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A Certificate of Cohabitation formally confirms that two people are living together in a genuine domestic relationship in New Zealand. Partners commonly need this document when applying for visas, dealing with Immigration New Zealand, or proving their relationship status to government agencies.

These certificates help demonstrate the authenticity of de facto relationships, particularly when one partner is from overseas. Local authorities, like Justices of the Peace or lawyers, can issue them after reviewing evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared tenancy agreements, or utility bills showing the same address. The document carries legal weight under NZ's Property (Relationships) Act 1976.

You need a Certificate of Cohabitation when proving your relationship status to official organizations in New Zealand. It's particularly valuable for visa applications, where Immigration NZ requires evidence of genuine partnerships. Many couples get this certificate before applying for partner visas or residence permits.

The certificate becomes essential when dealing with banks, insurance companies, or government departments that need proof of your living arrangement. For example, adding a partner to your KiwiSaver scheme, applying for joint mortgages, or accessing relationship-based benefits often requires this formal confirmation of cohabitation. Getting it early helps avoid delays in these important processes.

• Basic Certificate: A standard document issued by JPs or lawyers confirming basic cohabitation facts - names, shared address, and relationship duration
• Detailed Certificate: Includes comprehensive living arrangement details, shared financial responsibilities, and witness statements
• Immigration-Focused Certificate: Specifically formatted to meet Immigration NZ requirements, with additional relationship evidence details
• Property-Related Certificate: Emphasizes shared property ownership or rental arrangements, useful for legal property matters
• Multilingual Certificate: Available in multiple languages for international use, particularly helpful when one partner is from overseas

• Cohabiting Partners: The two people living together who need to prove their relationship status
• Justices of the Peace: Authorized officials who can verify and issue these certificates after reviewing evidence
• Immigration Officers: Use these certificates to assess relationship authenticity for visa applications
• Government Agencies: Rely on these documents when processing benefits or services for couples
• Legal Professionals: Lawyers and notaries who draft, witness, or use these certificates in legal proceedings
• Financial Institutions: Banks and insurers who need proof of relationship status for joint accounts or policies

• Personal Details: Gather full legal names, birth dates, and contact details for both partners
• Address Evidence: Collect utility bills, tenancy agreement, or property ownership documents showing shared residence
• Relationship Timeline: Document when cohabitation began and any significant relationship milestones
• Financial Proof: Prepare joint bank statements, shared bills, or insurance policies
• Supporting Documents: Include photos, correspondence, or witness statements confirming your relationship
• Official Verification: Book an appointment with a JP or lawyer who can review and certify your documentation
• Digital Records: Keep scanned copies of all documents for future reference

• Personal Information: Full legal names, birth dates, and current address of both partners
• Relationship Declaration: Clear statement confirming genuine domestic partnership and shared residence
• Duration Details: Specific dates when cohabitation began and continues to present
• Living Arrangements: Description of shared domestic responsibilities and living situation
• Financial Integration: Statement about shared financial commitments and responsibilities
• Witness Details: Name, position, and contact information of the certifying official
• Signatures Section: Dated signatures from both partners and the certifying authority
• Official Stamp: Space for JP or legal professional's official seal or stamp

A Certificate of Cohabitation differs significantly from a Cohabitation Agreement, though both relate to living arrangements. While a Certificate of Cohabitation simply proves that two people live together, a Cohabitation Agreement is a detailed legal contract that sets out rights and responsibilities during the relationship and if it ends.

• Legal Purpose: Certificates primarily verify a current living situation for official purposes, while Agreements establish binding legal obligations between partners
• Content Scope: Certificates contain basic facts about shared residence, while Agreements cover property division, financial obligations, and dispute resolution
• Time Focus: Certificates document present circumstances, while Agreements plan for future scenarios and relationship changes
• Legal Weight: Certificates serve as evidence for third parties, while Agreements are enforceable contracts between partners under NZ relationship property law