Can I Include My Partner in My New Zealand Permanent Residency Application?

Many migrants are uncertain about when and how they can include their partner, especially when timelines, living-together requirements, or visa status come into play. In this blog, we break down everything you need to know, eligibility criteria, and real-world scenarios, to help you determine the best path forward. If you're planning to apply for PR or transition from a resident visa, this guide will clarify whether your partner can join your New Zealand Permanent Residency application and what evidence you'll need to provide.

Understanding New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR)

1. What is Permanent Residency in New Zealand?

Permanent Residency (PR) gives you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, without the travel conditions as tied to resident visas. Unlike a residence visa, PR removes travel conditions. While PR provides long-term security, it is still distinct from New Zealand citizenship, which offers additional rights such as holding a NZ passport.

2. The only pathway to NZ Permanent Residency

In contrast to many other countries that use the term Permanent Resident Visa as a single immigration status, New Zealand follows a two-step residency process. Individuals must first obtain a ‘“New Zealand Resident Visa”, which is a residence-class visa granting the holder the right to live in New Zealand indefinitely.

After holding the Resident Visa for a minimum of two years, and meeting specific criteria, such as demonstrating a commitment to New Zealand, the individual may become eligible to apply for a “New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa”. This visa removes the travel conditions that may be attached to the initial Resident Visa.

There are several pathways  to obtaining a New Zealand Resident Visa. These include:

• Skill-based Resident Visas, such as:

  • Straight-to-Residence Visa, or

  • Work-to-Residence Visa, or

  • Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

• Partnership-based Resident Visa, such as:

  • Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

However, there is only one pathway to obtaining a “New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa”: the applicant must have held a New Zealand Resident Visa for at least two years and meet the relevant eligibility criteria.

When applying for a New Zealand Resident Visa, it is generally recommended that the principal applicant includes their partner or spouse in the application, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Only partners who are included in the initial Resident Visa application can later be included in the Permanent Resident Visa application.

If the principal applicant does not include their partner or spouse in the Resident Visa application, the partner cannot be added to the Permanent Resident Visa application at a later stage. In such cases, the principal applicant will typically need to support their partner in applying for a partnership-based Resident Visa, if eligible. It is important to note that no individual, including the spouse or partner of the principal applicant, can directly obtain a NZ Permanent Resident Visa without first holding a NZ Resident Visa.

Don’t miss this: NZ Permanent Resident Visa applications are now Online

Who Qualifies as a Partner Under Immigration NZ?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has a clear and structured definition of what constitutes a partner for visa and residency purposes. Simply being in a relationship is not enough,  the partnership must meet specific legal and practical standards to be recognised for inclusion in a PR application.

1. Immigration New Zealand’s Definition of a Partner

According to INZ, a partner is a spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner in a genuine, stable relationship. You must live together and show emotional, financial, and social commitment through shared responsibilities and mutual support.

2. Proof of Partnership Requirements

To include your partner in a PR application or to support their partnership work visa NZ or partnership residence visa NZ, you’ll need to submit strong, consistent evidence such as:

• Joint tenancy agreements or home ownership documents

• Shared utility bills or bank accounts

• Photos of shared experiences

• Travel itineraries, communication records

• Support Letters from friends and family

Without credible and sufficient proof, your partner may not qualify for inclusion, regardless of how long you’ve been together.

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