Permanent residency in New Zealand

Securing New Zealand permanent residency is a significant milestone, offering individuals the opportunity to build a stable and fulfilling life in this stunning and culturally diverse nation. With its high quality of life, progressive policies, and breathtaking landscapes, New Zealand beckons as a welcoming home for those seeking a lasting connection to this Pacific paradise.

To obtain permanent residency in New Zealand, there are several pathways, with the primary ones being the Family Reunification program, the Special Work Visa program, and the Skills program. The Family Reunification program allows family members of citizens and permanent residents to apply for reunification. The Special Work Visa program facilitates the attraction of specialists in specific industries, while the Skilled Migrant Category enables those with sought-after professional skills to apply for residency.

To qualify for a Permanent Resident visa, certain eligibility criteria must be met:

1. Maintain good character throughout the application process.
2. Possess a resident visa or have held one within the last three months.
3. Hold the resident visa for a minimum of two years.
4. Fulfill the conditions specified in your current visa.
5. Demonstrate a commitment to permanent residence in New Zealand.

When applying for a Permanent Resident visa, you are required to compile the following documents:

1. Evidence confirming your identity.
2. A police certificate as proof of your good character.
3. Your Resident visa to establish your immigration status.
4. Documentation validating that you have met the conditions outlined in your current visa.
5. Proof demonstrating your commitment to meeting the time requirements for permanent residence.

To be eligible for the New Zealand Parent and Resident category, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete the 'Parent Category Expression of Interest' form.
2. Receive an invitation from Immigration New Zealand to apply for the NZ Parent and Resident visa.
3. Maintain good health and possess a positive character.
4. Demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
5. Your sponsoring child must be a New Zealand resident or citizen residing in the country.
6. Ensure that your sponsoring child or children have sufficient financial resources to support you.
7. Establish the relationship as a parent or legal guardian of the sponsoring child.

If your spouse is a citizen of New Zealand, and you have resided together outside of New Zealand for a duration exceeding 5 years, you have the potential to receive a permanent resident visa. During the application process, your partner should either be located overseas or have returned to New Zealand for a period of fewer than 3 months.

New Zealand extends residency opportunities to individuals with skills that contribute to economic growth. Prospective applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest, detailing their work experience, qualifications, and settlement capabilities.

To qualify for New Zealand Permanent Residency, a minimum score of 100 points is necessary. Points are allocated based on factors such as age, with those in the 20-29 age bracket receiving 30 points, while the maximum age for eligibility is 55.

Having close relatives in New Zealand grants an additional 10 points. Employment in New Zealand, especially in skilled trades, earns specified points, ranging from 50 for a job offer to 60 for current skilled employment exceeding one year.

Bonus points are awarded for specific employment circumstances, including identified future growth areas, areas of absolute skill shortage, and regions outside Auckland. A spouse or partner having a skilled job or job offer contributes an additional 20 points.

Work experience in skilled employment is also rewarded, with points increasing based on the duration, ranging from 10 points for two years to 30 points for ten years.

Gaining work experience within New Zealand attracts bonus points, with 15 points awarded for three or more years of experience. Additional points are granted for work experience in areas of future growth and absolute skill shortage.

Educational qualifications play a significant role in determining points for PR in New Zealand, ranging from 40 points for a Diploma/Trade Qualification to 60 points for a Master's Degree/Doctorate.

Additional points are available for qualifications acquired in New Zealand, with variations based on the level of qualification, study duration, and relevance to future growth areas or skill shortages. Partner qualifications also contribute to points, with 15 points for a partner holding a 7 or more level qualification.

To apply for New Zealand permanent residency, you must go through several stages. Start by applying for a visa with the intention of obtaining permanent residency, providing the necessary documents to confirm your status, work experience, education, and financial stability. Once you obtain a temporary visa, reside in the country for the specified period, adhering to all conditions. After meeting the requirements, submit an application for permanent residency, demonstrating your integration into society. Upon completion of the assessment of your application, you may be granted permanent resident status, giving you the right to live permanently in New Zealand.

The New Zealand government introduced the Active Investor Plus visa category in September 2022, replacing the discontinued Residency-by-Investment Programs like Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas. This new program offers indefinite residence for successful applicants, with the option to apply for permanent residency after 4 years and citizenship after 5 years. The benefits include inclusion of dependents (spouse or partner, and children up to 24 years old) and access to advanced education and healthcare systems. To qualify, applicants must meet health and character requirements, satisfy a point-based application system, fulfill English language requirements (IELTS 5), and make a minimum investment of NZD 15 million in acceptable investments for at least 4 years. The investment options include listed equities, philanthropy, managed funds, and direct investments, each with different weightings toward the NZD 15 million threshold. The application process involves due diligence, submission of the Active Investor Plus application with fees and documentation, approval-in-principle, fund transfer, and investment within 6 months (extendable to 12 months).

Typically, the processing time for the Permanent Resident NZ visa ranges from three to five months, with the majority of applications being processed within the latter timeframe.

The cost of a Permanent Resident visa for New Zealand varies depending on the applicant's country of origin:

• Application fee: NZD $220 — $260
• Visa application center fee: NZD $17 — $77
• Courier fee: NZD $13 — $100

Note: Individuals affected by the Christchurch attack in 2019 are exempt from paying a fee when applying for a Permanent Resident visa.