Partner Visa to New Zealand: What Australians Need to Know
An Australian partner wanting to join someone in New Zealand doesn't get the shortcut some might expect. New Zealand's Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa applies the same 12-month cohabitation rule to everyone, married or not.
The good news: New Zealand's Partner visa pathway is relatively clear-cut, the same 12-month cohabitation rule applies whether you're married or not, and there are legitimate bridging options while you wait. This guide covers eligibility, cost and timing.
12 months, no shortcut for marriage
New Zealand requires at least 12 months of cohabitation for every relationship type, married, in a civil union, or de facto. Unlike Australia or the UK, there's no shorter path just because you're married.
Bridging options while you wait
Two temporary options can bridge the gap while a resident visa application processes: the Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa (from NZD $341) lets your partner stay in the country, and a separate Partnership work visa (NZD $570 plus a $1,060 levy) allows them to work.
Who can sponsor
A sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident, 18 or over (16-17 with parental consent), and can't have sponsored a different partner in the last 5 years or supported more than one successful partner application.
What it costs
Total (NZ-based applications)
NZD $5,360
$1,940 application fee + $3,420 Immigration Levy
Fee history
Nearly doubled from ~$2,750
Effective 1 October 2024
Visa duration
Now up to 3 years
Increased from 2 years, same date as the fee rise
Health and character checks
Anyone aged 17 or over needs a chest x-ray, a medical exam, and police certificates issued within the last 6 months.
How long it takes
80% of resident visa applications are decided within 7 months.
- 1
Start gathering 12 months of cohabitation evidence early
There's no shortcut for married couples, so the clock matters for everyone.
- 2
Consider the visitor or partnership work visa as a bridge
Useful if you need to be together, or working, before the resident visa comes through.
- 3
Book health checks with the timing in mind
Medical and x-ray results have a shelf life, don't get them too early.
- 4
Budget for the near-doubled levy
The total NZD $5,360 fee is a step up from the pre-October-2024 figure many older sources still quote.
Planning your move from Australia?
Our free relocation checklist walks you through every step, from visa prep to arrival week.
Visa paperwork is only the start of a move like this. The Ultimate Relocation Guide is a paid, step-by-step guide (from AUD $59) covering what comes next: banking, housing, healthcare and your first 90 days.
Related Reading
Moving from Australia to New Zealand: The Complete 2026 Guide
Healthcare in New Zealand for Australians: What's Free, What's Not, and How ACC Works
Cost of Living in New Zealand vs Australia: What Australians Actually Pay After Moving
Banking in New Zealand for Australians: Accounts, Taxes and Transfers