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NZ Parent Visas

If you have children or grandchildren who are New Zealand citizens or residents, there are several pathways for you to join them in New Zealand. Here’s a detailed look at the three main types of parent visas available:

  • The Parent Resident Visa allows parents to live in New Zealand permanently, provided their child is a New Zealand citizen or resident and meets the sponsorship requirements.

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    Length of stay: Indefinitely
    Quota: 2,500 per year
    Application Cost: From NZD $3,180

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    With this visa you can:

    • Live, work, and study in New Zealand.

    • Include your partner in your residence application.

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    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Expression of Interest: Complete a ‘Parent Category Expression of Interest Form’ providing details about your identity, character, health, English ability, family, and your sponsor’s income.

    • Invitation to Apply: If selected from the pool, you’ll have 4 months to submit your residence application.

    • Health and Character Requirements: You and your partner must meet these.

    • English Language: Prove your ability with tests like IELTS or PTE Academic.

    • No Dependent Children: You must not have any dependent children.

    • Sponsorship: Your child must:

      • Be a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 3 years.

      • Be 18 years or older.

      • Live in New Zealand and have spent at least 184 days there in each of the last 3 years.

      • Agree to meet your living costs for the first 10 years of your residence.

      • Provide Inland Revenue tax statements as evidence of their income.

  • The Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren in New Zealand for extended periods.

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    Length of stay: Up to 6 months at a time, with a maximum total stay of 18 months within 3 years
    Application Cost: From NZD $211
    Processing time: 80% within 4 months

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    With this visa you can:

    • Visit your children or grandchildren in New Zealand.

    • Travel in and out of New Zealand multiple times.

    • Include your partner in your visa application.

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    Requirements:

    • Health and Character Requirements: You and your partner must meet these.

    • Sponsorship: Your sponsor must:

      • Be a New Zealand citizen or resident.

      • Be your child, grandchild, or their parent.

      • Be 18 years or older.

      • Meet the requirements for acceptable sponsors and not be sponsoring anyone else.

    • Health Care: You must declare that you will cover any health care costs you incur in New Zealand.

  • The Parent Retirement Resident Visa allows parents to live in New Zealand permanently if they meet certain income and investment requirements.


    Length of stay: Indefinitely

    Application Cost: From NZD $5,260
    Processing time: Approval in principle 80% within 31 months

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    With this visa you can:

    • Live, work, and study in New Zealand.

    • Include your partner in your visa application.

    • Apply for permanent residence after 4 years of keeping your funds invested in New Zealand.

    Requirements:

    • Health and Character Requirements: You and your partner must meet these.

    • Sponsorship: Your sponsor must:

      • Be a New Zealand citizen or resident.

      • Be your child, grandchild, or their parent.

      • Be 18 years or older.

      • Meet the requirements for acceptable sponsors and not be sponsoring anyone else.

    • No Dependent Children: You must not have any dependent children.

    • Investment Funds: You must have NZD $1 million or more to invest in New Zealand for 4 years, with evidence like bank statements, title deeds, or share certificates.

    • Settlement Funds: You must have at least NZD $500,000, with proof of accessible funds from New Zealand.

    • Annual Income: You must have an annual income of NZD $60,000 or more.

Interested in applying for a New Zealand Parent Visa? Book a consultation with our lawyers for specialised assistance.

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