New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa

A New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa gives holders permission to live, work and study in New Zealand on a permanent basis, without the travel or other restrictions that can be attached to other resident visas.

Applications are generally open to anyone who has held a New Zealand resident visa for at least two years.

Who can apply for a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa?

To be eligible to apply for permanent residence in New Zealand, you should:

• currently hold a New Zealand resident visa
• have held a New Zealand resident visa for at least two years
• provide evidence of your commitment to living permanently in New Zealand by demonstrating one of the following:
  • you have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand in each of the last two years;
  • you are a tax resident in New Zealand
  • you have invested NZD $1,000,000 in New Zealand for at least two years
  • you have bought or started an ongoing business in New Zealand, and been involved in its operation for at least one year
  • you have established a base in New Zealand, either by owning a home there or working full-time for at least nine months in the previous two years
• meet the standard good character requirements for New Zealand visa applications

If you have been resident in New Zealand for at least five years, you may be eligible to apply instead for New Zealand citizenship.

What does a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa offer?

If granted, a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa gives you the ability to live in New Zealand permanently. This includes the right to work and to study, as well as to travel freely to and from the country.

When applying for a Permanent Resident Visa, you are permitted to include your partner and any dependant children aged 24 or younger in your application.

Individuals who are unsuccessful in their application for a Permanent Resident Visa may, if they are eligible, be offered an alternative resident visa.

How do I apply for a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa?

Applications for Permanent Resident Visas must usually be submitted online. Applicants will be required to ensure they have the evidence and documentation necessary to support their application before submitting.

Citizens of certain countries are exempt from paying application fees for this visa. If a fee is required, you should expect to pay around NZD $240 providing your application is being submitted from inside New Zealand.

Most applications (around 80%) are usually reviewed and receive a decision within four weeks of being received by New Zealand Immigration.