Family Visas

Bring Your Family to New Zealand

Being separated from the people you love is one of the hardest parts of immigration. Whether you want to bring your spouse, reunite with your children, or have your parents visit for an extended stay, we can advise you on the right pathway and help you get the application right.

Partner & Spouse

Partnership-Based Work Visa

If your partner holds a New Zealand work visa, you may be able to come to New Zealand on a partnership-based work visa with open work rights.

Partnership-Based Visitor Visa

If your partner holds a temporary New Zealand visa and you do not yet meet the work visa criteria, a partnership visitor visa may allow you to stay in New Zealand while your relationship develops further.

Partnership Residence

If you are in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for residence under the Partnership Category.

Partnership Residence: what you will need to show

  • At least 12 months together in a genuine, stable relationship
  • Cohabitation or strong evidence of commitment if living separately
  • Your partner is a NZ citizen, resident, or holds a work visa

Children

Dependent Children of NZ Citizens or Residents

If you have a child who holds a New Zealand visa or you have been granted residence, your dependent children (aged 24 and under) can be included in most residence applications. Children of temporary visa holders may be eligible for student or visitor visas depending on your visa type.

Student Visa for Children

Dependent children of work visa holders can study in New Zealand as domestic students, meaning they pay domestic school fees rather than international fees.

Parents

Parents Category Visitor Visa

Parents of New Zealand citizens or residents can apply for a long-stay visitor visa of up to 3 years. You will need a sponsor (your child) who lives in New Zealand and can support you.

Parent Retirement Resident Visa

If you are a parent of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and you are able to invest NZ$1 million in New Zealand for four years, you may be eligible for the Parent Retirement Resident Visa.

Inter-Country Adoption

If a New Zealand citizen or resident legally adopts a child overseas, they may apply on the child's behalf for either New Zealand citizenship or a residence visa. This is a complex area; legal and immigration advice should be sought early.

Ready to Bring Your Family Together?

Family visa applications involve multiple moving parts: timing, visa conditions, and supporting documentation all matter. We will help you get it right.

Talk to Us About Your Family