New Zealand parent visas: Parent Boost and Parent Resident Visa

You must be sponsored by your child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, live outside New Zealand when you apply, hold medical or travel insurance (bought after approval in principle), and meet health requirements. You can visit for any length of time within the visa, but you must leave New Zealand during the third year for a health and insurance check. Only 2 Parent Boost visas can be held, and they do not lead to residence.

Parents, grandparents and legal guardians of a New Zealand citizen or resident can apply if sponsored by a child (or children) who earns enough, based on the New Zealand median wage and increasing for joint sponsors and each additional parent. Sponsors agree to meet your living costs for your first 10 years of residence and to cover the cost of sending you home if necessary. You must speak and understand English or pay for lessons, and you cannot apply if you have dependent children.

You first submit an expression of interest. From 5 October 2026 INZ selects around 90% of EOIs in the order they were lodged and 10% by random ballot, with the first selection under this model on 10 November 2026; the number of visas, about 2,500 a year, and the criteria are unchanged. Chest X-rays and medical examinations are needed only after an invitation.

You must meet one of three options. Annual income of at least NZD 33,663.24, or NZD 51,182.56 including a partner, from ongoing sources such as pensions, rent, dividends or interest, earned in the 12 months before applying and continuing each year. Or personal funds of at least NZD 170,000, or NZD 260,000 with a partner, available to you during the visit. Or sponsor income: one sponsor must earn at least NZD 72,800 a year to sponsor 1 parent and NZD 109,200 for 2 parents, rising for more parents. The rates are based on New Zealand Superannuation and change each April.

On a Parent Resident Visa you can live, work and study in New Zealand and travel in and out until your travel conditions expire. You can apply for permanent residence after holding the visa for at least 10 years in a row.