Thinking about leaving the US and starting a new life in New Zealand with your Kiwi partner? You’re not alone. Recent data shows a significant increase in Americans searching for how to move to New Zealand. For those in a relationship with a New Zealander, the process may be more accessible than you think.
New Zealand offers several visa options for partners of New Zealand citizens and residents, allowing you to live, work, and potentially settle permanently. Whether you’ve been together for years or are just starting your life as a couple, there’s likely a pathway that fits your situation.
New Zealand Partnership Visa Options for Americans
If you’re in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for:
Temporary Visas:
- Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
Resident Visas:
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Permanent Resident Visa
The right visa for you will depend on factors such as how long you’ve lived together, what your plans are for your life in New Zealand (to visit, work, study or settle), and how soon you want to move.
What If I’m an American Citizen?
As a US citizen, there are a few additional considerations:
- You will still need to file US taxes each year, even if you live abroad. Fortunately, New Zealand and the US have a tax treaty to help avoid double taxation.
- You can apply for New Zealand permanent residence and even citizenship without giving up your US passport. Both countries allow dual citizenship.
- If you and your Kiwi partner have lived outside New Zealand for 5 years or more and meet the eligibility criteria, you may qualify directly for Permanent Residence.
How Long Do You Need to Have Lived Together?
If you have been living together for 12 months or more, you may qualify for a 3-year work visa or even a Resident Visa straight away.
If you’ve lived together outside New Zealand for over 5 years, and your partner is a New Zealand citizen (not just a resident), you may be eligible for Permanent Residence.
If you have been living together for less than 12 months, you could still qualify for a 1-year work visa, depending on the evidence you can provide. Otherwise, there may be another temporary visa that allows you to enter New Zealand and build up further evidence of living together.
New Zealand does not require you to be married. What matters is the genuineness and stability of your relationship, and proof that you’ve been living together in a committed partnership.
What evidence is required to prove our relationship?
Immigration New Zealand requires substantial evidence to demonstrate the genuineness and stability of your relationship and how long you have been living together.
This can include tenancy agreements, joint bank accounts, bills and correspondence to your shared address, photos, flight tickets, letters of support from family and friends and social media history, to name just a few.
We provide our clients with a comprehensive, tailored checklist of documents you’ll need for your visa application. Many are surprised by how much evidence is required — it’s more than just a marriage certificate.
How Long Do These Visas Take to Process?
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident or Permanent Resident Visa applications are currently taking around 7 months for most applicants.
- Work or Visitor Visas are typically processed much faster — often within 2 months.
What if We Are Not Currently Living Together?
If you’re not living together at the time of application, you likely won’t qualify for a Partner visa just yet. However, there may be other visa options that allow you to go to New Zealand and begin building your partnership history there.
We can help map out the best migration pathway and visa combination to get you and your partner where you want to be.
Why Are Americans Looking to New Zealand?
New Zealand continues to attract Americans seeking a more balanced lifestyle, political stability, universal healthcare, and beautiful natural surroundings. The country offers a lower crime rate, strong public services, and a slower pace of life that many find refreshing.
Need Help Navigating the Process?
Immigration requirements can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re balancing two countries, legal systems, and timelines. We provide full-service support throughout your visa journey, from assessing eligibility and providing a tailored document checklist, to preparing your application, drafting cover letters, and communicating with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf.
Find out your New Zealand Partnership Visa Options for Americans.
Fill out our quick (and free) Partnership Eligibility Assessment today.
