Can You Apply for a Partnership Visa NZ Without Living Together?

When it comes to immigration to New Zealand under a partnership visa NZ, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether couples must have lived together to be eligible. At Immigration Chambers, we’ve assisted numerous clients in navigating the complexities of partnership-based visa applications, especially when traditional cohabitation isn’t part of their relationship journey.

Below, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the eligibility, evidence requirements, and possible pathways for those who are in a genuine and stable relationship but haven't lived together, ensuring you understand what options may be available.

Can You Apply for a New Zealand Partnership Visa Without Living Together

Understanding the Partnership Visa NZ Framework

To qualify for a Partnership Visa NZ, the relationship must meet Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) definition of a "genuine and stable partnership." This includes three relationship types:

• Marriage

• Civil Union

• De Facto Relationship

While marriage or a civil union may imply formality, cohabitation is a crucial factor, particularly in de facto relationships, where living together is generally expected as part of the assessment criteria.

Is Living Together a Strict Requirement?

Yes, cohabitation is typically required, especially for those applying under a de facto partnership. Immigration New Zealand expects evidence that the couple has lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months. However, there are exceptions and nuanced scenarios that allow for some flexibility in this requirement.

Exceptions to Cohabitation Requirements

If you're wondering whether you can apply for a Partnership Visa NZ without living together, here are key exceptions and situations where INZ may still consider your application:

1. Cultural or Religious Barriers

In cases where cultural or religious norms prevent cohabitation before marriage, applicants must provide clear evidence of these constraints, such as:

• Letters from community or religious leaders

• Written explanations of traditions or cultural practices

• Proof of intent to live together in the near future

2. Long-Distance Relationships Due to Circumstances

INZ acknowledges that some couples are kept apart due to:

• Work commitments in different countries

• Travel restrictions (such as those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic)

• Awaiting finalisation of divorce or separation from previous relationships

Evidence required may include:

• Travel itineraries and visits

• Digital communication logs (emails, messages, video calls)

• Joint financial transactions such as shared expenses during visits

• Proof of intent to live together in New Zealand soon after approval

3. Relationship in Early Stage

If the relationship is genuine but has not yet reached the 12-month cohabitation mark, you may apply for a visitor visa based on partnership instead. This can act as a stepping stone toward a full partnership-based work or resident visa later.

Alternative Visa Options if Cohabitation Is Not Yet Met

If you're not yet eligible for a partnership visa due to a lack of cohabitation, consider the following alternatives:

1. Visitor Visa Based on Partnership

This allows you to join your partner in New Zealand temporarily. While this visa does not lead directly to residency, it provides time to live together and build your case for a longer-term partnership visa.

Key requirements:

• Evidence of a genuine relationship

• Communication logs, photos together, travel history

• Proof of intent to cohabit in New Zealand

2. General Visitor Visa or Work Visa

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may qualify for another type of visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand and live with your partner, eventually fulfilling the cohabitation period needed for a partnership visa.

Proving the Relationship Without Cohabitation

Even if you haven’t lived together, you must provide strong evidence that your relationship is genuine and stable. This includes:

1. Communication History

• Screenshots or printouts of consistent communication over time

• Evidence of video calls or messages using apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Messenger

2. Photos and Visit Records

• Time-stamped photographs showing joint activities

• Flight tickets, boarding passes, or hotel bookings made jointly

3. Support Letters

• Statutory declarations from friends or family who know the relationship

• Affidavits from religious or community leaders if cultural norms apply

4. Future Intentions

• Signed rental agreements or property contracts showing a future cohabitation plan

• Joint plans such as weddings, shared bank accounts, or joint investments

Risks of Applying Without Meeting Cohabitation Standards

While applying without cohabitation is possible under certain conditions, the risk of refusal is higher if the evidence is not compelling. INZ officers will carefully scrutinise the application to determine whether:

• The relationship is genuine and stable

• The separation is due to valid reasons and not an attempt to circumvent visa conditions

• There is a clear and realistic plan to live together

What If the New Zealand Visa Is Declined?

If your application is refused due to insufficient evidence of living together, you have several options:

1. Appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT)

This is viable if the applicant is onshore and holds residence status.

2. Reapply with Additional Evidence

In many cases, strengthening the documentary evidence or waiting until cohabitation occurs can lead to a successful reapplication.

3. Seek a Different Visa Pathway

Depending on your qualifications or employment, a work visa or student visa may serve as an interim solution.

Our Recommendation for Applicants Not Living Together

We recommend that couples who haven't lived together but are in a genuine and committed relationship do the following:

• Document everything: save chat logs, email exchanges, photos, and trip records.

• Visit each other frequently and keep records of visits.

• Seek a temporary visa (visitor or work) to enable cohabitation in New Zealand.

• Build your case slowly, a strong relationship record over time speaks volumes.

Final Thoughts

While cohabitation is a central requirement for a Partnership Visa NZ, it is not an insurmountable obstacle for committed couples living apart. Immigration New Zealand does provide flexibility in certain situations, especially when supported by strong and credible evidence.

We encourage applicants in such situations to consult immigration experts at Immigration Chambers who can guide you through the best route, whether that be a temporary visitor visa or building a future application for residency. With a well-prepared application and professional support, couples can overcome the challenge of non-cohabitation and move forward confidently with their visa process.

Need professional guidance with your partnership visa application?

Contact our Licensed Immigration Lawyer in Auckland today to ensure your love story doesn’t hit an immigration wall.