Partner visas
Build your life together in Australia.
Partner visas handled by lawyers, from your first call to a decision. Start with a free 15-minute assessment.
Start here
Which partner visa fits?
Pick the one that sounds like you. Not sure? That's what the free call is for.
Compare
Partner visas side by side.
| Partner, in AustraliaSubclass 820/801 | Partner, from overseasSubclass 309/100 | Prospective marriageSubclass 300 | NZ citizen familySubclass 461 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Couples in Australia | Applicant outside Australia | Engaged couples, applicant outside Australia | Partner of a NZ citizen living in Australia |
| Relationship | Married or de facto | Married or de facto | Engaged, intending to marry | Married, de facto, or other family member |
| Apply from | Inside Australia | Outside Australia | Outside Australia | Inside or outside Australia |
| Your sponsor | Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen | Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen | Australian citizen, PR or eligible NZ citizen | New Zealand citizen in Australia |
| Leads to permanent residence | Yes, the 801 | Yes, the 100 | After you marry and apply for 820/801 | No, five-year temporary visa |
| Work and study | Yes, in most cases | Yes, once the 309 is granted | Yes | Yes |
| Government charge | From AUD 11,710 | From AUD 11,710 | From AUD 11,710, then from AUD 1,955 for the 820/801 | From AUD 1,330 |
| See 820/801 | See 309/100 | See 300 | See 461 |
Government charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs, change each July, and are paid on top of our fee. Figures checked October 2026. Main applicant only; extra charges apply for each family member. Use the Home Affairs estimator for your exact cost.
Our fees
Clear terms, agreed before you begin.
At Zest Legal, we believe in clear, upfront pricing. Our professional fees for standard visa applications are outlined below, so you know what to expect before getting started.
Partner and family visas
We act on fixed professional fees for most matters, confirmed in writing together with the scope of our services before you proceed. Government charges and third-party expenses are additional.
What's included
What our service covers.
Our service covers everything from your first call to a decision.
We handle
- A visa strategy for your situation
- Your document checklist and evidence plan
- Drafting your relationship statements with you
- Lodging, and every request from Home Affairs
- Preparing your permanent stage
You pay
- Our professional fee, quoted individually and confirmed in writing
- Government charges, paid to Home Affairs
- Medicals and police checks, paid to providers
Evidence
What Home Affairs looks at.
Your relationship is assessed across four areas. Most refusals come from thin or inconsistent evidence, not from the relationship itself.
Financial
Joint bank accounts, shared bills, leases or loans, and how you share day-to-day costs.
Household
Living arrangements, shared responsibility for the home, and mail addressed to you both.
Social
Whether friends and family know you as a couple: photos, travel, invitations and Form 888 statements from people who know you.
Commitment
Your history together, time spent apart and how you stayed in touch, and your plans for the future.
How it works
From first call to decision.
Discovery call or consultation
A free 15-minute discovery call checks basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice. For advice on your situation, book a 30-minute consultation ($330).
Engage us
You receive a written quote, a document checklist and an evidence plan for your relationship.
We build your application
Your lawyer checks every document and drafts your relationship statements with you.
Final review and lodgement
You approve it and we lodge. We deal with Home Affairs until a decision.
Guides
Before you apply.
The rules that decide most partner visa applications, explained.
Across Australia
Partner visas in your state.
We work fully online with couples in every state. Local pages cover relationship registers and witnesses where you live.
Client reviews
What couples say about us.
“I had the best experience working with Zest Legal. My lawyer Rosa was so helpful and supportive, she made sure everything was perfect for my partner visa application. I am forever grateful, thank you to the Zest Legal team.”
“Rosa Nobarani and the team at Zest Legal were fantastic. Rosa's expertise and attention to detail gave me confidence that I was in good hands and she went above and beyond to successfully help our family. We cannot thank you enough.”
“The Zest Legal team helped my brother bring his fiance to Australia. It was a tricky case, but the team did a fantastic job and we succeeded on our first go. Very responsive, professional service. Thank you.”
★★★★★ 4.9 from 58 Google reviews
FAQ
Common questions.
What's the difference between onshore and offshore?
It's about where the applicant is when you lodge. Onshore (820/801) means in Australia. Offshore (309/100) means outside Australia. Both lead to permanent residence and cost the same in government charges.
Do we need to be married?
No. De facto couples can apply, usually after 12 months living together. Registering your relationship in an Australian state or territory may mean you don't need the 12 months.
How long does a partner visa take?
Processing times vary. Home Affairs publishes a guide based on recently decided applications. The permanent stage is assessed about two years after you first apply.
Can I pay in instalments?
Payment arrangements are discussed when we provide your quote and confirmed in your engagement letter.
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to check basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice, and depending on your circumstances you may still need a consultation. For legal advice now, book a 30-minute consultation ($330). Or call 1300 079 743.