New Zealand is a beautiful and highly desirable destination for people seeking better opportunities. Whether you’re a skilled worker, an international student, or a permanent resident, New Zealand offers various visa pathways for family reunification. This guide will help you understand the different visa types, eligibility criteria, and the step-by-step process for bringing your family to New Zealand in 2025.
Who Can You Bring to New Zealand?
New Zealand allows you to bring several types of family members under different visa categories. The most common family members who can be included in your application are:
- Spouse or de facto partner
- Children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren)
- Parents (in specific situations)
- Siblings and other dependent relatives (only in rare cases)
The ability to bring family members depends on the type of visa you have and your status in New Zealand.
Bringing Your Family to New Zealand on a Skilled Worker Visa
If you’re moving to New Zealand on a skilled worker visa, you may be able to bring your immediate family members with you. The primary visa types for this are the Skilled Migrant Category and Essential Skills Work Visa.
Skilled Migrant Category (Residence Visa)
This is one of the most popular pathways to New Zealand permanent residency for skilled workers. If you have the necessary skills, qualifications, and work experience, you can apply for this visa.
- Eligibility:
- You must meet the points-based system requirements.
- You can include your spouse, dependent children under 24, and dependent family members.
- Processing Time: Processing time typically takes 6 to 9 months.
- Permanent Residency: If your application is approved, both you and your family members can obtain permanent residency.
Essential Skills Work Visa
If you’ve secured a job offer from a New Zealand employer in a role that is on the Essential Skills Shortage List, you can apply for the Essential Skills Work Visa. This visa lets you live and work in New Zealand for a specified period, depending on your job.
- Eligibility:
- You must have a valid job offer.
- You can bring your spouse and dependent children with you as your dependents.
- Work Rights for Dependents: Your spouse can work full-time, while children may attend school.
- Path to Permanent Residency: This visa is a stepping stone toward permanent residency after a few years, depending on your job and visa conditions.
Bringing Family on a Student Visa
If you’re studying in New Zealand under a Student Visa (subclass 500), your family members can join you, provided you meet the requirements for a Dependent Visa.
Eligibility for Student Visa Dependents
- Primary Applicant: You must be studying full-time at a recognized institution.
- Spouse and Children: You can bring your spouse and children under 18 years of age, provided you can show that you have enough financial resources to support them.
Conditions for Dependents
- Work Rights: Your spouse can work full-time if you’re studying a program that is at least 2 years long (e.g., a master’s or PhD program). Otherwise, they can work up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Schooling for Children: Your children can attend school, but you may need to cover the costs of their education.
- Financial Requirements: You must show that you have enough funds to cover the cost of living for yourself and your family, plus any additional fees such as health insurance and schooling.
Bringing a Partner to New Zealand
New Zealand allows foreign nationals to bring their partners through Partner Visas, either if you’re married or in a de facto relationship.
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
This visa is available to the partner (spouse or de facto) of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Eligibility:
- You must prove that your relationship is genuine and ongoing.
- You need to submit evidence of living together for at least 12 months or show proof of an enduring relationship.
- Work Rights: Your partner can work full-time once the visa is approved.
Partner of a Worker Visa
If your partner is in New Zealand on a work visa, you may be eligible for the Partner of a Worker Visa. This visa lets you join your partner for the duration of their employment in New Zealand.
- Eligibility: You must meet the requirements outlined by Immigration New Zealand.
- Conditions: You can live and work in New Zealand while your partner works, but you’ll need to meet the financial requirements.
Bringing Parents to New Zealand
New Zealand has a special visa category for bringing parents to join their children living there. The Parent Category Visa is available under specific circumstances.
Parent Category Resident Visa
This visa allows parents to join their children in New Zealand if the child is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Eligibility:
- The child must be able to support their parents financially.
- The parent must pass medical and character checks.
- The applicant must meet the income requirements to ensure that they can provide for their parents’ stay.
- Processing Time: This visa typically has long processing times, up to several years in some cases, depending on the application volume.
- Subcategories: There are different pathways based on the income and sponsorship support available. The Parent Category visa is generally for parents of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who can demonstrate they meet the requirements.
Temporary Visa for Parents
If your parents do not meet the permanent visa requirements, they may apply for a Temporary Parent Visa, which allows them to stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years.
- Eligibility: You must meet the income threshold and show you can financially support your parents during their stay.
- Work Rights: Parents with this visa cannot work unless granted special permissions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bringing Your Family to New Zealand
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Category
Your eligibility and the type of family members you can bring will depend on your visa category. The Skilled Migrant Visa and Student Visa are the most common visas for bringing family. Visit the Immigration New Zealand website for more details on each visa.
Step 2: Get Required Documents
Documents you may need to submit include:
- Passports of all family members
- Birth certificates and marriage certificates
- Proof of your relationship (photos, shared bills, joint bank accounts)
- Police certificates and medical checks
- Proof of financial ability to support family members (bank statements, salary slips)
Step 3: Apply Online
Most visa applications are submitted online via the Immigration New Zealand portal. You’ll need to create an account, complete the necessary forms, and upload your documents.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times can vary:
- Skilled Migrant Visa: 6–9 months
- Student Visa Dependent: 1–3 months
- Parent Visa: Several years, depending on the type
Step 5: Health and Police Checks
Each family member will need to undergo medical examinations and police checks to ensure they meet the health and character requirements.
Step 6: Get Approved
Once your visa is approved, you can make plans for your family to join you in New Zealand.
Can Family Members Work or Study in New Zealand?
Yes! Most family members can work or study in New Zealand, but the conditions vary based on the type of visa.
- Spouses of Skilled Migrants: Full-time work rights.
- Spouses of Students: Full-time work rights if the student is studying a program lasting more than two years.
- Children: Can attend school, but you may need to cover tuition fees, depending on their visa status.
Can Family Members Get Permanent Residency?
Yes, in most cases, if the primary visa holder gains permanent residency, their family members are granted permanent residency as well. In some cases, family members can apply for permanent residency on their own.
Costs to Consider
- Partner visa: NZD $2,110–$3,100
- Parent visa: NZD $3,200–$10,000+
- Student dependent visa: NZD $200–$700
- Health checks: NZD $150–$500 per person
- Police checks: NZD $80–$150
- School fees for children: NZD $12,000–$20,000 per year (if applicable)
New Zealand offers several pathways for skilled workers, students, and permanent residents to bring their families with them. Whether you’re applying under the Skilled Migrant Visa, a Student Visa, or the Partner Visa, you can reunite with your family in New Zealand, provided you meet the eligibility criteria and financial requirements.
