A resident visa lets you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. You can't simply ask for one: you need to fit a residence category, and almost all of them need a skilled job, a New Zealand partner or family member, a Pacific ballot place, or significant investment.
Checked with INZ on 29 October 2026.
The pathways
| Pathway | For | Key requirements | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category | Skilled workers | 55 or younger; skilled job or offer with an accredited employer; one of three pathways (points, skilled work experience, trades and technician); EOI first | NZ$6,450 |
| Straight to Residence | Green List Tier 1 jobs | 55 or younger; job or offer with an accredited employer at the required pay; registration where needed | NZ$6,450 |
| Work to Residence | Green List Tier 2, transport and care workforce jobs | 55 or younger; 24 months in the job in New Zealand | NZ$6,450 |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | Partners of citizens and residents | 12 months living together; genuine and stable relationship | NZ$5,360 |
| Parent Resident Visa | Parents of citizens and residents | EOI selection; sponsor income test; English; no dependent children | NZ$5,810 |
| Dependent Child Resident Visa | Children of citizens and residents | 24 or younger, single, dependent; parent lives in New Zealand | See INZ |
| Pacific Access Category and Samoan Quota | Citizens of eligible Pacific countries | Ballot, then a job offer | See INZ |
| Active Investor Plus | Investors | NZ$5 million or more invested | See INZ |
Partners and dependent children aged 24 or younger can usually be included in the main application. Australian citizens don't need a visa to live in New Zealand.
Where an adviser helps: many people qualify for more than one pathway, or will qualify soon, and the choice affects cost, timing and who in the family can be included. A licensed adviser can compare the routes for your situation and spot the one that fits before you pay an application fee.
Skilled residence in brief
- Straight to Residence: if your job is on Green List Tier 1, you can apply without New Zealand work history.
- Work to Residence: Green List Tier 2 and some other roles need 24 months' work here first, usually on an AEWV.
- Skilled Migrant Category: for skilled jobs not covered by the Green List, through an EOI. Since 24 August 2026 there are three pathways: points-based, skilled work experience, and trades and technician.
All three need you to be 55 or younger, have a job (or offer) with an accredited employer, and meet English requirements (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent for the principal applicant). See English tests.
What every application needs
- Medical certificates: a general medical and chest X-ray for most applicants. See visa medicals.
- Police certificates from your country of citizenship and every country you've lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years, less than 6 months old. See police certificates.
- Identity and relationship documents, translated into English where needed.
- Evidence for your category: employment, pay, qualifications, relationship.
After residence
A resident visa has travel conditions, usually for 2 years. After that, leaving New Zealand ends the visa unless you have a permanent resident visa or a variation of travel conditions.
- Permanent resident visa: after holding a resident visa for 2 years in a row and showing commitment to New Zealand (NZ$315). See permanent resident visa.
- Citizenship: after 5 years as a resident, with at least 240 days in New Zealand in each 12-month period and 1,350 days in total (NZ$560). See NZ citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to get New Zealand residence?
For Green List Tier 1 jobs, Straight to Residence. For partners of New Zealanders who've lived together 12 months, the partner resident visa.
Can I get residence without a job offer?
Only through a partner, parent or child route, a Pacific ballot, or investment.
Is there an age limit for residence?
For skilled residence (SMC and Green List), 55 or younger. Partner, parent and investor routes have no upper age limit.
Can I apply for residence from overseas?
Yes, for many categories, including Straight to Residence with a job offer.
Does each family member pay a separate fee?
No. One fee usually covers you, your partner and dependent children included in the application.
Getting help
If you clearly fit one pathway, you may manage the application yourself. A licensed immigration adviser helps you choose between pathways, check eligibility before you pay, and prepare evidence. If your residence application is declined, talk to an adviser or immigration lawyer about appeal rights at the Immigration and Protection Tribunal.
Tell us your situation and we'll introduce you to a licensed adviser or immigration lawyer. It's free to ask.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, resident visa pages for the Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, Partner of a New Zealander, Parent, Dependent Child and Active Investor Plus visas, and "Permanent Resident Visa" (immigration.govt.nz), read 28–29 October 2026.