Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Investment-based residence for parents of adult New Zealanders with NZD $1 million to invest.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
Parents of an adult NZ citizen or resident who can invest NZD $1 million in New Zealand and meet settlement-funds and annual-income requirements.
Eligibility requirements
- Have an adult child who is a NZ citizen or resident
- Invest at least NZD $1 million in acceptable NZ investments for 4 years (funds cannot be borrowed and must transfer through the banking system)
- Have at least NZD $500,000 in settlement funds, separate from the investment
- Have an annual income of at least NZD $60,000 and meet health and character requirements
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Approval in principle takes about 9 months for 80% of applications. After 4 years of compliant investment the holder can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. Unlike the Parent Resident Visa, it does not rely on a sponsor's income.
Other New Zealand routes
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
TemporaryOpen work visa for the partner of a NZ citizen or resident, up to 3 years.
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
PermanentResidence for the partner of a NZ citizen or resident, with a 2-year pathway to permanent residence.
Dependent Child Resident Visa
PermanentResidence for the dependent child of a NZ citizen or resident parent.
Parent Resident Visa
PermanentSponsorship-based residence for parents of adult New Zealanders, allocated by queue and ballot.