you support each other? | Joint bank accounts, shared expenses |
| Future Plans | Are you committed long-term? | Statements from family, future plans (e.g., buying a house) |
Case Study:
James (from the UK) and his Kiwi partner, Liam, submitted screenshots of their daily chats, joint gym membership, and a letter from Liam’s parents. The authority approved their visa in eight months.
🚀 Step-by-Step Application Walk through
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Use Immigration NZ’s online tool to confirm you qualify.
Step 2: Gather Documents
📌 Essential Documents Checklist:
| Category | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Identity | Passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if married) |
| Relationship Proof | Joint bills, photos, flight tickets, social media posts |
| Health & Character | Medical exam (if required), police clearance |
| Partner’s Status | NZ passport/residency proof |
Step 3: Fill Out the Form (INZ 1178)
- Available online or in a paper form.
- Double-check for errors—mistakes can cause delays!
Step 4: Pay the Fee
- Online application: NZD 2,120
- Paper application: NZD 2,160
Step 5: Submit & Wait
Processing takes ~10 months for most applications.
Step 6: Receive Your Visa!
🎉 time to celebrate—you’re officially a NZ resident!
💰 Costs & Processing Time (What to Expect)
| Expense | Estimated Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | $2,120 (online) / $2,160 (paper) |
| Medical Check | $300–$500 |
| Police Certificate | $50–$150 |
⏳ Processing Time:
- Standard: 10 months (90% of cases).
- Complex cases: Up to 15 months (if extra checks are needed).
💸 Budget Tip: Apply online to save $40!
🏡 Do I Need to Show Funds?
Unlike work or student visas, there’s no fixed financial requirement. However, you should prove you and your partner can support yourselves.
Ways to Show Financial Stability:
✔ Job offer or employment letter (if you have one).
✔ Bank statements (showing savings).
✔ Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or owned property).
🌟 Perks of This Visa
✔ Live permanently in NZ’s breathtaking landscapes.
✔ Work freely—no restrictions on jobs.
✔ Study at NZ universities (with domestic fee options).
✔ Access public healthcare (after meeting residency rules).
⚠️ Potential Challenges
❌ relationship must be genuine—fraudulent applications lead to bans.
❌ Long processing times—patience is key!
❌ visa affected if the relationship ends (before gaining permanent residency).
📞 Need Help?
🌐 Trusted Immigration Consultancy Website: VisasAbroad.com
📞 Call at: +91 99990744666
📧 Email Support: info@VisasAbroad.com
Or visit the official website: NZ Immigration – Partner Visa
📑 Sample Documents & Formatting Tips
- Statutory Declaration (INZ 1196) – A must for relationship proof.
- Photos & Chat Logs – Add dates and captions (e.g., “Trip to Queenstown, Jan 2023”).
- Joint Bills – Must show both names (e.g., electricity, internet).
📥 Download sample Statutory Declaration here.
❓ FAQs – Quick Answers
Q: Can I apply if we’re not married but have lived together for 5 years?
✅ Yes! De facto couples qualify after 12+ months of living together.
Q: What if my visa is declined?
🔄 You can appeal or reapply with more substantial evidence.
Q: Can my children come with me?
👶 Yes! You can include your children under the age of twenty-four years.
💡 Expert Tips for Success
✔ Start early—gather documents over time.
✔ Be thorough—more evidence = higher approval chances.
✔ Seek advice if your case is complex (e.g., previous visa rejections).
Final Words of Encouragement
Thousands of couples successfully move to NZ each year—you can too! Follow this guide, stay organized, and soon you’ll be starting your new Kiwi life.
Got questions? Drop them below or visit NZ Immigration’s site. Wishing you all the best! 🌈🇳🇿
🔗 Useful Links: