New Zealand Family Migration Visas

If you are looking for a New Zealand family visa, you may be able to join your partner, bring a dependent child or explore visa options for a parent who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. The right pathway depends on your relationship, your family member’s immigration status and whether you intend to live in New Zealand or visit temporarily.

New Zealand Partner Visa Options

If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible to apply for a partnership-based visitor, work or resident visa. The appropriate category depends on your plans and whether you meet the relevant requirements.

Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

This visa may allow you to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. Applicants generally need to show that they and their supporting partner have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months, and meet the other immigration requirements. The supporting partner must also be eligible to support the application. Read the official Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa requirements before applying.

Partner Work or Visitor Visa

Depending on your circumstances, a temporary partner work or visitor visa may be an option. Conditions, length of stay and eligibility vary by visa category. A visitor visa does not generally provide permission to work in New Zealand. Check the official partner visitor visa criteria for current conditions.

Current rules for dedicated partnership-based visa categories require both partners to be at least 18 when applying, and partnership evidence is assessed from when both partners were 18 or older. Confirm the latest requirements with Immigration New Zealand’s partnership visa update.

New Zealand Dependent Child Visas

A dependent child may be able to apply to live in New Zealand if their parent is a New Zealand citizen or resident and meets the supporting-parent requirements. For the Dependent Child Resident Visa, the child must generally be aged 24 or younger, single and financially dependent, with specific dependency rules depending on age. Evidence of parent-child relationship, health, character and other requirements may be needed.

Eligibility can depend on the parent’s status, the child’s age and circumstances, and whether the child was included in an earlier residence application. Each case should be checked against current Immigration New Zealand rules. See the official Dependent Child Resident Visa requirements for the latest age, dependency and supporting-parent criteria.

New Zealand Parent Visa Options

Parent Resident Visa

The Parent Resident Visa may allow eligible parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to live in New Zealand permanently. The process includes submitting an expression of interest (EOI); if selected and eligible, applicants may receive an invitation to apply. Sponsorship, sponsor income, health, character and other requirements apply. An EOI does not guarantee an invitation or visa approval. Read the official Parent Resident Visa criteria. Immigration New Zealand changed its EOI selection process from 5 October 2026; check the official page for the current selection method and dates before relying on an EOI timeline.

Parent Boost Visitor Visa

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is designed for eligible parents who want to spend an extended period with their New Zealand citizen or resident child. It can allow stays of up to five years, with an option to apply for a second visa subject to requirements. It is a temporary visitor visa and does not lead to residence. Sponsorship, financial, health insurance, health and character conditions apply. Check the official Parent Boost Visitor Visa requirements for current conditions.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa?

Sponsorship rules differ across partner, child and parent visa categories. A New Zealand citizen or resident does not automatically qualify to sponsor every relative. In particular, having a brother or sister in New Zealand does not by itself create a standard family residence pathway. Other options may exist depending on the applicant’s circumstances, so check the current visa instructions before making plans.

How Educate Migrate Can Help

Educate Migrate can help you understand relevant New Zealand family visa categories, review published eligibility criteria, prepare a document checklist and clarify next steps. We can help you consider your circumstances, but visa decisions are made by Immigration New Zealand.

For a wider overview of migration options, read our New Zealand migration guide. If your plans involve business or investment, you can also explore our New Zealand business migration options.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Family Visas

Can I join my partner in New Zealand?

You may be eligible for a partner visitor, work or resident visa if your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident and you meet the requirements for the relevant category. Partnership evidence and living-together requirements are important for many applications.

Can I bring my dependent child to New Zealand?

Some children may qualify for a dependent child visa if the parent meets the relevant status and sponsorship requirements and the child meets age, dependency, relationship, health and character criteria.

Can I sponsor my parents to live in New Zealand?

The Parent Resident Visa may be an option for eligible parents of New Zealand citizens or residents. It uses an expression-of-interest and invitation process and includes sponsor income and other requirements.

What is the difference between the Parent Resident Visa and Parent Boost Visitor Visa?

The Parent Resident Visa is a residence pathway subject to selection and eligibility. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is for extended visits and does not lead to residence.

Can I sponsor my brother or sister for New Zealand residence?

Having a sibling who is a New Zealand citizen or resident does not by itself provide a standard family residence pathway. Eligibility depends on the specific immigration category and your circumstances.

How long does a New Zealand family visa take?

Processing times vary by visa type, application volume and individual circumstances. Check the relevant Immigration New Zealand visa page for current estimates before applying.

Can I apply for a New Zealand family visa from India?

Some family visa applications can be made from outside New Zealand, including India. The correct process and evidence depend on the visa category, so review the official requirements before submitting an application.

Immigration rules and eligibility requirements can change. Always confirm the latest requirements with Immigration New Zealand before making decisions. Visa approval is not guaranteed.