NZ Family Visa: Partner, Parent & Dependent Visa Guide (2026)

Bring your loved ones to New Zealand under Partner, Parent, or Dependent Child visa pathways. Understand requirements, timelines, and how Kiwifern can help you reunite with family.

Quick Answer

Most popular partnership-based visas are –

  • Partner of a NZ citizen/residence – Visitor, work or residence visa: The visa type depends on how long the couple have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship. This is a standard approach for NZ citizens or residents who have recently married and are wanting to bring their partner to New Zealand.
  • Partner of a student - work visa holder – This is a popular pathway for couples where if the partner is on a student visa to study a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) that is specified either in the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list or the Green List, or has a student visa to study a degree level 9 or 10 qualification on the NZQF, then they can support their partner for a partnership-based work visa.
  • Partners of worker - work visa holders – The applicant can be supported for a work visa if the supporting partner is working in a high-skilled role such as a skill level 1, 2 or 3 role earning median wage on an accredited employer work visa or a post-study work visa. Workers who are working in Green List – Tier 1, Tier 2 or Care Workforce or Transport Sector Agreement and meet the conditions of the pathway are also eligible to support partners.
  • Dependent child student visa of a student visa holder – Only PhD students are eligible to have their children on a student visa to study primary or secondary school.
  • Dependent child visitor or student of a work visa holder – Applicants who are eligible to support their dependent children must be in a skilled role (skill level 1, 2 or 3) or eligible under Green List – Tier 1, Tier 2 or Care Workforce or Transport Sector Agreement. They must be on an accredited employer work visa and meet the minimum income threshold of NZD $58,240 per annum by one parent, or combined income of both parents on accredited employer work visas.

Bringing Your Family to New Zealand

New Zealand supports family reunification through multiple visa categories designed for partners, parents, and dependent children of residents and citizens. Each pathway aims to balance compassion with eligibility checks.

The table below compares key options for family reunification visas.

Visa Type Requirements Outcome
Partner of a New Zealander Genuine and stable relationship, living together requirements, health and character requirements Visitor, Work and Residence visa
Parent Resident Visa EOI selection, income threshold met by adult child Residence visa
Dependent Child Visa
  • aged 21 to 24, with no child(ren) of their own, single and totally or substantially reliant on an adult (whether their parent or not) for financial support, whether they live with them or not; or
  • aged 18 to 20, with no child(ren) of their own and single; or
  • aged 17 or younger and single.
 Residence visa

Partner Visa New Zealand - Complete Guide

The Partner Visa allows the spouse or partner of a New Zealander to live, work, or settle in New Zealand. Proving a genuine and stable relationship is the most critical requirement.

Applicants must usually provide documentation such as evidence of living together in a genuine and stable relationship.

Below is a comparison of Partner Visa options.

Type Purpose Duration
Partner Work Visa Work in NZ while living with a partner – eligibility depends on the duration and evidence of living together in a genuine and stable relationship. Up to 3 years
Partner Resident Visa Apply for residency based on long-term relationship – depends if the couple have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months or more and have verifiable evidence. Permanent

Partner Visa Requirements - Step by Step

  1. Confirm your eligibility and visa category.
  2. Gather identity and relationship evidence.
  3. Submit medical and character documents.
  4. Ensure your NZ partner meets sponsorship criteria.
  5. Complete application forms and pay fees.
  6. Submit your visa application online.
  7. Wait for processing and provide additional evidence if requested.
Couple reviewing finances at home

Parent Visa New Zealand

The Parent Resident Visa allows parents of NZ citizens and residents to migrate permanently if their sponsoring child meets income thresholds. Selection is via an Expression of Interest (EOI) process drawn in ballots. The Parent Retirement Visa is another route requiring significant investment funds.

Visa Type Definition Sponsorship Income
Parent Resident Visa Permanent residence based on ballot selection At least NZD $104,707 per sponsor per year
Parent Retirement Visa Residence via investment for retirees with NZ family Funds over NZD $1 million + annual income

Dependent Child Visa

This visa allows dependent children under 24 years old to join their NZ-resident or citizen parents.

Learn more about overlapping rules with the NZ Student Visa.

Processing Times for Family Visas

Processing depends on category and applicant background. Partner visas typically take 2–3 months, Parent visas up to 4–6 months, and Dependent Child visas 1–2 months. Interim visas may be granted if your current visa expires while waiting. See processing times here.

How Kiwifern Helps with Family Visas

Kiwifern Immigration Advisers specialise in complex family reunification cases. We guide applicants through documentation, relationship verification, sponsorship proofs, and appeal processes where needed.

Explore related resources: NZ Green List and Residency Visa Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

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