Archive · 6 Aug 2025
New Zealand Offers Open Residency to Long-Term Visa Holders
If you've been living in New Zealand with a resident visa for over two years, you might be able to get a special visa that lets you stay there forever!
This new visa means you can live, work, and study in New Zealand without any time limits.
To get it, you need to prove you're committed to living in the country, like by staying there for a certain amount of time each year.
You'll also need to apply online, provide some documents, and pay a fee.
Once you get the visa, you can come and go as you please, and it's a step towards becoming a New Zealand citizen after five years.
New Zealand residents with visas for at least two years can apply for permanent residency.
Applicants must have a valid or recently expired resident visa and meet specific conditions.
Eligibility requires demonstrating commitment to New Zealand through various pathways.
The application process is digital and involves document submission and a fee.
Permanent residency grants open-ended rights to live, work, study, and travel in New Zealand.
- Who
- Individuals who have held a New Zealand resident visa for at least two continuous years.
- What
- New Zealand is offering permanent residency to those who meet certain requirements.
- When
- Applicants are eligible after holding a New Zealand resident visa for at least two years.
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- To allow long-term residents the full rights and freedoms to live, work, and study in New Zealand.
- Eligibility
- Held NZ resident visa for 2+ years; valid visa or one expired within 90 days; compliance with visa conditions; commitment to NZ; character requirements
- Application Process
- Digital; upload documents; pay fee; processing time approx. 3 weeks
- Application Fee
- NZD $315 (base fee)
- Ways to Demonstrate Commitment
- Spending 184+ days in NZ each year; NZ tax residency; owning/operating a business; significant investments; close family ties
- Permanent Residency Rights
- Live, work, study indefinitely; enter/leave freely (with valid passport)
- Citizenship Pathway
- Eligible after five years of legal residence (meeting other criteria)