Permanent Residence in New Zealand: All You Need to Know

Imagine waking up every day to the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, where every horizon promises adventure and tranquility in equal measure.

Achieving permanent residency is your ticket to this dream, offering not just a scenic backdrop for your life but a chance to become an integral part of a vibrant, welcoming community.

This guide is your beacon through the mist, providing all you need to know about securing permanent residence in the land of the long white cloud. Let’s embark on this journey together, turning your Kiwi dreams into reality.

Let’s dive in!

Eligibility Requirements For A Permanent Residence Visa:

To qualify for a Permanent Resident visa, you need to fulfill the following requirements:

  1. Demonstrate good character.
  2. Currently possess or have held a resident visa in the last three months.
  3. Maintain a resident visa for a minimum of two years.
  4. Fulfill the conditions stipulated in your current visa.
  5. Express a commitment to residing permanently in New Zealand.

Eligibility Requirements For Non-Principal Applicants:

If you are the partner or dependent child of the primary applicant, you may qualify for a Permanent Resident visa, even if the primary applicant has not obtained permanent residency. This is only possible if the following eligibility criteria are met.

Specific Requirements For Partners Of Main Applicants:

You can attain New Zealand permanent residency even if the primary applicant has not achieved it yet under the following circumstances:

  • Separation or divorce from the principal applicant.
  • Holding a protection order against the principal applicant.
  • The principal applicant is being convicted of a crime against you or a dependent child.
  • Demise of the main applicant.
  • The main applicant obtaining New Zealand citizenship.

Specific Requirements For Children Of Main Applicants:

You qualify for New Zealand permanent residency, even if the primary applicant has not obtained it, in the following scenarios:

  • The application did not include your other parent.
  • Your other parent passed away or acquired New Zealand citizenship.
  • Your visa or permit prior to 30 October 1995.
  • You legally arrived in New Zealand for permanent residence before 2 April 1974 and held a residence permit under the Immigration Act 1987.
  • The main applicant lost their life in the Christchurch terrorist attacks on 15 March 2019.

Is Direct Application Possible For Permanent Residence Visa?

In most instances, the initial step towards New Zealand residency involves applying through various available pathways such as the Skilled Migrant’s points system, partnership in New Zealand, or securing employment.

However, there are exceptions where individuals can directly pursue a Permanent Resident visa without travel conditions. These exceptions include:

  • Refugees and protected people.
  • Applicants who have maintained a relationship with a New Zealander overseas for more than 5 years and apply from offshore.

The primary route for acquiring New Zealand permanent residency is often through skilled migration.

If you have family ties or are in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for permanent migration.

Additionally, if you receive an offer of skilled employment from a New Zealand employer, you can apply for a general New Zealand work visa, paving the way for potential permanent residency.

Documents Required To Apply For A Permanent Residence Visa:

To apply for a Permanent Resident visa, ensure you have the necessary documentation ready:

1. Proof of Identity:

  •  Original passport or a certified copy. Alternatively, a certificate of identity may be provided if a passport is unavailable.
  •  Two photos of your face meeting New Zealand’s photo requirements.

2. Police Certificate:

  • You may need to submit a police certificate less than six months old to attest to your good character.

3. Your Resident Visa:

  •   Must have held a Resident Visa for a minimum of two years at the time of application.
  •   Provide your resident visa or residence permit.

4. Conditions of Your Current Visa:

  • Demonstrate compliance with the conditions of your current Resident visa, which may include restrictions on travel, minimum stay requirements, financial investments, or specific job/employer engagements.

5. Time Commitment Requirements:

Choose one of the following ways to prove your commitment to living in New Zealand permanently:

  • Sufficient time spent in New Zealand (at least 184 days in each of the last two years before applying).
  • New Zealand tax residence status, substantiated by relevant documents.
  • Investment of NZ$1,000,000 in New Zealand for 24 months or more (supported by financial documents).
  • Ownership or initiation of a successful business in New Zealand (with specified documentation).
  • Establishment of a base in New Zealand through property ownership or full-time employment (supported by relevant documents).

Ensure you meet these criteria and have the appropriate evidence ready for a smooth Permanent Resident visa application process.

How To Apply For New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa?

To initiate your Permanent Resident visa application, follow these steps:

1. Form Completion:

Fill out the Resident or Former Resident Visa Holder form (INZ 1175) in English, using capital letters. Print the completed form and attach two photos meeting NZ photo requirements.

2. Document Preparation:

Assemble all required documents for the Permanent Resident visa application. Ensure you have all the necessary materials to avoid rejection.

3. Appointment Booking with VFSglobal:

Schedule an appointment through VFSglobal. Upon confirmation via email, attend the appointment at the nearest visa application center to submit your application form and documents. 

Note that the visa application center may not necessarily be in your home country.

4. Submission at Appointment:

During the appointment, submit the necessary documents. The visa application center will forward your application to Immigration New Zealand for processing.

5. Payment of Fees:

Pay the required fees in person using a credit card (Visa or MasterCard) or through a bank transfer. Ensure that the Immigration Cost, VAC Service Fee, and (if applicable) courier fee are included in a single payment. 

Provide your credit/debit card details in section L of your application form. Payment is made at the time of your appointment.

6. Awaiting Decision:

Once your visa application is processed, you will be notified of the decision via email. Remain patient during this waiting period.

Processing Time For A Permanent Residence Visa:

Processing times for the Permanent Resident NZ visa typically range from three to five months, with the majority of applications being resolved within the latter timeframe. 

Upon receiving your Permanent Resident visa, it’s essential to transfer it to a new valid passport if your current passport has expired. To complete this transfer, follow these steps:

  1. Provide both your old and new passports.
  2. Fill out the ‘Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa.’
  3. Submit the necessary transfer fee.

Is It Possible To Get A Permanent Residence Visa Without A Residence Visa?

A Permanent Resident visa can be awarded even if you haven’t previously held a resident visa under the following circumstances:

  • As a refugee and protected person.
  • As a successful applicant in the Talent (Accredited Employer) Residence from Work Category, meeting specific income criteria.
  • If you have been the partner of a New Zealand citizen for over five years, and the citizen has resided abroad for a period exceeding five years.

Is it Possible to Bring My Family with Me After Acquiring a Permanent Resident NZ Visa?

If you initially included your partner and dependent children aged 24 or under in your resident visa application, you can easily include them in your Permanent Resident visa application. 

There’s no need for them to fill out separate application forms or pay additional fees. However, if the children you included in your resident application are now 25 or older, they must submit separate applications and pay the associated fees.

How To Show Your Commitment To Permanent Residence In New Zealand?

Demonstrating your commitment to permanent residence in New Zealand can be accomplished through five distinct avenues. It’s essential to provide evidence for at least one of the following:

1. Time Spent in New Zealand:

You must have been present in New Zealand for a minimum of 184 days each year on a resident visa in the two years directly preceding your permanent residence application. 

This period refers to the time immediately before applying, not the two years since your resident visa issuance. The 184 days do not need to be consecutive, allowing for multiple entries and exits as per your visa conditions.

2. New Zealand Tax Residence Status:

Obtain New Zealand tax residence status by spending 41 days or more in each of the two 12-month portions within the two years before applying for permanent residence. 

Evidence can be presented through a statement from Inland Revenue or a completed Confirmation of Tax Resident Status endorsed by Inland Revenue.

3. Investment in New Zealand:

Invest NZ$1,000,000 in New Zealand for a continuous period of two years or more. 

Evidence of the value and ownership of funds or assets can include bank documents, property deeds, share certificates, and business ownership documents with valuation reports.

4. Business Ownership in New Zealand:

Establish or purchase a business in New Zealand at least one year prior, ensuring its successful operation and beneficial impact on New Zealand. 

For businesses purchased, a minimum 25% share is required. Evidence involves presenting your latest certified business accounts and confirmation of your business’s operational success from a New Zealand chartered accountant.

5. Base Establishment in New Zealand:

Establish a base in New Zealand by residing in the country for at least 41 days in the year before applying for permanent residence. 

Additionally, all individuals included in your residence application must have lived in New Zealand for at least 184 days in the two years before your permanent residence application. 

You can achieve this by either purchasing a home or working full–time in New Zealand for nine months or more in the two years before applying. 

Evidence includes home-related documents (deed, mortgage, etc.) or employment-related documents (agreement, pay slips, etc.).

Ensuring you provide the necessary evidence for at least one of these commitment avenues will strengthen your application for permanent residence in New Zealand.

Difference Between A Permanent Residence Visa And A Residence Visa?

If you have been authorized to enter New Zealand by a Residence Visa, you can travel there as many times as possible under the conditions of your visa or for an indefinite period. 

After receiving a Resident Visa, the next natural progression is obtaining a Permanent Residence Visa.

A Permanent Residence Visa allows for entry and departure from New Zealand at regular intervals, as well as an indefinite stay.

Unlike Residence Visas, which come with travel conditions permitting re-entry only until a specified date, a Permanent Resident Visa grants the privilege of indefinite re-entry to New Zealand.

If you’ve held a Residence visa for over two years, you’re eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Visa, granting you the flexibility to travel in and out of New Zealand as needed. 

You can remain permanently in New Zealand for an unlimited period of time on a permanent resident visa. The number of times you can leave and come to New Zealand is not limited.

With an indefinite length of stay, the application fee for Permanent Resident Visa starts at NZD 240, and the processing time is remarkably efficient, with 90% of applications processed within just 28 weeks.

Benefits Of A Permanent Residence Visa:

Upon securing a Permanent Resident visa, a host of privileges becomes accessible to you:

✅ Reside indefinitely in New Zealand.

✅ Pursue employment opportunities within the country.

✅ Engage in educational pursuits at New Zealand institutions.

✅Enjoy unrestricted travel to and from New Zealand.

✅ Include your partner and dependent children aged 24 and under in your visa application if initially included in your residence application.

✅ Access sponsored medical services and social security benefits.

✅ Avail the benefit of free education for your children in New Zealand schools and universities.

✅ Gain the right to register and vote in elections after one year of residence.

✅ Automatic citizenship for children born in New Zealand.

Conclusion:

Reaching the end of our guide, the path to permanent residency in New Zealand no longer seems like an uncharted terrain but a well-marked trail leading to a place you can call home.

With determination, proper preparation, and a spirit ready to embrace all that this beautiful country offers, your dream of becoming a permanent resident is within reach.

New Zealand is not just a destination; it’s a new beginning, a place where stories unfold, and futures are built. Welcome to your new home.

Happy settling!

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