Lately, I’ve noticed a common question that keeps appearing across various social media platforms: “I live in [country], and I want to move to New Zealand. What should I do?”
If that’s something you’ve been wondering about, you are not alone. My colleague, James Turner, recently posted a video blog, “Ways to Get NZ Visas 2024,” where he covers a range of visa options. Building on that, I’ll give you a brief overview of some of New Zealand’s most popular visa pathways and what you need to know before applying.
General Visitor Visa
We often receive enquiries from people who wish to visit New Zealand. However, applying for a visitor visa isn’t always as straightforward as it might seem. If you hold a passport from a visa waiver country, you can visit New Zealand without applying for a visa for up to three months, or six months if you are a British citizen.
If you are from a non-visa waiver country, you will need to apply for a visitor visa. One of the key challenges is demonstrating that you are a genuine visitor who intends to leave New Zealand at the end of your trip. This means proving you have sufficient funds for your stay, showing strong ties to your home country (employment, family, property etc), and clearly explaining the purpose of your visit (itinerary, booked tours, accommodation, family or friends you’ll visit). If your application is approved, you can receive a visitor visa allowing a stay of up to nine months.
Student Visa
If you are planning to study in New Zealand, then you will need to apply for a Student Visa as an international fee-paying student.
You will need to have an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider, proof you have paid your tuition fees (or evidence you can pay at the approval-in-principle stage). You must also show NZ$20,000 per year for living costs (or NZ$1,667 per month for shorter courses). You can also be supported by a financial guarantor, but you’ll need to prove your relationship and their financial ability to support you.
You will also need to explain your purpose for studying in New Zealand, why you chose your course and education provider, your future plans after completing your studies etc.. Depending on your course and length of study, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.
Partnership Work Visa and Resident Visa
If you are in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may qualify for a Partnership-Based Work or Resident Visa. To qualify, you must show your relationship is genuine and stable. For a work visa, you need proof of at least 4–6 months of living together, and for Resident Visa, you need proof of at least 12 months of living together. Supporting evidence can include joint financial documents, shared accommodation, communications, travel history, and more.
Some (but not all) people who hold a Student Visa or a job-based Work Visa can support their partner to come over on a Partner Work Visa. There are specific rules around this, such as the need for the New Zealand-based sponsor on an Accredited Employer Work Visa to be paid above a certain wage. If you are not sure if you qualify, consult us for guidance.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
If you have skills New Zealand needs, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) may be your best pathway.
You will need to have a full-time job offer (at least 30 hours per week) from a New Zealand Accredited Employer. The employer must have conducted proper advertising – the Job Check – and have a valid Job Token. You must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience or meet the job’s skill requirements. More information can be found in our earlier blog.
There’s strong demand for skilled workers like builders, nurses, teachers, tech experts, and many others.
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa
If you’re aged 66 years or older, and looking for a lifestyle move without relocating here permanently, the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa could be a good option. You must have NZ$750,000 to invest in New Zealand for two years, show an annual income of at least NZ$60,000, and demonstrate an additional NZ$500,000 in maintenance funds (assets, savings, property).
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
For parents whose adult children are living in New Zealand, there’s the Parent Retirement Resident Visa. To qualify, the parents must have no dependent children, have an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, invest NZ$1 million in New Zealand for four years, show NZ$500,000 in settlement funds and have an annual income of at least NZ$60,000.
Parent Category Resident Visa
Another option for parents is the Parent Category Resident Visa, but it has stricter income sponsorship requirements. Your sponsoring child must be a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least three years and meet the minimum income threshold for two of the last three years. For example, from 28 February 2025, the minimum income for one sponsor to support two parents is NZ$139,609.60. Parents must also meet health and character requirements.
Active Investor Plus Visa
The Active Investor Plus Visa is designed to attract forward-thinking investors who help businesses access global networks, capital, and markets, driving productivity and job growth. You can choose between two investment categories
- Growth: Minimum investment of NZ$5 million.
- Balanced: Minimum investment of NZ$10 million.
Simon Laurent’s blog provides more details on the two investment categories. If you are looking at investment pathways to New Zealand residency, now could be the right time to act.
If you are thinking about moving to New Zealand, whether it is visiting, studying, working, joining family, investing, or retiring, you can start working toward the visa that is right for you.
Contact us today to discuss your options and find the best pathway for your New Zealand journey!