Pathways to Residence
Obtaining residence
These are the common pathways to obtain residence in New Zealand
Employment-based categories
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: This may be available if you have skilled employment, at least a degree level qualification (or 5/4 years of skilled work experience for applications in 2026) or a specified professional registration, and are earning at least the median wage.
Straight to Residence Visa: This is an option if you have employment in an occupation that is listed on Tier One of the Green List.
Work to Residence Visa: This is an option if you have employment in an occupation that is listed on Tier Two of the Green List and you have held that employment for two years.
All the above employment-based categories have age, English language, health and good character requirements.
Active Investor Plus
This requires an investment of at least NZ$5million into approved investments. You will need to prove how you lawfully acquired the funds.
You will need to meet the health and good character requirements but will not need to meet English language requirements.
Family visas
Partnership-based Resident Visa: If you have been living with a New Zealand partner for at least 12 months, you may be eligible for residence.
Parent Resident Visa: If you have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, they may be able to support you to apply for residence. Applicants are selected from a pool.
Dependent child: A dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or resident may be able to apply for New Zealand residence.
Parent Retirement Resident Visa: A parent of a New Zealand citizen or resident may be able to apply for residence under this category if they have at least NZ$1million to invest, plus a minimum level of maintenance funds and income.
All applicants applying under any of the above family-based categories will need to meet the applicable health and good character requirements. In some circumstances, an applicant applying for a partnership residence visa may also need to meet English language requirements.
Business Investor Residence Visa
Under this category, a Business Investor Work Visa holder may be able to apply for residence after three years, where they have invested NZ$1million into an existing business, or after 12 months by investing NZ$2million into an existing business.
Contact our immigration team today for expert advice tailored to your situation.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and not intended as a substitute for specific professional advice on any matter and should not be relied upon for that purpose.
