If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, and you want to live with them in New Zealand without having to apply for residence right away. The partnership based visitor visa NZ will allow you to do so. You can stay for up to three years; however, you cannot work while you are in New Zealand on this visa.
This guide will tell you who is eligible, what you need to prepare, how to apply, how much it will cost, and the changes that were made to the rules in 2026.
Quick answer How do I apply from Nepal?
- Make sure you and your partner meet the eligibility requirements (see below).
- Have your partner fill out Form INZ 1146 (Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications) & Partner and Child Declaration Form Form INZ 1241.
- Collect your passport, photo, proof of your relationship, proof of funds and any health or police documents.
- Apply online through Immigration Online and pay the fee (minimum NZ$341 at the time of writing).
- Wait for a decision and then travel on your eVisa.
Key facts at a Glance on Partnership based Visitor visa NZ
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | Up to 3 years |
| Fee | From NZ$341 |
| Processing time | 80% of applications within 7 weeks (INZ figure) |
| Can you work? | No (remote work for an employer or client based outside NZ may be possible) |
| Can you study? | Up to 3 months |
| Children | Dependent children aged 19 or younger can be included |
| Both partners must be | 18 or older |
Fees and processing times vary; therefore, please use the INZ Fees Tool prior to paying.
Who can apply?
To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Have a partner who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and is eligible to support your application.
- Live with your partner in a genuine and stable relationship.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Meet the health and character requirements.
- Have a valid reason for visiting New Zealand and intend to leave at the conclusion of your visit.
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, or have an approved sponsor.
What makes a partner “eligible to support”?
Many applicants from Nepal do not realize that INZ determines if your partner would be eligible to support a partnership-based residency application within 12 months. Your partner cannot support you if they have:
- Supported more than one previous partner’s successful residency application.
- Supported a previous partner’s successful residency application within the last five years.
- Included a previous partner in their own successful residency application within the last five years.
- Been included as a partner in a successful residency application within the last five years.
- Been subject to deportation, or had deportation liability suspended.
Therefore, a New Zealander can only support one partner for residency in each five-year period, and only two partners in total. If your partner will become eligible within 12 months, they may still support your visitor visa at this time.
Additionally, your partner must meet INZ’s good character requirements and must plan to be present in New Zealand while you visit.
How much time you want to spend?
The duration of your initial visa will depend upon how long you have resided with your partner;
- If you have resided together for less than 12 months then your visa will be valid for one year. You may apply for additional visas for a maximum of three years.
- If you have resided together for 12 months or longer then your visa can be valid for up to three years.
Please note that older articles state nine months. This is no longer correct.
Your visa begins when you arrive in New Zealand (if you applied from outside of New Zealand), or when it was issued (if you were already in New Zealand). Please check if your visa includes a multiple entry travel condition. If it does not, then once you leave New Zealand your visa will expire.
What counts as proof of your relationship?
INZ wishes to see that you are living together in a true and stable relationship. Evidence which may assist includes:
- How long you have been together and how long you have lived together
- Joint financial obligations and responsibilities (e.g., joint lease, joint bank account, utility bills in both names)
- Time spent together (e.g., photos, emails, social media conversations)
- Recognition of your relationship by others (e.g., letters from family/friends)
New in September 2026: The 18+ evidence rule
From 25 September 2026, INZ will only consider partnership evidence from the time both you and your partner were at least 18 years old. Evidence from prior to that date will not be taken into account when assessing your relationship. While you may have reached the age of 18, it does not automatically make you eligible for a partnership visa; you must also meet all other eligibility requirements.
Temporary partnership visas do not have a specific 12-month living together requirement (the residence visa does), however you must provide sufficient acceptable evidence to demonstrate that you are living together in a genuine and stable relationship.
Documents Checklist
Identity and Application
- Nepali Passport (must be valid for at least 3 months past the date you intend to leave NZ)
- One acceptable photo for online applications (two for paper)
- Translations of all Nepali documents not in English, along with copies of the original documents
Your Partner’s Documents
- Completed form INZ 1146 and Form INZ 1241
- Proof of your partner’s status: NZ passport, NZ birth certificate, citizenship certificate or NZ residence visa. Australian citizens and permanent residents who are NZ residents may use their Australian passport, permanent residence visa or resident return visa.
Relationship Evidence (All dated after both you and your partner turned 18)
- Relationship Timeline
- Living together at least 3 months
- Marriage Certificate
- Rental contract agreement Husband & wife
- Photos of together
- Grocery bill mentioning name of both of them
- Utility bills like internet bills, electricity bills where you are staying
- Support letter from family and friends
- Joint Bank account
Money and Exit Plans
- Bank or credit card statements demonstrating that you will have at least NZ$1,000 per month during your stay, or NZ$400 per month if your accommodation has been paid in advance
- Or a completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) if someone else is sponsoring you
- A ticket out of New Zealand, or proof that you can purchase one (this money is in addition to your living funds)
Health and character, if required
- Chest X-ray: if you are going to be in New Zealand for longer than 6 months AND you are from, or have recently been in, a country that does not have a low rate of Tuberculosis (TB).
- Medical Certificate: usually only if you are going to be in New Zealand for 12 months or more.
- Police Certificates: if you are 17 years old or older AND your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or more. They must be less than 6 months old and be from countries you are a citizen of AND countries you have lived in for more than 5 years after turning 17.
- X-rays and Medical Evidence must be less than 3 months old when received by INZ.
Children (if included)
- Birth/Adoption Papers, Proof of Identity, Photos
- Possibly Custody/Guardianship Papers
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
Step 1: Determine which visa is right for you
The Visitor Visa is suitable for couples who wish to live together but do not wish to work. If you wish to work, consider the Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa. If you plan to marry in New Zealand within 3 months of arriving, the Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa may be applicable.
Step 2: Prepare your documentation
Begin with the long-lead items: Police Certificates, X-rays, and Translations. Schedule your medical appointment as soon as possible as evidence has an expiration date (3 months for health, 6 months for Police Certificates).
Step 3: Have your partner complete INZ 1146 and Form INZ 1241
Your partner will also need to provide information about their future plans on this form; therefore, ensure that the dates match those on your application.
Step 4: Submit online and pay
Log into Immigration Online, upload your documents, and pay. Beginning 16 November 2026, new Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa applications will transition to INZ’s enhanced Immigration Online system. INZ will update its instructions regarding this visa on the same date. Access the link provided on the official visa page rather than using an old bookmark.
Step 5: Wait and respond to requests
INZ may request additional information, a medical examination, or Police Certificates. If you are already in New Zealand and your visa will expire while you wait, you will generally receive an Interim Visa.
Step 6: Travel
Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) prior to arrival. Upon arrival at the border, be prepared to present your onward ticket (or proof of funds) and proof that you can support yourself. You may be denied entry if you are not a legitimate visitor, if your circumstances have changed since the visa was granted, or if you cannot demonstrate onward travel or sufficient funds.
Can I work on a Partnership Visitor Visa?
No. You cannot work in New Zealand on this visa. However, you may be able to work remotely for an employer or client located outside of New Zealand. Please review INZ’s guidance on remote work prior to commencing such work. You can study for up to 3 months.
Common problems with applications
- Evidence of the relationship was dated prior to both partners turning 18
- Only photos were provided as evidence of the relationship, no other evidence such as shared finances or shared addresses
- The supporting partner did not meet the eligibility criteria to support the applicant under the 12-month test
- Health or police documents have expired
- Funds for living expenses were also used to pay for the return flight (funds for living expenses and flights must be separate)
- The applicant did not check the travel conditions of their visa before leaving New Zealand and therefore lost their visa
Next steps: moving to residence
Prior to your visitor visa expiring, you may apply for residence based upon your partnership. To obtain a residence visa, couples must have lived together for at least 12 months. Under the 2026 rules, this time will only count from when both of you are 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa?
INZ states the fee is NZ$341. Your actual cost may vary depending on your nationality and how you submit your application. Please use the official fees tool to determine your exact cost.
How long does it take for processing the application?
INZ states that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks. However, some applications may take longer if INZ requests additional information.
Do we need to be married?
No. INZ determines if you are living together in a genuine and stable relationship regardless of whether you are married, in a civil union or de facto.
Can I include my childrenin this application ?
Yes. Dependent children aged 19 or younger can be included in your application. You will need to provide evidence of your relationship to each child and their identity.
Can I extend my stay in New Zealand ?
Yes. You can apply for a new visitor visa before your current one expires. You can stay a maximum of 3 years in total.
What if we have not lived together for 12 months?
You can still apply. Your first visa will be for 1 year and you can apply for additional time later, up to 3 years in total.
Final Checklist
- Both partners are 18 or older
- Your partner is a NZ citizen or resident and is eligible to support you
- INZ 1146 completed
- Relationship evidence dated after you both turned 18
- Funds or sponsor form, plus onward travel
- Health and police evidence, if necessary, and still in date
- Application submitted through Immigration New Zealand Official website
This guide is general information only; it is not legal or immigration advice. Rules and fees change frequently so please verify details on the Immigration New Zealand website or with a licensed immigration adviser prior to submitting your application.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa page; INZ news items on enhanced Immigration Online (29 September 2026) and new age and evidence requirements (effective 25 September 2026).
You may also like to read New Zealand Travel Insurance for Visitor Visa from Nepal: Complete Guide (2026)
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