New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa

A New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, with no travel restrictions. It is an important milestone that provides long-term security and flexibility, allowing you to leave and re-enter New Zealand freely without affecting your visa status.

Most migrants become eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa after holding a Resident Visa for at least two years and demonstrating their commitment to New Zealand.

Our immigration team can help you assess your eligibility and prepare your application to ensure the strongest possible outcome.

What Is the Difference Between a Resident Visa and a Permanent Resident Visa?

A Resident Visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand but includes travel conditions, usually valid for two years. This means your ability to leave and re-enter New Zealand may be restricted.

A Permanent Resident Visa, however, has:

• No travel restrictions

• No expiry date

• The ability to live in or outside New Zealand indefinitely

Permanent residence gives you greater freedom and long-term stability.

Who Can Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa?

You may be eligible if you:

• Have held a New Zealand Resident Visa for at least two years

• Have met all conditions of your Resident Visa

• Meet character requirements

• Can demonstrate your commitment to living in New Zealand

You must show evidence of your commitment by meeting at least one of the commitment criteria set by Immigration New Zealand.

Commitment to New Zealand Requirements

To qualify for permanent residence, you must meet at least one of the following five commitment pathways.

1. Spending Enough Time in New Zealand

You must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 184 days in each of the two years immediately before applying

Immigration New Zealand keeps records of your travel history, so you usually do not need to provide this evidence yourself.

2. Becoming a New Zealand Tax Resident

You may qualify if you can demonstrate New Zealand tax residence status.

This requires:

• Being present in New Zealand as a resident for at least 41 days in each of the two years before applying, and

• Being officially recognised as a New Zealand tax resident

Evidence may include:

• Inland Revenue statements, or

• Confirmation of Tax Resident Status endorsed by Inland Revenue

3. Investing in New Zealand

You may qualify if you have invested at least NZD $1,000,000 in New Zealand for a minimum of two years in acceptable investments.

Evidence may include:

• Bank documentation

• Property ownership documents

• Share certificates

• Business ownership and valuation reports

4. Owning or Operating a Business in New Zealand

You may qualify if you have:

• Established or purchased a business in New Zealand at least 12 months ago, or

• Purchased at least a 25% share in an existing New Zealand business

The business must be actively trading and benefiting New Zealand.

Evidence may include:

• Financial statements certified by a New Zealand chartered accountant

• Confirmation from an accountant that the business is actively operating

• Business ownership and registration documents

5. Establishing a Base in New Zealand

You may qualify if you have established a permanent base in New Zealand.

This requires:

• Living in New Zealand as a resident for at least 41 days in the year before applying, and

• Spending at least 184 days in New Zealand across the two years before applying

You must also demonstrate at least one of the following:

• Owning and living in a home in New Zealand, or

• Working full-time in New Zealand for at least 9 months, or

• Being self-employed or actively involved in a New Zealand business

Evidence may include:

• Property ownership documents

• Employment agreements and payslips

• Employer confirmation letters

• Business ownership and operational documents