Visas for Parents of New Zealand Citizens or Residents

Steve Baker • July 13, 2025

New Zealand now offers three distinct pathways for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to migrate to the country.

These three routes are designed for different financial situations and provide opportunities for families to reunite.

If you have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be able to join them in New Zealand.

 

A Parent Resident Visa will allow you to live, work or study in New Zealand and stay here indefinitely.

‍

From 1 July 2025, significantly more expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Parent Resident Visa will be selected from the ballot.


Close to 2,500 people from the EOI ballot pool are expected to apply for residence in this financial year, up from 500 in previous years.


The next Parent Resident Visa category ballot draw takes place on 
12 August 2025.
To be included, people must submit their EOI by 
31 July 2025.
‍

*All visa options have Health and Character mandatory requirements.

 

1. The Parent Resident Visa*
This policy relies on the sponsor's income rather than the parent's financial resources

Key features:

Eligibility is based on the sponsoring adult child's income in New Zealand.       
Applications are subject to a ballot system. Selections from the applicant pool occur periodically.       
The ballot system introduces an element of chance to the process.
While this approach aims to ensure fairness, it also means that there's no guarantee of selection, even if all other criteria are met.

English proficiency requirement

 

2. The Parent Retirement Resident Visa*

This is currently New Zealand's best investor policy.


The Parent Retirement Category is tailored for financially independent parents who wish to retire in New Zealand.


This policy focuses on the applicant's ability to make a significant investment in New Zealand.


Requirements: 
Applicants must have a net wealth of at least NZ$1.5 million.       
NZ$1 million must be invested in New Zealand for a minimum of four years.       
The remaining NZ$500,000 are "settlement funds".


Key advantages:
Currently offers the most favourable investment terms among New Zealand's investor programs.
Provides flexibility in investment options. Lower investment threshold compared to the 
Active Investor


Plus Category.The Parent Retirement Category stands out for its relatively accessible investment requirements. Unlike Active Investor Plus Category that demands higher investments & restricts these to specific sectors, this category allows applicants to choose from a range of "acceptable investments."
This flexibility, combined with the lower investment threshold, makes it an attractive option. This option allows you to live, work and study in New Zealand permanently.  You can include your partner in this application and can apply for permanent residence after 4 years.

 

3. The Parent Boost Visitor Visa* available from 29 September 2025

The New Zealand Government has recently announced a new long-term visitor visa, allowing parents to spend more time with their families in New Zealand.


5 years plus another 5 years available. The purpose of this visa is to help reunite families and attract highly skilled migrants in New Zealand.




Advisa Immigration Services Ltd are here to assist you. 

Please contact Steve Baker for an obligation free and confidential conversation about any of the above-mentioned visa routes.

Contact Steve
People gathered in a bright indoor lobby, with a woman standing near a suitcase and others talking nearby.
By Steve Baker • November 3, 2026
17 Occupations will move out of the Tier 2 Green List. Find out how the SMC will cover these and what your options are.
Person’s hand in a green sleeve holding a thin white rope against a gray background
By Steve Baker • November 2, 2026
Explore visa options for AEWV holders approaching their Maximum Continuous Stay in NZ, including residence pathways, partnership visas and planning ahead.
Silhouetted hikers under a starry blue sky with the words “MINDS MADE FOR MORE” across the bottom.
By Steve Baker • October 8, 2026
Why choose New Zealand? Because an education here is shaped by more than what happens in the classroom. Here, New Zealand itself is part of the education.
Two professionals reviewing documents together outdoors, one pointing at papers on a table.
By Steve Baker • October 7, 2026
Lost your New Zealand residence visa? Learn how the Second or Subsequent Resident Visa (SSRV) works, including eligibility, family members and key requirements.
Calculator and pen on paperwork on a desk
By Steve Baker • September 24, 2026
Use this tool to find out what Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) wage threshold applies to you.
Two hands gently resting on a person's shoulder, suggesting comfort and support
By Steve Baker • September 22, 2026
Parents who want to migrate permanently and whose adult child(ren) meet the sponsorship requirements have a few visa options.
Person studying with open books and laptop on a bed, writing on papers with a pen.
By Steve Baker • September 16, 2026
Eligible international graduates who have completed their studies or are currently studying in New Zealand will have new visas to apply for.
Orange road sign with left-right arrows on a post beside a rural field and gravel road under a cloudy sky
By Steve Baker • September 14, 2026
There are different pathways that can lead to a NZ skilled residence visa. Check which pathway relates to you, as each pathway has its own set of requirements.
Man in a gray suit reviews papers at a cluttered office desk with lamps and a bulletin board behind him
By Steve Baker • September 2, 2026
The impact of this type of offending can be devastating. People can spend years saving for these opportunities and make major life decisions based on false promises.
Hand holding colorful autumn leaves over a calm lake with mountains and blue sky in the background
By Steve Baker • August 9, 2026
MC from 24th August 2026 – Two weeks away. Parent Resident Visa Category 5th October 2026 – Eight weeks away.