The Parent Category and the Parent Retirement Category
New Zealand offers two distinct pathways for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents (adult children) to migrate to the country.
These policies are designed for different financial situations and provide opportunities for families to reunite.
If you have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident you may be able to join your family in New Zealand.
A Parent Resident Visa will allow you to live, work or study in New Zealand and stay here indefinitely.
More EOIs to be selected from the Parent Resident Visa ballot pool!
From 1 July 2025, significantly more expressions of interest (EOIs) for the Parent Resident Visa will be selected from the ballot, as the queue of EOIs received prior to October 2019 has almost been cleared.
Close to 2,500 people from the EOI ballot pool are expected to apply for residence in this financial year, up from 500 in previous years.
The next Parent Resident Visa category ballot draw takes place in August 2025.
To be included, people must submit their EOI by 31 July 2025.
This is a great opportunity for families who have been waiting for this announcement.
Let us know if you think you can make it before the cut off date and we will be happy to assist you with lodging your Expression of Interest.
The New Zealand Government has recently announced a new long-term visitor visa, allowing parents to spend more time with their families in New Zealand.
The purpose of this visa is to help unite families and enhance New Zealand’s appeal to highly skilled migrants.
Read more the Parent Boost Visa
Considering these two options, families should weigh several factors:
Financial situation:
The Parent Category may be more suitable for those with limited financial resources but with children earning a good income in New Zealand. The Parent Retirement Category is ideal for those with significant assets looking for investment opportunities.
Certainty:
The Parent Retirement Category offers a predictable path, provided the financial requirements are met. The Parent Category's ballot system introduces an element of uncertainty.
Timeline:
The Parent Retirement Category may offer a faster route for those who can meet the investment criteria, while the Parent Category's timeline can vary depending on the selection process.
Long-term plans:
The Parent Retirement Category requires a significant financial commitment to New Zealand, which may align with plans for permanent settlement. The Parent Category might be more suitable for those seeking family reunification without a major financial investment.
"New Zealand's parent immigration policies offer diverse options for different family situations and financial capacities.
The Parent Category provides an opportunity for family reunification based on the sponsor's income, but with the uncertainty of a ballot system.
The Parent Retirement Category, on the other hand, offers a more predictable path for financially independent parents willing to make a substantial investment in New Zealand.
Ask our Immigration Advisers for guidance. Together with you, we will carefully consider all circumstances, and keep you informed about any policy updates to make the best "
Whether you want to retire to New Zealand to make the most of your retirement years or join your family, New Zealand Immigration Concepts can help you to apply for the right visa.
Carsten invites you to book a call with him to talk about further details of these policies and find out if you can retire to New Zealand.
Just mention your plan to retire in New Zealand in our Free Assessment form.
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