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Residency

New Zealand — Residency: Retirement Visa

New Zealand has two retirement routes. The Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is for applicants aged 66 or older: they need at least NZ$750,000 to invest in New Zealand for two years, at least NZ$500,000 for their stay, and an annual income of at least NZ$60,000, for a stay of up to two years; funds must be transferred within three months of approval in principle. The Parent Retirement Resident Visa needs an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and no dependent children, and an investment of NZ$1 million in acceptable bonds, equities or property for four years, at least NZ$500,000 for settlement and annual income of at least NZ$60,000; it leads to permanent residence after four years. Check the live visa pages for current amounts.

VerifiedGovernment / official sourceImmigration New Zealand — Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa; Parent Retirement Resident VisaLast reviewed: 2026-10-23

Why this matters

This visa matters for retirees looking to live in a foreign country with a relatively straightforward and stable immigration system.

Key facts

  • Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: age 66 or older; NZ$750,000 invested for two years; NZ$500,000 for the stay; annual income of NZ$60,000; stay of up to two years.
  • Funds for the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa must be transferred within three months of approval in principle.
  • Parent Retirement Resident Visa: an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, no dependent children, NZ$1 million invested for four years, NZ$500,000 for settlement and income of NZ$60,000.
  • The Parent Retirement Resident Visa leads to permanent residence after four years of holding the investment.

Steps

  1. Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria — Check that you meet the age, health, and character requirements for the retirement visa. Ensure you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself in New Zealand.
  2. Step 2: Gather Required Documents — Collect necessary documents, including proof of age, health insurance, and financial resources. Ensure all documents are in English or accompanied by a translation.
  3. Step 3: Submit Your Application — Submit your application online, attaching all required documents. Pay the application fee, which currently stands at NZD $610.
  4. Step 4: Wait for Processing — Wait for the immigration authorities to process your application, which can take several weeks to several months.

Common mistakes

  • Treating the two retirement visas as the same — the investment amount, duration and eligibility differ.

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