Do I Need to Live Together to Apply for a Partnership Work Visa in NZ?

At Immigration Chambers, we often receive inquiries from couples hoping to apply for a Partnership Work Visa in New Zealand. One of the most common questions is whether living together is a strict requirement for eligibility. In this comprehensive guide, we outline everything you need to know about cohabitation requirements, proof of genuine relationships, and how to strengthen your application, even if you’ve lived apart due to exceptional circumstances.

Understanding the Partnership Work Visa in New Zealand

The Partnership Work Visa allows the partner of a New Zealand citizen, resident, or temporary visa holder (such as a work or student visa holder) to join them in New Zealand and work legally during their stay. It is a pathway commonly used by couples seeking to build a life together in the country.

Is Living Together Mandatory for a Partnership Work Visa in NZ?

Yes, living together is a core requirement for most partnership-based visa applications in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) clearly states that applicants must have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for a sufficient period before submitting their application. This requirement helps INZ assess the authenticity and depth of the relationship.

However, there are nuances and exceptions. If you haven’t lived together due to temporary separation or exceptional circumstances, such as border closures, work commitments, or cultural reasons, your application may still be considered, provided you supply compelling evidence of your commitment.

What Does 'Living Together' Mean for INZ?

When INZ refers to “living together,” it means sharing the same physical address as your primary residence, rather than occasional visits or short stays. This includes:

• Sharing financial responsibilities like rent, bills, or joint accounts.

• Maintaining a shared household, including chores and day-to-day life.

• Having corresponding addresses on official documents.

• Demonstrating intimacy, communication, and mutual care through photos, chats, emails, or letters.

Even if you live together in short-term accommodation, that still counts, the nature of the residence doesn’t matter, so long as you can prove it was your shared home.

How Long Should You Have Lived Together?

There is no fixed minimum period stated by INZ, but generally, living together for at least 12 months strengthens your case for a longer-duration visa. Those who have lived together for less than 12 months may still apply but may only be granted a visa valid for up to 12 months.

Couples with a longer cohabitation history often qualify for partnership work visas that last up to 2 years, subject to the sponsoring partner’s visa status.

What if You Haven’t Lived Together Yet?

If you have not lived together, applying for a Partnership Work Visa becomes significantly more difficult. INZ may decline your application on the basis that you do not meet the living-together criteria. However, alternatives may be available:

Option 1: Apply for a General Visitor Visa First

You may consider applying for a Visitor Visa based on partnership, allowing you to enter New Zealand and live together. Once you have shared a home, you can transition to a Partnership Work Visa.

Option 2: Explain Temporary Separation

If circumstances, such as COVID-19 travel restrictions, visa processing delays, or cultural expectations, prevented cohabitation, provide:

• Detailed timeline of your relationship

• Correspondence records over time

• Evidence of intent to live together

• Future plans such as booked travel, signed tenancy agreements, or job offers in NZ

INZ may consider your case under a broader humanitarian lens, but approval is not guaranteed.

Documents to Prove You’ve Lived Together

To demonstrate that you have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship, include a range of documentary evidence:

1. Shared Living Evidence

• Joint tenancy agreement or rental receipts

• Utility bills in both names at the same address

• Correspondence from government bodies sent to the shared address

• Bank statements with identical addresses

2. Financial Interdependence

• Joint bank accounts

• Shared subscriptions or memberships

• Combined insurance policies

• Remittances or financial transfers

3. Social Evidence

• Photos showing time spent together with date stamps

• Social media history or relationship status

• Travel bookings made jointly

• Invitations addressed to both of you

4. Communication Logs

• Screenshots of regular conversations

• Video call logs or emails

• Handwritten letters or cards

Quality outweighs quantity. Provide documents that span the length of your relationship to paint a clear picture of continuity and depth.

Don’t miss this: How to Prove a Genuine and Stable Relationship for a NZ Partnership Based Visa

How INZ Assesses Relationship Authenticity

Even with proof of cohabitation, INZ evaluates several key elements to determine if your relationship is genuine and stable:

• Duration of the relationship

• Commitment to a shared future

• Emotional connection and intimacy

• Cultural compatibility and family acceptance

• Shared responsibilities and daily life integration

Couples must satisfy INZ that their relationship mirrors a marriage or de facto partnership, regardless of marital status.

Tips for a Stronger Partnership Work Visa Application

1. Include a detailed personal statement from each partner explaining the history and nature of your relationship.

2. Avoid inconsistencies in documentation (e.g., different addresses, mismatched dates).

3. Compile a relationship timeline, highlighting key milestones such as first meeting, trips taken, holidays, and moving in together.

4. Show future plans, booking accommodation in NZ, shared financial goals, or career intentions.

5. Consult an Immigration Lawyer New Zealand or Immigration Adviser Auckland for expert guidance and document preparation.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Even legitimate relationships may be declined if they lack the right evidence or legal framing. Common pitfalls include:

• No proof of living together

• Sparse communication logs

• Inconsistent addresses or timelines

• Insufficient explanation for time spent apart

• Applications submitted too early in the relationship

Proactive planning and accurate documentation are critical to avoid rejection.

What If Your Application Is Declined?

If INZ declines your application, you can:

• Request a reconsideration if you’re onshore on a valid visa

• Submit a new application with stronger evidence

• Explore alternative visa categories

• Seek legal advice to pursue a Section 61 request, where applicable

It is essential to understand the reasons for the decline and strategically address them in your next steps.

Conclusion: Living Together Is Essential, But Exceptions Exist

To summarise, yes, you generally need to live together to apply for a Partnership Work Visa in New Zealand. However, genuine couples with strong evidence and clear explanations for separation may still qualify under exceptional circumstances. We recommend consulting experienced immigration professionals to maximise your chances of success.

If you're planning to apply or need guidance on your next steps, our expert team at Immigration Chambers is here to help. Book a consultation today or Email our team to get started.