NZ citizenship by marriage or partnership
What the law actually says about citizenship for partners of NZ citizens
New Zealand does not grant citizenship by marriage
Unlike some countries, New Zealand does not have a provision for granting citizenship based on marriage or partnership alone. Marrying an NZ citizen, or entering a civil union or de facto relationship with one, does not entitle you to NZ citizenship.
Key point: You must go through the standard citizenship process regardless of your relationship with an NZ citizen. This means obtaining a residence visa, living in NZ for at least 5 years, meeting the presence requirements, and applying for citizenship.
What a relationship with an NZ citizen does provide is a pathway to a visa. You can apply for a partner-based visa, which can lead to residence, which can eventually lead to citizenship eligibility.
The partner visa pathway to citizenship
If you are in a genuine and stable relationship with an NZ citizen or resident, you can follow this pathway toward citizenship.
Step 1: Partner-based temporary visa
Apply for a partner of a New Zealander work visa. This allows you to live and work in NZ while on the pathway to residence. You need to demonstrate a genuine and stable relationship.
Step 2: Residence visa
After holding a partner work visa and meeting the requirements, you can apply for a Residence Class Visa based on your partnership. This typically requires demonstrating you have been living together.
Step 3: Five years of residence
Once you hold a Resident Visa, you must live in NZ for 5 years, meeting the presence requirements: at least 1,350 days total and 240 days in each 12-month period.
Step 4: Apply for citizenship
After completing 5 years of qualifying residence, you can apply for citizenship through the standard process. The requirements are the same as for any other applicant.
Typical timeline for partners
The total time from entering NZ on a partner visa to becoming a citizen varies, but here is a typical timeline.
| Stage | Approximate time |
|---|---|
| Partner work visa | 12-24 months |
| Apply for and receive Resident Visa | 6-18 months (processing) |
| 5-year qualifying period on Resident Visa | 5 years |
| Citizenship application and processing | 4-9 months |
| Total from arrival to citizenship | Approximately 7-9 years |
This timeline can be shorter if you already hold a residence visa obtained through another pathway (such as skilled migrant or essential skills), or if you were granted the 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021).
Citizenship requirements still apply
Regardless of how you obtained your residence visa, the citizenship requirements under the Citizenship Act 1977 are the same for everyone.
Total days in NZ over 5 years
Minimum days per 12-month period
- •Hold a Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa for at least 5 years
- •Be physically present in NZ for at least 1,350 days during those 5 years
- •Be present at least 240 days in each 12-month period within the 5 years
- •Be of good character
- •Have sufficient knowledge of English
- •Intend to continue residing in New Zealand
Types of relationships that qualify
Immigration NZ recognises several types of partnerships for visa purposes.
| Relationship type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Marriage | Legally married to an NZ citizen or resident. Must be a genuine and stable relationship. |
| Civil union | In a civil union with an NZ citizen or resident. Same requirements as marriage. |
| De facto partnership | Living together in a genuine and stable partnership for at least 12 months. Must provide evidence of living together. |
In all cases, Immigration NZ will assess whether the relationship is genuine and stable. They may request evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared property, photos together, correspondence, and statements from friends or family.
Common misconceptions
"I can get citizenship immediately after marrying an NZ citizen"
Incorrect. Marriage does not grant citizenship. You must go through the visa and residence pathway, then complete 5 years of qualifying residence before applying.
"My partner can sponsor me for citizenship"
There is no citizenship sponsorship in New Zealand. Your partner can support your visa application, but the citizenship application is assessed individually.
"Being married reduces the 5-year requirement"
The 5-year residence requirement is the same for all applicants. There is no reduced timeframe for partners or spouses of NZ citizens.
"If we separate, I lose my eligibility"
If you already hold a Resident Visa, a relationship breakup does not affect your residence status or your citizenship eligibility. The visa was granted to you, not to the relationship.
"I need to stay married until I get citizenship"
Once you hold a Resident Visa, your visa status is not affected by changes in your relationship. You can continue on the path to citizenship regardless.