Partner residence visa cost: one application, one big levy
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa costs $5,360 from outside NZ, or $5,360 when applying inside NZ. That is an INZ fee of $1,940 plus an immigration levy of $3,420. With a listed Pacific passport the total is $4,810. The levy is the larger part of the bill.
Fees as at 7 November 2026, checked against INZ.
What INZ charges, by where you apply from
| Where you apply from | Application fee | Immigration levy | Visitor levy (IVL) | INZ total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I'm in NZ | $1,940 | $3,420 | $0 | $5,360 |
| Overseas, Pacific passport | $1,390 | $3,420 | $0 | $4,810 |
| Overseas, other passport | $1,940 | $3,420 | $0 | $5,360 |
Source: Immigration New Zealand. Checked 7 November 2026. Fees aren't refunded if an application is declined.
This is the Fees Guide's Family Category line. INZ's partner resident visa page lets dependent children aged 24 or younger be included in the application, with those aged 21 to 24 needing to be financially dependent.
Work out your own total
The calculator charges one application for the whole family. The calculator's adult and child counts change the extras.
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Full cost guides
Each guide has worked examples, when you pay what, and legal ways to pay less.
Every INZ fee, levy and IVL in one table
Three examples
- One partner applying from the Philippines or India: $5,360.
- A partner already in NZ on a work visa: $5,360, which is the in-NZ figure from the table.
- A partner with two dependent children on the same application. See the family total with extras.
When you pay each part
The fee and levy are paid with the application. INZ asks for a chest X-ray and a medical examination as part of the application, and for police certificates less than 6 months old when you apply. INZ's page lists processing as 80% within 7 months. For someone already in NZ whose temporary visa expires while the application is processed, INZ says an Interim Visa may be granted.
Legal ways to pay less
- INZ allows dependent children aged 24 or younger to be included in the partner's application.
- Pacific passport holders applying from outside NZ pay the lower fee band, and the table shows the difference.
- The Fees Guide waiver table lists Finland and Iceland for any visa, which covers the fee and levy.
Mistakes that cost money
- Applying before the couple reaches the minimum. INZ requires a genuine and stable relationship of at least 12 months living together after both turned 18, measured when you apply.
- Police certificates older than 6 months at application.
- Leaving out the partner's certificates. INZ asks the partner for certificates from countries where they spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years, though not a New Zealand one.
- Including a child who is 21 to 24 without showing financial dependence.
Extras for this visa
INZ asks for a chest X-ray and a medical examination, and police certificates from age 17 (INZ). Estimates:
- Medical examination: $200–$290.
- Chest X-ray: $130–$205 per adult.
- Police certificates: $44–$72 each.
- Certified English translations of non-English documents such as marriage certificates: $62–$95 per document.
Quick answers
How much is the partner residence visa?
$5,360 from outside NZ and $5,360 in NZ, for a fee plus the immigration levy. Source: INZ Fees Guide.
How long must we have lived together?
At least 12 months in a genuine and stable relationship, after you both turned 18, when you apply. Source: INZ partner resident visa page.
Can my children be included?
Dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included. Those aged 21 to 24 must be financially dependent. Source: INZ partner resident visa page.
Is the fee refunded if the application is declined?
The Fees Guide says INZ will not refund the fee and levies if an application is declined. Source: Fees Guide.
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