Bringing Your Family to New Zealand: partners, children and parents
Building a life in New Zealand is rarely something you want to do alone — for most people, bringing their family along is the whole point. Whether that's your partner, your children, or your parents, there are visa options designed to keep families together, some temporary and some permanent. Which one fits depends on your situation and theirs. Having been through the immigration journey myself, I understand how much it matters to have the people you love here with you. This page introduces the main options; when you're ready, we'll work out the right path for your family.
Who you can bring to New Zealand — and whether they join you for now or for good — depends on your own situation and theirs. The main options are for partners, children, and parents. Here's how each works.
Bringing your partner
If you have a partner, there are usually options for them to join you — whether you're here on a temporary visa or settling permanently.
If you're here on a temporary visa, your partner can usually apply to join you on one of these:
Partner of a Worker Work Visa — lets your partner live and work here while you're on your work visa
Partner Visitor Visa — lets your partner join you for the length of your visa, without work rights
If you're a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be able to sponsor your partner to settle here permanently through the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa.
Bringing your children
Your children can usually come with you too, and the right pathway depends on your own status.
If you're here on a work or student visa, your children may be able to join you temporarily on:
Dependent Child Visitor Visa — to be here with you for the length of your visa
Dependent Child Student Visa — if they'll be studying at school here
If you're a New Zealand citizen or resident, your child may have a pathway to residence in their own right through the Dependent Child Resident Visa.
Bringing your parents
Many people want their parents close once they've settled here. There are options for both visiting and staying permanently.
To visit for extended periods, parents can look at:
Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa — for multiple visits over time
Parent Boost Visitor Visa — a newer option allowing longer stays
To settle permanently, parents of citizens and residents may be able to apply for the Parent Resident Visa, with your sponsorship. Because these pathways each work quite differently, this is an area where advice really helps.
Every family's situation is different, and the right way to bring yours together isn't always obvious. Because your family's options often depend on your own situation, it's worth looking at the whole picture — and this is where a consultation makes the difference
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