If you are a foreigner married to or in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be wondering how to join your partner in New Zealand. The good news is that New Zealand offers a spousal visa for people in genuine relationships. In this guide, we will explain how to get a free spousal visa in New Zealand for foreigners in 2025 in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
This article breaks everything down step-by-step so that even someone with no prior experience with visas can understand the process clearly.
What Is a Spousal Visa in New Zealand?
A spousal visa in New Zealand allows the partner or spouse of a New Zealand citizen or resident to live and work in New Zealand. This visa is also called a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa.
It is designed for people who are:
- Married
- In a civil union
- In a de facto relationship (living together for at least 12 months)
Is the Spousal Visa in New Zealand Really Free?
Technically, New Zealand does not charge a fee for Partner of a New Zealander Work Visas if the application is made in certain conditions. For example:
- If the New Zealand-based partner is a citizen or resident, the visa may be processed without cost.
- Some applicants are exempt from paying the visa fee, depending on their nationality and immigration agreements.
However, even if the visa itself is free, you may still need to pay for medical checks, police certificates, and document translation services. These are external costs, not paid to Immigration New Zealand.
Who Can Apply for the Spousal Visa?
To be eligible for the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Relationship | You must be married, in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship with a New Zealand citizen/resident |
| Evidence of Relationship | You must prove your relationship is genuine and stable |
| Living Together | Ideally, you should have lived together for at least 12 months |
| Health & Character | You must be healthy and have a clean police record |
| Age | You must be 18 years or older (or have parental consent if younger) |
How to Get a Free Spousal Visa in New Zealand for Foreigners in 2025 – Step-by-Step
Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply:
Step 1: Check If You Are Eligible
Ask yourself these questions:
- Am I legally married to or in a genuine relationship with a New Zealander?
- Have we lived together for at least 12 months?
- Can we provide evidence of our relationship?
- Do I meet the health and character requirements?
If the answer is “yes” to all, you’re ready to proceed.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You will need:
- Passport (valid and not expired)
- Birth certificate
- Police certificate (less than 6 months old)
- Medical certificate or chest X-ray (if needed)
- Photos of you and your partner
- Joint bills, lease agreements, or travel documents as proof of living together
- Partner’s passport or citizenship/residency proof
Step 3: Ask Your Partner to Support the Application
Your New Zealand partner must:
- Fill out and sign a Partnership Support Form (INZ 1146)
- Provide documents proving their New Zealand citizenship or residency
- Show that they can support you during your stay
Step 4: Submit the Application Online
Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website:
- Create an account at www.immigration.govt.nz
- Fill in the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa form
- Upload your documents
- Submit the application
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
Processing times can vary, but most decisions are made within:
- 50–70 days for simple applications
- Up to 90 days if extra documents or checks are required
You can check the status of your visa application online.
What Kind of Visa Will You Get?
If approved, you will get a Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Usually up to 2 years |
| Work Rights | Yes, you can work full-time |
| Study Rights | Yes, you can study for up to 3 months |
| Pathway to Residency | Yes, you can apply for residency later if eligible |
Important Things to Know in 2025
Here are some key points that are relevant for applicants in 2025:
- Digital Applications Only: All spousal visa applications must be submitted online. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
- Updated Relationship Criteria: Immigration NZ now puts more focus on shared financial responsibility (e.g., joint accounts, bills, or leases).
- No Interview in Most Cases: Unless your documents raise a red flag, interviews are not usually required.
- Fee Waivers: Applicants from countries that have special agreements with New Zealand (e.g., Pacific nations) may get full fee waivers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections:
- Not enough proof of relationship
- Outdated or expired documents
- Submitting false or inconsistent information
- Failing to include your partner’s support documents
- Using a fake address to appear as though you live together
How to Make Your Application Strong
To boost your chances of approval:
- Provide at least 3 different types of evidence of your relationship (photos, bills, messages)
- Write a personal statement describing how your relationship started and grew
- Include letters from friends or family confirming your relationship is real
- Show shared responsibilities, like joint bank accounts or shared rent payments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply for a spousal visa if I’m engaged but not yet married?
A: No. You must be in a de facto relationship or legally married/civil union to be eligible.
Q: Do we have to live together for 12 months before applying?
A: It is preferred but not always mandatory. You must show the relationship is genuine and stable.
Q: How long does the visa last?
A: Usually 1 or 2 years, depending on how long you have been together.
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes, you can apply for dependent visas for your children under 20 years old.
Q: Can I apply while I’m already in New Zealand?
A: Yes, you can apply either from inside or outside New Zealand.
Final Tips on How to Get a Free Spousal Visa in New Zealand for Foreigners in 2025
- Make sure your documents are clear, complete, and up to date
- Double-check everything before submitting
- Be honest and transparent in your application
- Use a migration advisor only if your case is complex
- Check the Immigration NZ website regularly for updates
Conclusion
Getting a spousal visa in New Zealand is very possible in 2025 if you follow the right steps. While the visa is free under certain conditions, be ready to cover supporting costs like medicals and police checks. The key to success is proving your relationship is real and stable with proper evidence.
By following this complete guide on how to get a free spousal visa in New Zealand for foreigners in 2025, you can make your application strong and increase your chances of joining your partner in New Zealand without stress.