Choose the Route That Fits Your Relationship
Immigration New Zealand offers two pathways depending on how long and how well-established your relationship is. Both lead to the same outcome — New Zealand residence.
Two-Stage Pathway
For relationships that are genuine but not yet two years old. You first obtain a 12-month Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, live together in New Zealand, then apply for residence once the relationship has been established for at least 12 months.
12-month open work visa
Residence application
- → Full, open work rights during Stage 1
- → No job offer required to apply
- → Pathway to permanent residence after 12 months
- → Children can be included in Stage 2
- → Suitable for relationships under 2 years old
Direct Residence Pathway
For couples in well-established relationships of two or more years. You can apply directly for New Zealand residence without going through the interim work visa stage, provided you can demonstrate a stable, genuine, and committed relationship.
Relationship length required
Straight to residence
- → Skip the interim work visa stage
- → Stronger evidentiary standard required
- → Children can be included in the application
- → Must prove cohabitation and commitment
- → Best for long-term, established couples
Not sure which pathway applies to your situation? We’ll advise on the right route.
Who Can Apply?
Both the applicant and the New Zealand sponsor must meet specific requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. All conditions must be satisfied at the time of application.
New Zealand Sponsor
Your partner must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident who is ordinarily resident in New Zealand — meaning they are genuinely living here, not simply holding citizenship or residency from abroad.
Genuine & Stable Partnership
You must be in a genuine and stable relationship — married, in a civil union, or de facto. Both partners must be aged 18 or over (or 16–17 with parental consent) and must not be close relatives of each other.
Good Health
Applicants must meet INZ’s health requirements. A medical examination and chest X-ray are typically required for residence applications, carried out by an approved Panel Physician.
Good Character
Both the applicant and the sponsor must satisfy INZ’s good character requirements. Police certificates from all countries where either party has lived for 12 or more months in the past 10 years are required.
Sponsor Obligations
The New Zealand partner must not have previously sponsored another partner for residence within the past five years. They must also commit to being responsible for the applicant’s maintenance while in New Zealand.
Relationship Duration
For the two-stage pathway, there is no minimum duration, but the relationship must be genuine and stable. For direct residence, the relationship must be well-established — generally two or more years of cohabitation.
Evidence of Your Genuine Relationship
This visa category is closely scrutinised by INZ. A strong application requires comprehensive, well-organised evidence across all four relationship pillars.
📄 Identity & Relationship Documents
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Valid passports
Current passports for both the applicant and the New Zealand sponsor, plus any previous passports showing shared travel.
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Marriage or civil union certificate
Official certificate if married or in a civil union. De facto couples must provide alternative evidence of their relationship.
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Birth certificates of any children
If including dependent children in the application, their birth certificates and relationship to both parents must be established.
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Sponsor’s proof of NZ status
New Zealand passport, citizenship certificate, or evidence of permanent residence visa to confirm the sponsor’s eligibility.
🏠 Evidence of Cohabitation & Shared Life
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Joint tenancy or mortgage documents
Lease agreements or mortgage statements showing both names at the same address.
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Shared utility bills & bank statements
Utility accounts, insurance policies, or bank accounts in joint names showing a shared financial life.
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Photographs together over time
Dated photographs showing the relationship at different stages — social events, family gatherings, travel, and everyday life.
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Statutory declarations from family & friends
Statements from people who know you as a couple, confirming the nature and duration of your relationship.
🏥 Health & Character Documents
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Medical examination report (INZ 1007)
Completed by an INZ-approved Panel Physician. Includes chest X-ray and full health assessment.
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Police certificates
From every country where either the applicant or the sponsor has lived for 12+ months in the past 10 years.
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Sponsor declaration & undertaking
Signed declaration confirming the sponsor is ordinarily resident in New Zealand and accepts responsibility for maintenance.
How the Process Works
Whether you’re following the two-stage or direct pathway, here’s what the journey looks like with Dreams Immigration by your side.
Free Consultation
We assess your relationship, your partner’s NZ status, and determine which pathway — two-stage or direct — best fits your circumstances. No surprises.
Evidence Gathering & Strategy
We help you compile a comprehensive evidence pack covering all four relationship pillars, and brief you on how to present your relationship history persuasively to INZ.
Health & Character Checks
We guide you through booking your medical examination with an approved Panel Physician and obtaining the required police certificates from all relevant countries.
Application Lodgement
We prepare and lodge your complete application through INZ’s online portal, ensuring every document is correctly formatted and every question answered accurately.
INZ Processing & Liaison
We monitor your application, respond promptly to any requests for further information, and keep you updated throughout the processing period.
Residence Granted
Once approved, you receive your New Zealand Resident Visa. We advise on conditions, travel obligations, and the pathway to permanent residence when eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s Build Your Strongest Application
Partnership visa applications are closely scrutinised. The right evidence, presented the right way, makes all the difference. Our licensed advisers have helped hundreds of couples achieve New Zealand residence — we know exactly what INZ is looking for.
