New Zealand Partnership Visa — Relationship Statement
INZ / Partnership-based visa · Last reviewed 2026-06-07 · Download PDF
Immigration New Zealand assesses partnership-based visas against whether the couple is living together in a genuine and stable relationship. This statement helps you present a clear, chronological narrative tying your supporting evidence together.
Template
Relationship Statement in Support of a Partnership-Based Visa Application
Applicant: [APPLICANT FULL NAME], [NATIONALITY]
Supporting Partner: [PARTNER FULL NAME], [NZ CITIZEN / RESIDENT]
INZ Client Number: [IF ASSIGNED]
Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
We, [APPLICANT FULL NAME] and [PARTNER FULL NAME], make this joint statement in support of the above partnership-based visa application. We confirm that we are living together in a genuine and stable relationship and that the information in this statement and the supporting evidence is true and correct.
1. How we met and the development of our relationship
We met on [DATE] in [LOCATION] through [CONTEXT]. Our relationship developed [DESCRIBE PROGRESSION], and we began living together on [DATE] at [ADDRESS].
2. Evidence that we live together
- Joint tenancy agreement / property documents for [ADDRESS]
- Mail and accounts addressed to both of us at the same address
- Joint bank account / shared bills (see Exhibit [X])
3. How we communicate when apart
During periods when we were apart ([DATES]), we maintained daily contact via [PLATFORMS]. A chronological communication appendix of [NUMBER] pages with preserved timestamps is enclosed as Exhibit [X].
4. How others know us as a couple
Our families and friends know us as a couple. Letters of support from [NAMES] are enclosed as Exhibit [X], along with photographs of us together and with family across [DATE RANGE].
We confirm that our relationship is genuine and stable, that we are living together, and that we intend to continue our life together in New Zealand.
Signed,
___________________________________
[APPLICANT FULL NAME], Applicant — Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
___________________________________
[PARTNER FULL NAME], Supporting Partner — Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
The INZ test: genuine and stable
INZ assesses whether the partnership is genuine (entered into with the intention of being maintained on a long-term, exclusive basis) and stable (likely to endure), and whether the couple is living together. Evidence should address all of these elements.
Strong evidence categories
- Proof of living together: joint tenancy, shared bills, mail to the same address.
- Shared finances: joint accounts, shared expenses.
- Communication during time apart, plus photos and third-party support letters.
Frequently asked questions
What does "living together" mean for an INZ partnership visa?
INZ generally expects evidence that the couple shares a home and a domestic life. Documents like a joint tenancy agreement, shared utility accounts, and mail to both partners at the same address are core. If you have spent time apart, explain the circumstances and show how you maintained the relationship.
How long do we need to have been together?
There is no single fixed period that guarantees approval; INZ assesses whether the relationship is genuine and stable on the evidence. Longer cohabitation generally produces more evidence, but the quality and consistency of the evidence matters more than a specific duration. Check current INZ operational guidance for the visa category you are applying under.
Can WhatsApp messages support a New Zealand partnership application?
Yes. A formatted chronological chat appendix helps demonstrate an ongoing, genuine relationship, especially across periods when the couple lived apart. Reference it by exhibit number and combine it with cohabitation and shared-finance evidence.
Official sources
Free to use without attribution. Not legal advice. PartnerProof — document-formatting tool for immigration applications.