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Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa reference checklist

0 of 36 marked as collectedLast reviewed 2026-08-19Official page updated Not stated on the pageView Immigration New Zealand visa page

Visa document reference checklist

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Documents Immigration New Zealand lists

Some of these may not be required for your application. These are the documents Immigration New Zealand names on its own pages for this visa. It is not a complete list of everything you may be asked for. KinVisa does not determine which items apply to you. The wording under each item comes from Immigration New Zealand, taken from the page linked with it.

  • When you apply, you will need to provide: a copy of your passport or certificate of identity — if you apply on paper, you can provide a certified copy, but it can prevent delays if you provide the original.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply

    The visa page notes that identity details entered in the application should match the passport or certificate of identity exactly.

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Certificate of identity

      When you apply, you will need to provide: a copy of your passport or certificate of identity — if you apply on paper, you can provide a certified copy, but it can prevent delays if you provide the original.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply
    2. 2.
      Current passport or certificate of identity for every person included in the paper application

      I have provided current passport(s) or certificate(s) of identity (original documents or certified copies) for every person included in this application.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Residence Application (INZ 1000) › Checklist for sections A to Hhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/Residence-Application-INZ-1000.pdf

      Item on the checklist in the paper residence application form.

  • When you apply, you will need to provide: your full birth certificate.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Full birth certificates for every person included in a paper application

      Provide original or certified copies of full birth certificates for each person included in your application.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Residence Guide (INZ 1002) › Checklist for Sections A to H › Birth certificateshttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/inz1002.pdf

  • Also provide a copy of your identity card.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply › Applicants from Hong Kong or Macao applying within Hong Kong or Macao

  • If you are a citizen of Indonesia, also provide your Kartu Keluarga.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply › Citizens of Indonesia

  • Also provide a copy of your livret de famille.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply › Applicants applying from New Caledonia

  • If you are not a French national, also provide a copy of your carte d’assuré.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply › Applicants applying from French Polynesia or Wallis and Futuna

  • Your photo must: have been taken within the last 6 months.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA › Photo standardshttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/applying-online/uploading-documents-and-photos/visa-and-nzeta-photos/

    The visa page states 1 acceptable photo is provided for an online application and 2 photos for a paper application.

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Two passport-sized photographs for a paper application

      Attach two recent passport-sized photographs of each person included in your application.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Residence Guide (INZ 1002) › Checklist for Sections A to H › Photographshttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/inz1002.pdf

      The guide adds that each photograph carries the person's name and the date it was taken on the back.

  • This form is for supporting an applicant for New Zealand residence under the Partnership Category of New Zealand Government Residence instructions.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Partnership Support Form for Residence (INZ 1178) › Notes for New Zealand partnershttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/inz1178.pdf

    The visa page states the partner completes this form as evidence of their support.

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Witnessed declaration in the Partnership Support Form

      This declaration must be witnessed by a person authorised to take statutory declarations, such as a Justice of the Peace, a lawyer, or a notary public.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Partnership Support Form for Residence (INZ 1178) › Section C: Declaration by person supporting an applicant under Family – Partnership Categoryhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/inz1178.pdf

  • When you apply, you will need to provide: proof that your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Partner's New Zealand passport

      Your partner must provide their: New Zealand passport.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's immigration status
    2. 2.
      Partner's New Zealand birth certificate

      Your partner must provide their: New Zealand birth certificate.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's immigration status
    3. 3.
      Partner's certificate of New Zealand citizenship

      Your partner must provide their: certificate of New Zealand citizenship, or New Zealand residence visa.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's immigration status
    4. 4.
      Partner's New Zealand residence visa

      Your partner must provide their: certificate of New Zealand citizenship, or New Zealand residence visa.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's immigration status
    5. 5.
      Partner's Australian passport

      If your partner has New Zealand residence because they are an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident, they can provide their: Australian passport.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's immigration status
    6. 6.
      Partner's Australian Permanent Resident Visa

      If your partner has New Zealand residence because they are an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident, they can provide their: Australian Permanent Resident Visa, or Australian Resident Return Visa.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's immigration status
    7. 7.
      Partner's Australian Resident Return Visa

      If your partner has New Zealand residence because they are an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident, they can provide their: Australian Permanent Resident Visa, or Australian Resident Return Visa.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's immigration status

  • When you apply, you will need to provide: proof that your partner lives in New Zealand, if they are an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Letters or bills addressed to your partner

      Documents your partner can provide to show they live in New Zealand include: letters or bills addressed to them — for example, electricity or other utility bills.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's place of residence if they are Australian
    2. 2.
      Partner's employment records

      Documents your partner can provide to show they live in New Zealand include: employment records.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's place of residence if they are Australian
    3. 3.
      Work and Income benefit records or Inland Revenue tax records

      Documents your partner can provide to show they live in New Zealand include: records of benefit payments from Work and Income, or tax records from Inland Revenue.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's place of residence if they are Australian
    4. 4.
      Mortgage, tenancy or utility supply agreements

      Documents your partner can provide to show they live in New Zealand include: mortgage, tenancy or utility supply agreements.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's place of residence if they are Australian
    5. 5.
      Invoices or receipts for household effects moved to New Zealand

      Documents your partner can provide to show they live in New Zealand include: invoices or receipts showing their household effects have been moved to New Zealand.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Eligible partner › Your partner's place of residence if they are Australian

  • If your supporting partner is a New Zealand citizen or has a resident visa, they: must provide police certificates, if you are applying for a resident visa.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Police certificates › Partners supporting your applicationhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/character-requirements-third-party-checks-and-police-certificates/police-certificates/

    The visa page states the partner does not provide a New Zealand police certificate, as INZ obtains that directly. The visa page and this page describe the countries covered differently — see conflicts_requiring_review.

  • If your supporting partner cannot prove they are of good character, we may give them a character waiver.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Police certificates › Partners supporting your application › If your partner cannot prove good characterhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/character-requirements-third-party-checks-and-police-certificates/police-certificates/

  • You will need to provide documents that show you and your partner have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months at the time you apply.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Relationship with your partner

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Evidence of how long you have been together

      The evidence should show: how long you have been together in a relationship.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Relationship with your partner
    2. 2.
      Evidence that you spend time together

      The evidence should show: you spend time together, for example, photos together, and emails and social media conversations between you.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Relationship with your partner
    3. 3.
      Evidence that your parent or guardian supports your partnership

      The evidence should show: if you are aged 16 or 17, your parent or guardian supports your partnership.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Relationship with your partner
    4. 4.
      Evidence that you and your partner are living together

      Living together means sharing the same home as your partner.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Partnership and how to prove it › Providing evidence of your partnership › Living togetherhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/once-you-have-a-visa/bringing-family-to-new-zealand/partnership-and-how-to-prove-it/

      The page states items showing a shared address can be dated every few months to cover the full period.

      Such as: Joint ownership of, or home loan for, residential property, Joint rental agreement or rental receipts, Joint utility accounts, Mail sent to your shared address.

    5. 5.
      Evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable

      Evidence of having a genuine and stable relationship needs to show that: others recognise your relationship.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Partnership and how to prove it › Providing evidence of your partnership › Having a genuine and stable relationshiphttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/once-you-have-a-visa/bringing-family-to-new-zealand/partnership-and-how-to-prove-it/

      Such as: Marriage or civil union certificate, Birth certificates for children you share, Joint bank accounts being used frequently, Joint ownership of assets, Joint credit cards or hire purchase agreements, Mutually agreed financial arrangements, Cards, letters or emails sent to you and your partner, Chat records and communication between you and your partner, Social media posts or photos of you together, Letters of support recognising your partnership, Shared income or bank accounts, or accounts showing transfers between you, Letters of support with the writer's contact details.

  • To help us assess your application faster, you can complete this optional timeline and checklist.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Applying for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: Partnership timeline and evidence checklist › Partnership timelinehttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/checklists/11975-INZ-Partnership-Evidence-Checklist.pdf

    The visa page describes this checklist as optional and something applicants can include with the application.

  • If you and your partner have spent time living apart, you should provide information about your separation, including: the reasons you were living apart.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Partnership and how to prove it › How we assess partnership › If you have not always lived togetherhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/once-you-have-a-visa/bringing-family-to-new-zealand/partnership-and-how-to-prove-it/

  • If you cannot provide evidence that you and your partner have lived together, due to personal circumstances, explain why here.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Applying for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: Partnership timeline and evidence checklist › Evidence checklisthttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/checklists/11975-INZ-Partnership-Evidence-Checklist.pdf

  • You must provide police certificates that are less than 6 months old when you apply, if you are aged 17 or older.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Character

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Police certificates from each country of citizenship and long residence

      You must provide police certificates if you are aged 17 or older.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Police certificates › Applying for a resident visahttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/character-requirements-third-party-checks-and-police-certificates/police-certificates/
    2. 2.
      Certified English translation of a police certificate

      You must provide us with certified English translations of all medical and police certificates. This includes police certificates that record no convictions.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Providing English translations of supporting documents › Check the visa application requirements › All other visa applicationshttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/providing-english-translations-of-supporting-documents/
    3. 3.
      Police certificates attached to a paper application

      I have attached police certificate(s) (less than six months old) for every person included in this application.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Residence Application (INZ 1000) › Checklist for sections A to Hhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/Residence-Application-INZ-1000.pdf

  • If you have a criminal record, we may still be able to give you a visa. You can provide an explanation of your criminal record when you apply, and we will decide if you meet our good character requirements.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Police certificates › Applying for a resident visahttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/character-requirements-third-party-checks-and-police-certificates/police-certificates/

  • When you apply for a visa, you should provide: a full explanation of any character issues, and reasons why you would like a character waiver or special direction.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Character requirements for New Zealand visas › Explaining a character issue when you applyhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/character-requirements-third-party-checks-and-police-certificates/character-requirements-for-new-zealand-visas/

  • After you apply, we may contact you and ask for: police certificates as proof of your good character.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › After you apply

  • If you are applying to stay in New Zealand permanently, and do not already have a resident visa, you must have a chest X-ray no matter where you are from.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who needs an X-ray or medical examination › Who needs a chest X-ray › If you are applying to stay in New Zealand permanentlyhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/health-requirements/who-needs-an-x-ray-or-medical-examination/

  • If you are applying to stay in New Zealand permanently, and do not already have a resident visa, you must have a medical examination no matter where you are from.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who needs an X-ray or medical examination › Who needs a medical examination › If you are applying to stay in New Zealand permanentlyhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/health-requirements/who-needs-an-x-ray-or-medical-examination/

  • You need to provide evidence of these with your application.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Health

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      eMedical reference code

      To complete your application, you will need to provide the: eMedical reference code from the clinic submitting your health information.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› How to apply online › Step 1: Gather your documents › Book medical appointments
    2. 2.
      Name of the clinic submitting your health information

      To complete your application, you will need to provide the: name of the clinic submitting your health information, if there is no eMedical reference code.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› How to apply online › Step 1: Gather your documents › Book medical appointments
    3. 3.
      Medical certificate or chest X-ray certificate

      To complete your application, you will need to provide the: medical certificate, chest X-ray certificate, or both if the clinic gave these to you.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› How to apply online › Step 1: Gather your documents › Book medical appointments

  • After you apply, we may contact you and ask for: evidence of a medical examination or chest X-ray if you have not already provided these.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › After you apply

  • To include dependent children in your residence application, you must be their parent or legal guardian, and your children must: provide proof of their identity.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children

  • You must provide documents that prove you are the parent or legal guardian of your children. These can include: full birth certificates.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Relationship with your children

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Full birth certificates for your children

      You must provide documents that prove you are the parent or legal guardian of your children. These can include: full birth certificates.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Relationship with your children
    2. 2.
      Adoption papers

      You must provide documents that prove you are the parent or legal guardian of your children. These can include: adoption papers.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Relationship with your children
    3. 3.
      Household registration documents

      You must provide documents that prove you are the parent or legal guardian of your children. These can include: household registration documents.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Relationship with your children
    4. 4.
      Other documents confirming your relationship to your children

      You must provide documents that prove you are the parent or legal guardian of your children. These can include: any other documents that confirm your relationship with them.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Relationship with your children
    5. 5.
      Household registration documents confirming your relationship to your child

      You can provide household registration documents if these confirm your relationship to your child.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply › Citizens of China

  • If you had a customary adoption, you will need to provide a written declaration stating you have adopted the children and the date and country the adoption took place.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Relationship with your children

    The bringing children page states INZ may also request other evidence, such as school or medical records or letters from local authorities.

  • If your children are adopted, they must provide evidence of the adoption with their application.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Bringing children › How we define and recognise adoptionshttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/once-you-have-a-visa/bringing-family-to-new-zealand/bringing-children/

  • If your children are aged 15 or younger, we will ask for evidence that they can legally leave their home country.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Custody of children aged 15 or younger

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Legal documents showing the sole right to decide where your children live

      If you are separated or divorced, you will need to provide legal documents that show: you have the sole right to decide where your children live.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Custody of children aged 15 or younger
    2. 2.
      Legal documents showing the right to remove your children from their home country

      If you are separated or divorced, you will need to provide legal documents that show: you have the right to remove your children from their home country.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Custody of children aged 15 or younger
    3. 3.
      Legal custody documents with the other parent's agreement to the move

      If you are separated or divorced, you will need to provide legal documents that show: you have legal custody of the children and your children’s other parent agrees they can move to New Zealand if the children get resident visas.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Custody of children aged 15 or younger

  • If your children’s other parent has died, you must provide their death certificate.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Custody of children aged 15 or younger

  • When you apply, you will need to provide: documents to show your relationship to your dependent children, proof of their identity and acceptable photos, if you are including them.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Documents you need › When you apply

  • We may ask for proof that your children are financially dependent.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Dependent children aged 21 to 24

  • If you are a New Zealand resident visa and you could have included your dependent children in your residence application but you did not, we may ask you to explain the reason for this.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Who can apply › Dependent children › Relationship with your children

    The sentence appears on the visa page as written here.

  • I have completed and signed the application form.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Residence Application (INZ 1000) › Checklist for sections A to Hhttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/Residence-Application-INZ-1000.pdf

    The visa page directs paper applicants to complete this form and attach all supporting documents.

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Partnership evidence listed in the paper application form

      You must provide: evidence of your relationship as described in the Residence Guide at Completing Section K: Family: Partnership Category.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Residence Application (INZ 1000) › Section J: Family: Partnership Category › Evidence you must providehttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/assets/inz/documents/forms-and-guides/Residence-Application-INZ-1000.pdf

      The same section states a Partnership Support Form for Residence (INZ 1178) completed by the partner is provided with the form.

  • All supporting documents submitted with your resident visa application must be provided in English or include a certified English translation.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› Providing English translations of supporting documents › Check the visa application requirements › Residence visa applicationshttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/providing-english-translations-of-supporting-documents/

    Immigration New Zealand lists the following examples

    1. 1.
      Original foreign-language documents supplied with their translations

      When you apply for your visa, the supporting documents that you provide us are the: original document in a foreign language, and the English translation of the document.

      View Immigration New Zealand source› Providing English translations of supporting documents › Submitting your original foreign language documentshttps://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/providing-english-translations-of-supporting-documents/

  • For your application you must provide: scanned copies of the original documents.

    View Immigration New Zealand source› How to apply online › Step 1: Gather your documents › Get documents translated

Other official guidance for this visa

Material reproduced from Immigration New Zealand is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

Reference checklist only — not official, legal or immigration advice. KinVisa does not determine what to submit or assess evidence. Check the current official source. Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/partner-of-a-new-zealander-resident-visa/ · Last reviewed 2026-08-19.