Are you a New Zealand citizen and are thinking about moving back to New Zealand with your partner?
Whether you’re a Kiwi who’s been living abroad or someone in a relationship with a New Zealander, understanding partnership visas is crucial.
We recently sat down with Charlotte Stockman from NZ Shores Immigration Advisors (a much-loved member of our NZ Ahead Slack community) to unpack everything you need to know about this often-misunderstood visa.
Charlotte shared her expert insight on the different types of partnership visas, how to apply, what documentation you’ll need, and how Immigration New Zealand actually evaluates relationships.
If you’re planning to return home with your partner—or move to NZ for the first time—this is essential reading.
🎙 Listen to the Podcast Episode Here
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What Is a Partnership Visa for New Zealand?
There are several types of partnership visas in New Zealand, but in this episode, we focused on visas for partners of New Zealand citizens and residents.
These are for couples where one person is a Kiwi and the other is not, and you’re planning on starting a new life in New Zealand together.
Charlotte explains that there are three main types of visas under this category:
1. Partnership Work Visa – Temporary
2. Partnership Resident Visa – Permanent (if you meet specific criteria)
3. Permanent Resident Visa (via partnership) – Only available to partners of NZ citizens, not residents
What Does Immigration NZ Look For?
To qualify for a partnership visa, your relationship must meet two key criteria:
1. Living Together: You must have lived together in the same residence. For a work visa, the threshold is loosely 2–4 months, but residency requires at least 12 months of living together. For a permanent residency visa, it’s five years of cohabitation.
2. Genuine and Stable Relationship: This includes showing evidence like photos together, letters from family and friends, joint travel or finances, and proof that others know you’re a couple. You don’t have to be married or have children to qualify.
💡 Marriage certificates help, but alone, they’re not enough. Immigration NZ wants to see more concrete evidence of day-to-day life together.
What Kind of Evidence Do You Need for a Partnership Visa in NZ?
Charlotte recommends submitting 20–30 documents spread across a 12-month period, and double that if your documents are mostly in individual names. Examples include:
•Joint or individual utility bills
•Rental agreements or mortgage papers
•Shared bank statements
•Online orders (Timu, Amazon, Uber Eats) with names and addresses
•Letters from friends or family confirming your relationship
•Photos together (especially with others)
More is better, Charlotte says—even if it feels like overkill.
Can You Move to NZ Before the Visa Is Approved?
Yes, but with caution. This is one of the Auckland International Airport entry questions (or any other NZ international airport) that you will be asked on arrival.
If you’re from a visa waiver country (like the UK, US, or Canada), you can enter New Zealand on an NZeTA, but you may be asked to show proof of onward travel (even just a ticket to Fiji or Australia).
If you’re planning to apply for a partnership visa once in NZ, a partnership work visa may be your best route to avoid surprises.
Misconceptions about immigrating to New Zealand on a partnership Visa (Cleared Up)
•Being married isn’t a guarantee: Immigration NZ looks for more than just a wedding certificate.
•Breakups post-arrival don’t mean you automatically lose your visa, unless the original relationship wasn’t genuine.
•Children can be included in your visa application, and often they’re eligible for NZ citizenship if one parent is a Kiwi.
•Permanent residency from offshore is only available to partners of NZ citizens, not residents. Residents must prove intent to live in NZ.
💬 What If You’re Coming to NZ Without a Job?
If you’re arriving as a visitor hoping to find a job once you’re here, book an onward ticket.
While many people enter without one, it’s risky—Charlotte has seen people turned around at the border.
Say you’re coming for a “look, see, and decide” trip. That’s perfectly acceptable, but be honest and prepared.
🌱 Thinking of Applying?
Charlotte’s biggest advice: don’t go it alone if you’re unsure.
Join the NZ Ahead Slack community (where Charlotte has her own channel and offers her help and services). Find out more about the private NZ Ahead community here!
Do you LOVE NZ?
Sign up for our FREE Life in New Zealand 5-Day Video Guide HERE, and we will share some fabulous secret behind-the-scenes glimpses into what life in New Zealand is REALLY like!
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🎧 Listen to the Full Episode
This article just scratches the surface! Tune in to our latest NZ Ahead podcast episode to hear the full conversation and get real-life insights from Charlotte and the community.
🎙 Listen to the Podcast Episode Here
✈️ Final Thoughts on the Partnership Visa for NZ
Moving countries as a couple isn’t easy—but it is doable with the right guidance.
Whether you’re applying for a work visa, residency, or just thinking ahead, preparation is key.
As Charlotte reminds us, “Just because you’ve been together for years doesn’t mean you can skip the paperwork.”
And remember… if immigration ever dries up, you can always import camping gear from the UK and sell it in NZ 😉 (Thanks, Charlotte!)
Do you LOVE NZ?
Sign up for our FREE Life in New Zealand 5-Day Video Guide HERE, and we will share some fabulous secret behind-the-scenes glimpses into what life in New Zealand is REALLY like!
Sign up NOW to get your FREE videos about life in New Zealand!
