NZ Partner & Family Visa Thresholds (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 want to support a partner or family member to come to (or stay in) New Zealand, INZ rules require you to meet relationship and, for some categories, income requirements. These settings live mostly in INZ immigration instructions under the head power of the Immigration Act 2009, and they are indexed to the median wage, so they change.
From 9 March 2026, the relevant pay levels stepped up with the median wage (which rose to $35.00/hour). Partner-support and family thresholds are tied to that, so the figure you need depends on the visa category and is recalculated roughly annually. Genuine, stable and exclusive relationship evidence is central to partner applications. Because these settings move and the detail matters, always check the current instructions on immigration.govt.nz before applying.
When does it apply?
- You want to support a partner's visa or sponsor family.
- You need to know the current income threshold for a family category.
- You're proving a genuine and stable relationship.
What to do for a partner or family visa
- Check the current thresholds on immigration.govt.nz — they're indexed to the median wage.
- Gather strong relationship evidence (shared finances, living together, communication).
- Confirm your income meets the category requirement before applying.
- Use a licensed adviser for complex family cases.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't rely on last year's figure — thresholds change (most recently 9 March 2026).
- Don't submit thin relationship evidence — genuineness is closely assessed.
About Immigration Rights in New Zealand
Migrants and visa holders in New Zealand are covered by the Immigration Act 2009 (administered by Immigration New Zealand, INZ) and, like everyone, by employment and human-rights law. Crucially, migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as residents — minimum wage, leave, and protection from exploitation. Visa, deportation and refugee decisions can be challenged at the independent Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT).
Immigration settings change frequently — always verify the current rules on immigration.govt.nz. INZ: 0508 558 855. Report migrant exploitation: 0800 200 088.
Common Questions
What is the partner and family visa income thresholds right in New Zealand?
If you want to support a partner or family member to come to (or stay in) New Zealand, INZ rules require you to meet relationship and, for some categories, income requirements. These settings live mostly in INZ immigration instructions under the head power of the Immigration Act 2009, and they are indexed to the median wage, so they change.From 9 March 2026, the relevant pay levels stepped up with the median wage (which rose to $35.00/hour). Partner-support and family thresholds are tied to that, so the figure you need depends on the visa category and is recalculated roughly annually. Genuine,...
When does it apply — partner and family visa income thresholds?
You want to support a partner's visa or sponsor family.You need to know the current income threshold for a family category.You're proving a genuine and stable relationship.
What income do I need to sponsor a partner visa in New Zealand?
Check the current thresholds on immigration.govt.nz — they're indexed to the median wage.Gather strong relationship evidence (shared finances, living together, communication).Confirm your income meets the category requirement before applying.Use a licensed adviser for complex family cases.
What should you NOT do — partner and family visa income thresholds?
Don't rely on last year's figure — thresholds change (most recently 9 March 2026).Don't submit thin relationship evidence — genuineness is closely assessed.