Must partners be married to qualify for Family visas?

Immigration New Zealand doesn’t require couples be married for them to be eligible for a residency or work visa as the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident. Eligible partners include husbands, wives, de facto and civil union partners of a New Zealand citizen or permanent residents.

Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents may be issued with a work visa if they provide documentary evidence demonstrating to an immigration officer that:

• They are living together with that partner in a genuine and stable partnership at the time of making their application
• The New Zealand partner intends to be in New Zealand for the same period of time applied for by the applicant; and
• The New Zealand partner supports the application.

In addition to the above requirements, residence applicants also need to demonstrate they have been living with their New Zealand citizen or resident partner for at least one year at the time the application is made.

Visa eligibility and approval depends on the applicant's individual circumstances.

Get help with your New Zealand visa.