Get Spousal Visa in New Zealand for Foreigners

By user May 16, 2025 Immigration, Visa 0 Comments

If you’re planning to join your partner in New Zealand, you’ll likely need to apply for what’s commonly known as a spousal visa. Whether your partner is a New Zealand citizen, a resident, or someone working or studying in New Zealand, this visa can give you the legal right to live together and build your life as a couple. But before you apply, it’s important to understand what’s involved, what the immigration rules expect from you, and how to avoid mistakes that could delay your application.

This guide will explain how the spousal visa works in New Zealand, who qualifies, what documents you’ll need, and what happens after your visa is approved. If you’re planning a future together in New Zealand, this information will help you get started on the right track.

What is a Spousal Visa and who can apply?

In New Zealand, there is no single visa called a “spousal visa,” but if you are in a genuine and stable relationship with someone already in New Zealand, there are visa categories that allow you to live with them. These visas fall under partnership-based visa options. You may be eligible to apply if your partner is:

A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
A work visa holder
A student visa holder
A resident visa holder

Your visa type will match your partner’s visa situation. For example, if your partner is a student, you may get a visa that allows you to live with them and work part-time. If your partner is a citizen or resident, you may be able to get a Partnership Resident Visa, which can lead to permanent residence.

To apply, you must prove that your relationship is genuine, stable, and ongoing—and that you’ve been living together (or have a plan to live together) in a committed partnership. The Immigration New Zealand website clearly states that it’s not just about having a marriage certificate or a relationship label. What really matters is evidence of real-life commitment.

How do you prove your relationship is genuine?

This is where many applicants feel unsure, but the good news is that Immigration New Zealand gives clear examples of what counts as strong evidence. To support your application, you’ll need to show that your relationship is:

Real and long-term
Exclusive (meaning you’re only with each other)
Stable (not just recent or casual)
Recognised legally or socially

You don’t need to be married, but you must show you’ve been living together or clearly planning to. You’ll be expected to submit documents like:

Joint bank accounts or shared bills
Rental agreements or proof of living at the same address
Photos showing time spent together
Travel records (visiting each other, holidays together)
Messages or call history (to show regular communication)
Statements from friends or family who know about your relationship

Remember, it’s not about quantity—it’s about quality and consistency. Each document should clearly support the idea that you’re living as a real couple, not just trying to meet visa rules.

What visa can you actually apply for?

There are several options depending on your partner’s visa type:

Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa – If your partner is a citizen or resident of New Zealand, this is the main visa. It lets you live, work, and eventually apply for permanent residence.
Partner of a Worker Visa – If your partner is in New Zealand on a valid work visa, this allows you to live with them and, in most cases, work full-time.
Partner of a Student Visa Holder – If your partner is studying at a certain level, this visa allows you to live with them and work either part-time or full-time, depending on their course.

Each visa type has different rules about what you can and can’t do, so you need to make sure you’re applying under the right category. You’ll also need to apply online through the official Immigration New Zealand portal.

How long does the process take?

Processing times vary depending on your situation and the visa category, but in general:

Partnership-based temporary visas can take 2 to 4 months
Resident visa applications may take longer—up to 6 to 9 months in some cases

You can speed things up by submitting a complete and well-organised application from the start. Missing documents or unclear relationship evidence is one of the biggest reasons for delay or rejection.

Always double-check the current processing times on the official immigration website. Times can change based on how many applications are being processed at the time.

Can you work or study on a spousal visa?

Yes, in most cases. If you’re approved for a Partner of a Worker or Partner of a Student visa, your visa will often come with open work rights. That means you can work for any employer without needing a job offer first. If your partner is on a resident visa or a New Zealand citizen, you can also apply for a work visa and later permanent residence.

For study, some partnership visas allow you to take short courses, but if you plan to study full-time for longer periods, you may need to apply for a separate student visa. Again, this depends on your visa conditions, so read them carefully once you’re approved.

Common mistakes to avoid

A lot of people get overwhelmed by the paperwork or try to submit only the minimum documents. This is a mistake. Immigration officers don’t know you personally, so your documents are your voice. They explain your story. If you submit weak evidence or leave questions unanswered, your application may be delayed or even rejected.

Other common mistakes:

Not showing enough proof of living together
Submitting vague or unrelated documents
Forgetting to translate documents into English
Assuming marriage alone is enough
Not checking your partner’s visa status properly

Even a small error can cause major delays. Take time to organise your application properly. If you’re unsure, you can also consult a licensed immigration adviser who understands New Zealand visa rules.

What happens after your visa is approved?

Once your visa is granted, you can enter New Zealand and live with your partner. If it’s a temporary visa, it will come with an expiry date. During that time, you’re allowed to work or study based on your visa conditions. If everything goes well and your relationship remains stable, you can apply for a resident visa later—this is your path to staying in New Zealand long-term.

If you’ve already lived together overseas, that time may also count toward your permanent residency requirements, but you’ll need to prove it with the right documents.

Final thoughts

Getting a spousal visa in New Zealand is possible—many couples do it successfully every year. But immigration is not automatic, and being married or in love is not enough on its own. You need to follow the rules, gather the right documents, and prove your relationship with clear and honest information.

New Zealand values family unity, but also takes immigration seriously. If you treat the application process with care, stay organised, and avoid shortcuts, you’ll give yourself the best chance of being approved.