New Zealand does not favor same–sex marriages, but allows civil-unions, under which the couple enjoys all the rights of marriage. The Civil Union Bill was passed in the NZ Parliament on 9th December 2004.

After migrating to New Zealand, couple who already had same-sex marriages have the freedom to term their marriages as a de-facto relationship; provided their country of origin approve their relationships. As of year 2005, this is applicable for registered relationship from countries like the UK, the US States of Vermont and New Jersey, Finland and Germany.

After the approval of the Civil Union Bill, a companion bill was passed to abolish any discriminatory provision, courtesy which all the couples in NZ (married, de-facto or in a civil union relationship) enjoy extended benefits like immigration, social-welfare, matrimonial property, to name a few.

For more information, hire the services of an expert Immigration and Visa veteran and know your rights!