Hey there, future Kiwi! πΏ If you’re preparing to join a family or a partner in New Zealand, we get it – immigration forms and requirements can feel about as confusing as rugby rules on your first watch. But take a deep breath (that fresh NZ air will be yours soon!) because we’re here to guide you through in simple, easy steps.
Is This Guide for You?
Let’s check:
- π Are you the spouse of a New Zealand citizen or resident?
- πΆ Do you have a child (under 24) moving with you?
- π΅π΄ Are you a parent joining your NZ-based children?
- π©π» Are you the partner of someone on a work visa?
If you nodded to any of these, you’re in precisely the right place!
“When my wife got her resident visa, I thought joining her would be a paperwork nightmare. Turns out, with the right guidance, it was more straightforward than assembling IKEA furniture!” – Raj moved from Bangalore to Christchurch.
Your Visa Options
We’ve created this easy comparison to understand better and simpler:
π― Partnership Resident Visa
For: Couples (married or de facto)
Need: Proof your relationship is genuine (think photos, shared bills, love letters)
Wait time: About 10 months
Bonus: You can work straight away!
πΆ Dependent Child Visa
For: Kids under 24 who rely on you financially
Need: Birth certificates and Proof of dependence
Wait time: Around 6 months
π΅ Parent Resident Visa
For: Parents of NZ citizens/residents
Need: Your child meets income requirements
Wait time: 12+ months
πΌ Work Visa Partner Visa
For: Partners of work visa holders
Need: Your partner’s visa details
Wait time: Approximately 3 months
Your Essential To-Do List
Let’s break this down into manageable chunks:
1. Relationship Proof (For Partners)
- πΈ Photos of you two together over time (bonus points for terrible fashion in old pics)
- π Shared bills or lease agreements
- π± Screenshots of your chat history (yes, all those “what’s for dinner?” texts count)
2. Money Matters
- π° Bank statements showing you can support yourselves
- π΅ Proof of income if required (payslips or tax returns)
3. Health & Background Checks
- π₯ Medical exam (from approved doctors)
- π Police certificates from countries you’ve lived in
Step-by-Step Process to Get Subsequent Resident Visa
π± Step 1: Check Your Eligibility (5 Minutes)
First, ask yourself:
β Am I the partner, child, or parent of a NZ citizen/resident?
β Does my family member meet sponsorship requirements?
β Can I pass health and character checks?
π Step 2: Gather Your Documents (1-4 Weeks)
Relationship Evidence (For Partners)
- πΈ Photos together (from dating to present)
- π Shared bills/leases (power bills count as romance!)
- π± Screenshots of regular communication
Financial Proof
- π° Bank statements
- π¦ Sponsorship forms (if being financially supported)
Personal Documents
- π₯ Medical exam results
- π Police certificates from all countries lived in
π» Step 3: Submit Your Application (1-2 Days)
Online is easiest! You’ll:
- Create a RealMe account
- Complete the application form
- Upload all documents
- Pay the fee (NZD 2,160 for most resident visas)
Pro Tip: Double-check everything before submitting
β³ Step 4: The Waiting Game (3-24 Months)
Here’s what happens behind the scenes:
Month 1-2:
- You’ll get confirmation
- Your documents get checked
Month 3-6:
- A case officer gets assigned
- They might request more info
Month 6+:
- Final review
- Decision time!
π Step 5: Visa Approval!
When approved, you’ll:
π© Get an approval letter
π Receive visa conditions
π Learn your “first entry before” date
Time to celebrate! Many newcomers mark the occasion with the following:
- A traditional MΔori hangi feast
- Buying matching NZ-themed pyjamas
- Creating a countdown to moving day
π¬ Step 6: Moving to NZ
Before you fly:
βοΈ Book your one-way ticket
π Arrange temporary accommodation
π¦ Start shipping belongings
First week in NZ:
π‘ Find long-term housing
π₯ Register with a doctor
π± Get a local SIM card
π Step 7: Next Steps After Arrival
Within your first month:
- Apply for an IRD number (for taxes)
- Open a NZ bank account
- Explore public transport options
- Join local community groups.
π Your Stress-Free Document Checklist
| Category | What You Need |
| Core Documents | – Passport (valid for 3+ months) – Birth certificate – Police certificates (all countries lived 12+ months) |
| Relationship Proof | For partners: – Marriage/civil union cert – 2+ years relationship evidence (photos, chats, joint bills) For dependents: – Birth certificates – Proof of financial dependence |
| Sponsorβs Papers | – Sponsorβs NZ passport/residency proof – Their employment/income evidence – Accommodation details |
| Health Records | – Completed medical exam (from approved doctor) – Chest X-ray (if required) – Vaccination records (optional but recommended) |
| Financial Evidence | – Bank statements (3-6 months) – Employment agreement (if working) – Sponsorship form (INZ 1024) |
| NZ Connection | – Proof of previous NZ visas – Current NZ address (utility bill/lease) – Childrenβs school records (if applicable) |
π° NZ Resident Visa Costs
| Fee Type | Amount (NZD) | Who Pays? |
| Main Application | $2,160 | Primary applicant |
| Partner Included | +$1,350 | Couples applying together |
| Per Child (Under 16) | +$1,125 | Parents with dependent kids |
| Medical Exam | $300-$500 | Everyone (varies by country) |
| Police Certificates | $50-$150 per country | Applicants 17+ |
| Courier/Translation | $100-$300 | If needed |
Your Action Plan
- Take the online eligibility quiz – 5 minutes that could save you hours
- Start document collection – Begin with the easy stuff to build momentum
- Consider professional help – If your situation is complex
- Join Kiwi community groups – For support and insider tips
πΏ Benefits of NZ Resident Visa at a Glance
| Category | What You Get |
| Living Freedom | – Stay indefinitely – Sponsor family members – No more visa renewals |
| Work Rights | – Take any job – Start businesses freely – No employer restrictions |
| Healthcare | – $5 prescriptions – Subsidized doctor visits – Free emergency care |
| Education | – Domestic uni fees (~$7,000/yr vs $30,000) – Free public schools |
| Property | – Buy homes without restrictions – Access to first-home grants |
| Travel | – Visa-free access to 180+ countries – Live/work in Australia freely |
| Future Security | – Pathway to citizenship (5 years) – Retirement benefits – Unemployment cover |
π§ Limitations – You Should Know
1. “Permanent” Doesn’t Always Mean Forever
πΉ Travel Conditions Expire: Your initial resident visa comes with travel conditions (usually 2 years). If you leave New Zealand after they expire, you can’t return as a resident.
πΉ What This Means For You:
- Must visit NZ before conditions expire to keep status
- Need to apply for Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) later
“We almost got caught out when my mum’s travel conditions expired while she was visiting us in Australia!” – Jenny, Auckland.
2. Work Rights Aren’t Always Automatic
While most resident visas include work rights:
β οΈ Some parent visas restrict employment
β οΈ Dependent children over 18 may need separate work visas
3. The Dreaded “First Entry” Deadline
ποΈ You typically must enter NZ within:
- 3-6 months of visa approval (varies by visa)
π Relationship Visa Pitfalls
Even after getting residency:
πΈ Must continue living together with sponsor
πΈ Separation can jeopardize your status
The 5-Year Sponsorship Freeze
If your relationship ends within 5 years:
β You can’t sponsor another partner
β Your ex can’t sponsor anyone else
π΅ Parent Visa Challenges
The Income Trap
Your NZ child must earn:
π° $90,000/year to sponsor one parent
π° $120,000/year for two parents
πΆ Child Visa Limitations
Applications get rejected if the child:
β Turns 24 during processing
π Gets married/enters civil union
π Switching Visas? Not So Fast!
πΈ Can’t usually switch from temporary to resident visa in NZ
πΈ Must often apply from your home country
Remember: Thousands of people successfully make this move every year. With some preparation and patience, you’ll soon be hiking NZ’s beautiful trails, complaining about the weather like a local, and maybe even developing a taste for Vegemite (no promises on that last one!).