New Zealand partner and family work options in 2026
Partnership routes depend on who the supporting partner is and what immigration status they hold. A partner visa should not be treated as an automatic add-on to every work or student visa.
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
A person whose partner holds an eligible New Zealand work visa may be able to obtain a Partner of a Worker Work Visa. The supporting work visa and, in some cases, the supporting worker's job or pay conditions determine eligibility.
The partner work visa is normally granted for the same duration as the supporting partner's work visa.
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
A qualifying partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident can use the separate Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa. Duration can be up to three years depending on how long the couple has lived together and the application facts.
Open-work conditions from 20 April 2026
From 20 April 2026, several open work visa categories — including Partner of a Worker, Partner of a Student, Post Study Work Visa and Partner of a New Zealander — can allow any lawful work.
INZ states that these holders can be a sole trader or own and operate a business. However, where the holder operates the business as an owner, they cannot employ other people, directly or indirectly, under that open-work condition.
Dependent children generally use their own visitor or student status rather than being added to a partner work visa.
Official guidance: Partner of a Worker Work Visa, Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa, and 2026 open-work conditions.
Related: student/post-study, AEWV, New Zealand hub.
Official and supporting sources
- Immigration New Zealand — Partner of a Worker Work Visagovernment · accessed 2026-09-21
- Immigration New Zealand — Partner of a New Zealander Work Visagovernment · accessed 2026-09-21
- Immigration New Zealand — open work visa conditionsgovernment · accessed 2026-09-21