Working here if your partner is in NZ
Find out if you can get a visa to work in New Zealand when your partner has a work or student visa or they’re a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Getting a work visa
You may be able to join your partner and work in NZ — depending on your partner’s visa or residence.
To apply for a partner visa, you’ll need:
- to meet the conditions of the partner visa
- your partner to support your application and complete a form as evidence of their support.
You cannot include dependent children in your visa application, instead your children can apply for a visa based on their relationship to you.
Find out how Immigration New Zealand (INZ) defines ‘partnership’ and ‘dependent children’.
Your partner is working in NZ
Depending on the conditions of your partner’s work visa, you may be able to join them and work in NZ.
Check if your partner’s work visa allows you to join them.
Bringing family if you have a work visa — Immigration NZ
If you’re granted a visa it’ll be for the same length of time as your partner’s visa.
Apply for the ‘partner of a worker work visa’
Learn about this visa and apply online or download a paper copy of the application.
Your partner is an NZ citizen or resident
You can apply to join your partner and work here on a work visa for 1-2 years.
Your partner must support your work visa application. Your partner must also be eligible to support your application for a partnership-based resident visa within 12 months.
Apply for a ‘partner of a New Zealander work visa’
Learn about this visa and apply online or download a paper copy of the application.
Your partner is studying in NZ
If your partner is on a student visa in New Zealand, you can apply for a work visa.
Your partner must be:
- studying an eligible level 7 or 8 qualification or any level 9 or 10 qualification
- on an MFAT-funded NZ Scholarship.
Bringing family if you have a student visa — Immigration NZ
If you’re granted a visa it’ll be for the same length of time as your partner’s visa.
Apply for a ‘partner of a student work visa’
Learn about this visa and apply online or download a paper copy of the application.
Partner of a Student Work Visa — Immigration NZ
Partner of an NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa — Immigration NZ
Your partner is in the Military
If your partner is in New Zealand on a Military visa, you can apply for a visa to work in NZ. If you’re granted a visa it’ll be for the same length of time as your partner’s visa.
Apply for a ‘partner of Military work visa’
Learn about this visa and apply online or download a paper copy of the application.
Who to contact for more help
If you need more help or have questions about the information or services on this page, contact the following agency.
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Immigration New Zealand
Contact and agency details