NZ Partner & Dependent Child Visas (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
If you hold a work or residence visa, your partner and dependent children can often join you. A partner can usually apply for a visa based on your relationship (some give open work rights, others are visitor-based), and dependent children can come on dependent child visas with access to schooling.
The requirements include proving a genuine and stable relationship, and meeting any income requirements — many of which are tied to the median wage and stepped up on 9 March 2026. The exact thresholds depend on your visa category and the current instructions. Because the income figures and conditions move and vary by category, check the current rules on immigration.govt.nz and keep strong relationship and dependency evidence ready.
When does it apply?
- You hold a work or residence visa and want family to join you.
- You need to know the current income threshold to support a partner.
- You're bringing dependent children to study and live with you.
What to do to bring your partner or children
- Identify the right partner/dependent visa for your category.
- Check the current income thresholds (median-wage-indexed) on immigration.govt.nz.
- Compile relationship and dependency evidence.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't rely on outdated thresholds — they changed on 9 March 2026.
- Don't submit weak relationship evidence — genuineness is assessed closely.
About Immigration Pathways in New Zealand
The routes to living in New Zealand long-term run through Immigration New Zealand (INZ) under the Immigration Act 2009 and INZ's detailed immigration instructions, with citizenship under the Citizenship Act 1977. The common path is a work visa (most often the Accredited Employer Work Visa), then residence (Skilled Migrant Category or Green List), then citizenship. Many settings are tied to the median wage, which rose to $35.00/hour on 9 March 2026.
Immigration settings change frequently — always verify on immigration.govt.nz. INZ: 0508 558 855. Citizenship (DIA): 0800 22 51 51.
Common Questions
What is the partner of a worker and dependent child visas right in New Zealand?
If you hold a work or residence visa, your partner and dependent children can often join you. A partner can usually apply for a visa based on your relationship (some give open work rights, others are visitor-based), and dependent children can come on dependent child visas with access to schooling.The requirements include proving a genuine and stable relationship, and meeting any income requirements — many of which are tied to the median wage and stepped up on 9 March 2026. The exact thresholds depend on your visa category and the current instructions. Because the income figures and conditions...
When does it apply — partner of a worker and dependent child visas?
You hold a work or residence visa and want family to join you.You need to know the current income threshold to support a partner.You're bringing dependent children to study and live with you.
Can my partner come to New Zealand on my work visa?
Identify the right partner/dependent visa for your category.Check the current income thresholds (median-wage-indexed) on immigration.govt.nz.Compile relationship and dependency evidence.
What should you NOT do — partner of a worker and dependent child visas?
Don't rely on outdated thresholds — they changed on 9 March 2026.Don't submit weak relationship evidence — genuineness is assessed closely.