If you’re planning to join your partner in New Zealand, one of the most important things you’ll want to understand is how the spousal visa works—and whether it’s free or not. Many immigrants assume the process is too expensive or complicated, but New Zealand makes it more straightforward than most countries, especially if your partner already has the right to live or work in the country.
There’s no visa in New Zealand that is completely free in the full sense of the word. However, the partnership-based visa (commonly called the spousal visa) comes with low fees, simple requirements, and often includes the right to work full-time. So while not technically free, it’s one of the most accessible and affordable pathways for couples compared to other immigration routes.
Let’s go through everything you need to know: who can apply, what the requirements are, what documents you’ll need, and how the process works step by step.
What is the New Zealand Spousal or Partnership Visa?
In New Zealand, the spousal visa is officially known as the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa or Partner of a Worker/Student Resident Visa, depending on your partner’s status. This visa allows the spouse or partner of a New Zealand citizen, resident, or temporary visa holder to join them and live in New Zealand—either temporarily or permanently.
The visa doesn’t require you to have a job offer or English test, and in most cases, you can work or study freely while living with your partner. That’s a big advantage for immigrants who want to settle without restrictions or who aren’t yet sure of their employment plans.
Who is eligible?
To qualify for a New Zealand partnership-based visa, you must:
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Be 18 years or older
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Be in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner
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Have been living together for a minimum of 12 months (for residence)
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Be married, in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship
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Be able to prove shared living arrangements and ongoing contact
Your partner must be either:
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A New Zealand citizen or permanent resident
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A temporary visa holder (such as a work or student visa holder)
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Eligible to support a partner based on their visa conditions
The key thing immigration looks for is not just legal documents—it’s real, consistent proof of a shared life. You must show that your relationship is more than just on paper.
Is the Spousal Visa Really Free?
Technically, no, the spousal visa is not completely free—but the cost is relatively low compared to other visas. Here’s what you need to know:
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Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa:
Approx. NZD $700 – $800, depending on where you apply from -
Partner of a Worker or Student Visa:
Approx. NZD $300 – $600
There are no extra charges for work rights, and you won’t need to prove your own income. There’s also no requirement to take an English language test, which makes it more affordable and accessible.
In many cases, you won’t need a migration agent either—you can apply online yourself, as long as you’re careful with the documents.
So while it’s not free, it’s one of the lowest-cost visas available to immigrants, especially when you compare it to partner visas in countries like the UK or Australia.
What documents do you need?
You’ll need to collect clear and detailed evidence of your relationship. Immigration New Zealand wants to see that you’re in a genuine and stable relationship and that you’ve been living together for a reasonable period of time.
Here’s what they usually expect:
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Passports for both you and your partner
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Marriage certificate, if applicable
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Photos together (different times and places)
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Joint lease or rental agreements
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Shared bills, bank accounts, or subscriptions
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Messages, emails, and call logs (ongoing communication)
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Travel history together or visits to each other’s countries
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A personal letter explaining your relationship history
You don’t need to submit hundreds of documents, but they must clearly show that the relationship is real and long-term. If you’ve lived apart at any point, you’ll need to explain why and how you stayed in contact.
What rights do you get with this visa?
Once your spousal visa is approved, here’s what you can expect:
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Full right to live in New Zealand
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Open work rights — you don’t need a job offer
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Option to study without restrictions
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Easy renewal or transition to residency (if eligible)
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The possibility to apply for residence after 12 months, if your partner is a citizen or resident
Many applicants start on a Partner of a Worker visa, then move to a Partner of a Resident visa, and eventually apply for permanent residence. The process is smooth as long as your relationship continues and you follow the rules.
How long does it take?
Processing times depend on where you apply from and how complete your application is. On average:
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Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa: 4 to 8 weeks
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Partner of a Worker/Student Visa: 3 to 6 weeks
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Partnership-based Residence Visa: 6 to 12 months
Delays can happen if documents are missing or if immigration needs more proof. To avoid this, make sure everything is clear, consistent, and easy to verify.
Common mistakes to avoid
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Not providing enough evidence of living together
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Submitting incomplete or mismatched documents
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Assuming the visa is free and not paying the correct fees
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Failing to show how the relationship started and grew over time
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Ignoring visa conditions of your partner (especially if they are on a student or work visa)
Final Thoughts
New Zealand offers one of the most straightforward and affordable partner visa options in the world. While it’s not completely free, it’s far more accessible than most countries—and it gives you real freedom to live, work, and settle without unnecessary pressure.
If your relationship is genuine and well-documented, and your partner has legal status in New Zealand, you’re already halfway there. Prepare your documents properly, apply online, and follow the guidelines. With the right approach, you could be living with your partner in New Zealand in just a few weeks.