New Zealand residence
Is There a New Zealand Green Card?
New Zealand does not use the US term green card. The closest official idea is a resident visa, but the right route depends on why you qualify.
No. Immigration New Zealand does not issue a document officially called a "green card." That phrase belongs to the US immigration system. In New Zealand, people usually mean residence or a Resident Visa when they search for a New Zealand green card.
What is the closest New Zealand equivalent?
The closest concept is a New Zealand resident visa. A resident visa can let a person live in New Zealand and, depending on visa conditions, work or study there. The official route is not one single card; it is a set of residence categories with different eligibility rules.
Skilled-worker routes people often mean
If the question is about moving to New Zealand through work or qualifications, start with the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Green List Straight to Residence Visa, and Green List Work to Residence Visa. These are official New Zealand residence routes, not green cards.
Family routes people may mean
If the search is really about joining family in New Zealand, compare the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa and the Parent Resident Visa. Parent routes have sponsorship and source-checked income rules, so start with the official INZ page before relying on any summary.
Where to start
Use the New Zealand immigration hub to compare all listed routes, then open the Immigration New Zealand official page for the route that matches your situation.
Official sources
Sources, review and limits
Last verified
June 2026
Author and reviewer
Written by PetitionPace editorial desk; reviewed by Immigration-form data review.
Primary data sources
- USCIS form pages and fee schedule G-1055
- Official processing-time and eligibility guidance where available
- User-entered petition facts processed locally
Immigration forms, fees and timelines change. This is general information, not legal advice, and does not replace a licensed immigration attorney or official USCIS instructions.