New Zealand Parent Visas

If your adult child is living in New Zealand, there are several New Zealand Parent Visas that may allow you to spend meaningful time with them, either temporarily or permanently. Whether you’re planning an extended visit to support your family or you’re ready to make New Zealand your long‑term home, Relocate Down Under is here to guide you through every step.

We specialise in the Parent Resident Visa and the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, and can also advise you on alternative options depending on your circumstances.

Parent Resident Visa

A Pathway to Live Permanently in New Zealand

The Parent Resident Visa allows eligible parents to apply for residence through a structured two‑stage process. It’s ideal for parents who want to settle in New Zealand long‑term and be close to their family.

How the Visa Works

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) Your EOI enters a ballot, which is drawn every 3 months. 2500 people will be selected from eligible EOIs per year via the ballot process. If not selected, your EOI remains in the pool for two years.

2. Resident Visa Application If selected, you’ll be invited to apply within four months.

Sponsorship Requirements

You may be sponsored by:

• your adult New Zealand citizen or resident child or
• jointly by your adult child and their partner
• jointly by your adult child and another adult child of a parent included in the application

Sponsors must:

• have lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least 3 years
• be free from Section 49 conditions on their Resident Visa
• meet the minimum income threshold for 2 of the 3 years before applying
  • The threshold starts at earning 1.5 x the median wage (if one adult child is sponsoring one parent) but increases if you have two sponsors or more parents. 
• If your child and their partner are sponsoring you together, they must have lived together for 12 months or more.

 

General Eligibility Requirements

You must also meet:

• health requirements
• character requirements
• English language requirements
• family relationship requirements
• and have no dependent children

Parent Boost Visitor Visa

A Five‑Year Visa for Extended Stays With Your Family

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa is designed for parents who want to spend extended time in New Zealand supporting their adult children.

It is a five-year multiple entry Visitor Visa which allows the parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to come to New Zealand, as visitors, for an extended period of time. It is possible to be granted two Parent Boost Visitor Visas, covering a total period of 10 years.

This visa is not a pathway to residence, but it offers far more flexibility than a standard visitor visa. It is often used by parents who have entered an Expression of Interest into  the Parent Resident Visa ballot and are waiting to be selected.

Key Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

• be outside New Zealand when applying and when the visa is approved
• meet health, character, and bona fides requirements
• have sufficient funds
• be sponsored by your adult New Zealand citizen or resident child (joint sponsors are possible)
• not have dependent children
• hold acceptable travel and/or health insurance

 
Sponsorship Requirements

You may be sponsored by:

• your adult child
• your adult child and their partner
• your adult child and another adult child (either your child or your partner’s child, if your partner is included in the application)

A sponsor can sponsor a maximum of 6 parents and partners of parents.

Sponsors must ensure the parent’s needs for accommodation and maintenance (including food, clothing and medical treatment) are met, as well as the cost of returning home.

Financial Requirements

(Choose ONE of the three options)

1. Parent Income

• NZD $33,663.24 per annum for a single applicant
• NZD $51,182.56 per annum for a couple

Evidence must show this income level has been met for the past 12 months, and that it is ongoing.

2. Parent Funds

• NZD $170,000 for a single applicant
• NZD $260,000 for a couple

Funds must be unencumbered (borrowed or gifted funds cannot be used).

3. Sponsor Income

Based on the median income:

• one sponsor → one parent = 1 × median income
• each additional parent = +0.5 × median income
• two sponsors = +0.5 × median income combined

Income must be met for two of the three most recent tax years, based on the median income in effect at the time the application is lodged.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance must be from a provider with a credit rating of A (strong) or higher and must cover at least:

• NZD $250,000 per year for emergency medical care
• NZD $100,000 per year for cancer treatment
• NZD $250,000 for repatriation
• NZD $50,000 for return of remains

At least 12 months of insurance must be purchased after approval in principle and evidence provided within 3 months.

Visa Conditions

You must:

• maintain valid insurance for your entire stay
• continue to meet health requirements for the duration of your visa
• submit new medicals between years 3 and 4,along with a compliance conditions form, evidence of maintaining insurance and a fee.
  • This must be submitted from offshore and you must remain offshore until you receive confirmation that INZ are happy you continue to meet the conditions of your visa.
• ensure your sponsor remains in NZ for at least 184 days per year from the date of your first arrival
• once granted, you must enter New Zealand within 6 months.

Second Parent Boost Visitor Visa

You may hold two Parent Boost Visitor Visas (total 10 years) if:

• you met all conditions of the first visa
• you provide new medicals
• you have no debt to the Crown
• you remain offshore for 90 days before returning

 

Other Options for Parents Visiting New Zealand

Visa Waiver Travel (UK Passport Holders)

If you hold a UK passport, you may be able to visit New Zealand by applying for an NZeTA.

This allows you to stay as a visitor for:

• up to 6 months at a time, and
• up to 6 months in every 12‑month period

This is ideal for shorter visits or occasional trips, but it is not suitable for extended stays or situations where you need to support your family long‑term.

Grandparent Visitor Visa

(Mainly relevant for non‑UK passport holders)

This visa is generally used by parents or grandparents who do not receive 6‑month visa waiver travel, making it more relevant for non‑UK passport holders.

This temporary visa:

• is valid for 3 years
• allows multiple entries
• permits stays of up to 6 months at a time
• allows a maximum total stay of 18 months over 3 years
• requires sponsorship by your New Zealand resident child or grandchild
• must be applied for offshore
• does not lead to residence

You may include your partner in the application, but dependent children must apply for their own visas.

Parent Retirement Resident Visa

(Investment‑based pathway — referral available)

For parents with significant financial resources, there is also the Parent Retirement Resident Visa, which requires:

• sponsorship by your New Zealand‑based adult child, and
• a substantial investment (of at least NZ$1million) in New Zealand over 4 years, plus
• evidence of annual income and additional settlement funds

This visa allows you to live, work and study in New Zealand, but it has strict financial thresholds and therefore isn’t suitable for everyone.

I do not provide support with this visa type, but I can refer you to a trusted Licensed Immigration Adviser who provides support for investment‑based pathways.

Ready to Begin?

Whether you’re planning a temporary stay with your adult NZ resident or citizen child, or a permanent move to be with them, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Get in touch to discuss our New Zealand Parent Visas.