What are the criteria and requirements for my spouse to come on a dependent visa in New Zealand?
Your spouse needs a Partner Visa, requiring proof of a genuine, stable marriage, civil union, or de facto relationship, both of you being 18 or older, and meeting health checks. Resident-class partner visas generally require twelve months of living together, backed by joint finances and shared documentation.
Bringing your spouse to New Zealand runs through the Partner Visa system, and Immigration New Zealand checks a specific, well-documented set of criteria before approving it. Your spouse's exact pathway depends heavily on your own current visa status, whether you hold citizenship, residency, a work visa, or a student visa. Genuine relationship evidence matters more than the marriage certificate alone.
Core Partner Visa Requirements
| Requirement | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Genuine and stable relationship | Legal marriage, civil union, or de facto partnership expected to last |
| Age | Both partners must generally be 18 years or older |
| Health and character | Medical certificates and police clearances required |
| Cohabitation duration | At least 12 months living together for resident-class visas |
Documents That Prove a Genuine Relationship
- Joint tenancy agreements, mortgage documents, or utility bills showing you live together.
- Joint bank accounts or shared financial commitments proving interdependence.
- Photos, chat logs, call history, and travel itineraries spanning your relationship.
- Statutory declarations from friends and family confirming they recognize your relationship.
My Advice
Start gathering joint financial and cohabitation evidence now, well before you file, since Immigration New Zealand weighs quantity and consistency of documentation heavily. If you hold a student visa on a higher-level qualification, check whether your specific program qualifies your spouse for an open work visa rather than just a visitor visa.
Can your spouse come with you to NZ?
Which NZ courses still allow dependents, and what you will need to show.
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