New Zealand•OceaniaParent Retirement Resident Visa
At a Glance
1.6 years
NZD $12,850
Indefinite
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote work OK
Overview
Investment-based residence category for affluent retired parents joining an adult child settled in New Zealand, requiring NZD 1 million invested for four years.
The Parent Retirement Resident Visa (PRRV) is an Immigration New Zealand residence category for affluent older parents joining an adult child who is a NZ citizen or resident. It sits outside the Parent Category ballot, offering a direct investment-based route for self-funded applicants with no dependent children.
Applicants invest NZD 1 million in acceptable NZ assets for four years, hold a further NZD 500,000 in settlement funds, and show annual income of at least NZD 60,000. The fee starts at NZD 12,850; 80% of cases reach approval in principle within 19 months, then 12 months to transfer funds. Partners can be included, and after four years they may apply for PR.
This visa is ideal for high-net-worth parents past typical retirement age whose adult child has settled in New Zealand and who can place NZD 1m into productive NZ investments without local employment.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Have an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident living in New Zealand
Have no dependent children
Have at least NZD 1,000,000 to invest in an acceptable NZ investment for 4 years
Have at least NZD 500,000 in settlement funds
Have an annual income of at least NZD 60,000
Funds must have been earned or acquired lawfully
Meet health requirements (medical examination and chest X-ray)
Meet character requirements (police certificates from each country of citizenship and any country stayed in 12+ months in the last 10 years)
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
60,000 NZD/yr
Investment
1,000,000 NZD
Min. Savings
500,000 NZD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Proof of identity (passport or certified copy, photos)
Evidence of relationship to your sponsoring adult child (birth/adoption certificates)
Evidence your child is a New Zealand citizen or resident living in New Zealand
Evidence of NZD 1,000,000 investment funds and lawful source
Evidence of NZD 500,000 settlement funds
Evidence of annual income of at least NZD 60,000
Medical examination and chest X-ray results
Police certificates from each country of citizenship and any country stayed in 12+ months in the last 10 years (no more than 6 months old)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Direct path to New Zealand permanent residence after 4 years of maintained investment
- No English-language test or formal age cap required
- No job offer or skilled employment required
- Partner can be included on the same application
- Full work and study rights from grant of residence
- Bypasses the points-based and ballot-driven Parent Category
Worth Knowing
- Substantial NZD 1,000,000 capital must be invested for 4 years in NZ-only assets
- Additional NZD 500,000 in settlement funds and NZD 60,000 annual income must be evidenced
- Approval-in-principle target is 19 months for 80% of cases — long processing window
- Travel out of NZ is restricted in the last 2 years of the 4-year investment period
- Having any dependent children automatically disqualifies the applicant
- Insufficient NZD 1,000,000 of investable, lawfully acquired funds
- No adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident living in New Zealand
Application Process
Gather identity, relationship, financial, health and character evidence
Submit residence application online to Immigration New Zealand with the application fee
Receive Approval in Principle (target
80% within 19 months)
Transfer investment funds to New Zealand within 12 months of in-principle approval
Invest NZD 1,000,000 in an acceptable NZ investment (bonds, equities or qualifying new property development)
Resident Visa is granted; live, work and study in New Zealand
Maintain the investment in NZ for 4 years (may switch between acceptable investments, with cash gaps of no more than 4 weeks)
Apply for the Permanent Resident Visa once the 4-year investment is complete
Related visas
More visas in New Zealand
Retirement visas in other countries
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