Permanent Resident Visa
New Zealand
Last updated: December 26, 2025
Permanent
$3153
2 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
The Permanent Resident Visa lets you live, work, and stay in New Zealand forever. You get this visa after living in New Zealand for 2 years on a temporary resident visa. Once you have it, you can travel in and out freely with no restrictions. This visa is for people who want to make New Zealand their permanent home. The main benefit is freedom—you can live here as long as you want without visa renewal. Your spouse and children (under 25) can be included in your application at no extra cost. This is different from a temporary work or student visa because it never expires. Once approved, you have permanent residence for life.
Key Benefits
- Work in any job without restrictions
- Study at NZ schools and universities
- Live in New Zealand permanently
- Travel in and out freely
- Include spouse and dependent children
- Access public healthcare
- Own property and businesses
- Sponsor family members for visas
- Path to citizenship after 3-5 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Currently hold New Zealand resident visa or expired less than 3 months ago
- Held resident visa for exactly 2 continuous years
- Proved commitment to New Zealand in one of five ways: 184+ days per year for 2 years, tax resident with 41+ days per year, own home for 1+ year, own/started business operating 1+ year, or invested NZD $1,000,000+ for 2+ years
- Passed all conditions of original resident visa
- Good character: never 5+ years jail, not 12+ months jail in last 10 years, never deported
- Pass mandatory medical examination
- Not a danger to public health
Financial Requirement
No minimum savings or income required. If proving commitment through investment, must invest NZD $1,000,000+.
Documents
- Valid passport copyCopy of passport identification and visa pages
- Passport-sized photoRecent color photo (less than 6 months old)
- Commitment proofPassports, tax documents, property deeds, business papers, or employment letter
- Police clearanceCertificate from every country where you lived 6+ months
- Medical examinationMandatory medical exam results from approved doctor
- Certified translationsEnglish translations of all non-English documents
- Resident visa proofProof that current resident visa meets all conditions
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.