Residence permit of New Zealand

A residence permit in New Zealand allows foreigners to reside in the country legally and enjoy the rights of residents. It can be obtained by persons who have grounds for immigration, whether it is professional activity, education, investments or family ties.

In addition, this status opens the way to applying for citizenship. After fulfilling all the conditions and successful integration, residents can use the following rights:

• residence in the country for the duration of the permit; 
• social benefits, including access to free medical care; 
• the ability to purchase real estate, open bank accounts and engage in business; 
• freedom of movement throughout the territory and the right to invite a family.

A simplified procedure for applying for temporary resident status is available for citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Moldova. For example, the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa program allows professionals with in-demand skills to apply for residency if they score the required number of points according to criteria such as age, qualifications and work experience.

Types of residence permit

Various types of residence permits are available for foreigners planning a long-term stay in New Zealand:

1. Residence permit is a permit for up to one year with the possibility of extension. The holder has access to all basic rights, except for participation in elections.
2. Permanent residence is a status for a period of five years with the right to extend, granting all privileges.
3. Special programs are available for those who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in the field of science, art, sports, or business, and are also able to prove their financial viability and reliability.

It takes up to one month to consider an application for temporary or permanent status, and up to two months to obtain a special status.

Residence permit for the purchase of real estate

The purchase of real estate can be the basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit, which allows you to legally stay in the country. However, buying a home by itself does not guarantee automatic status. Foreign investors need to demonstrate the use of real estate as a place to live or a commercial asset, which increases the likelihood of approval of the application.

A residence permit for owners is issued for a period of up to 12 months and is extended while maintaining ownership and meeting all requirements. The status can be a step towards permanent residence.

Necessary justifications

To participate in the program, you need to invest at least 200,000 € in real estate. In this case, the object must be either residential or used to generate income, for example, through rent. The applicant should also register as a taxpayer and pay taxes in accordance with the financial legislation of the country.

List of documents

The following documents will be required for registration:

• proof of ownership of housing; 
• statement of transfer of funds from the bank; 
• a certified copy of the purchase and sale agreement; 
• income statement to confirm financial viability.

All transactions in excess of 10,000 € must be carried out in a non-cash manner in order to comply with the requirements of the legislation on financial transactions.

Student residence permits

International students enrolled in New Zealand educational institutions for long-term studies can apply for a residence permit for the entire period of study with an annual extension. The status is revoked if the student stops studying or violates the terms of the program.

Necessary justifications

To obtain a student residence permit, you will need an official confirmation from the educational institution of enrollment. Knowledge of the local language (English) is not required. Some universities also provide courses to improve language skills.

List of documents

Applicants must prepare the following set of documents:

• application for a residence permit;
• confirmation of admission to a university;
• 3 photographs 3×4;
• passport with a notarized copy;
• medical certificate;
• paid consular fee.

Residence permit for financially independent (freelance residence permit, digital nomad)

New Zealand offers attractive conditions for digital nomads and freelancers, allowing them to work remotely and obtain temporary resident status thanks to affordable visa programs and support for foreign specialists. For registration, you will need to register with the country's tax system.

Necessary justifications

The basis for filing is the presence of a permanent remote income that is not tied to a specific place or country, financial independence and lack of criminal records. The applicant must be over 18 years old.

List of documents

To submit an application, you need:

• valid passport;
• medical certificate;
• certificate of non-conviction;
• proof of stable income, the minimum amount of which is 4,200 NZD.

Residence permit by marriage

Marriage to a New Zealand citizen or resident provides an opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit. This path is suitable for spouses who have decided to unite as part of a family reunification program. This status can be obtained by partners or spouses of holders of a residence permit.

Necessary justifications

The basis for filing is an officially registered marriage if one of the spouses has a resident status. At least two years must pass after registration, of which a married couple must live together in the country for one year.

List of documents

To submit an application, you need:

• a completed application form and an application; 
• a valid passport;
• three 35x45 mm photos;
• a legalized copy of the marriage certificate;
• a medical certificate; 
• a receipt for payment of duties.

To approve the application, it is necessary to provide evidence of cohabitation and common life.

Family reunion

The family reunification program allows close relatives of subjects of the kingdom to obtain a residence permit. Temporary residents who do not need a work permit can invite relatives, which allows family members to reunite and legally stay in the country.

Necessary justifications

The basis for applying for a residence permit is the presence of close relatives, such as spouses, parents, children, grandparents, brothers and sisters. To obtain permanent residence, it is required to confirm the fact of rented or own housing and financial stability to provide for the family.

List of documents

To submit an application, you need to provide:

• a completed questionnaire and application; 
• passport;
• three 35x45 mm photographs; 
• documents confirming kinship; 
• medical certificate;
• receipt for payment of duties.

Work permit

For foreigners who plan to work in New Zealand, registration based on employment is available. A work permit is usually issued for the duration of the employment contract and can be extended if necessary.

Necessary justifications

The basis for applying is employment with a company registered in New Zealand. A foreign specialist must conclude an agreement with an employer accredited by the migration service and obtain a work permit.

List of documents

Documents required to apply for a work residence permit:

• a completed application; 
• a valid passport;
• three 35x45 mm photographs; 
• a signed employment contract; 
• a work permit from the migration service; 
• a medical certificate; 
• a receipt for payment of an administrative fee.

Business residence permit + sole proprietor

New Zealand actively attracts businessmen who are ready to invest in the country's economy by offering a residence permit for business owners and individual entrepreneurs. The validity period and status of the residence permit depend on the scale of the business and the level of investments. The program is suitable for people who want to open a new business or move their existing activities to New Zealand.

Necessary justifications

To obtain a residence permit, it is necessary to register a business in New Zealand and demonstrate active financial transactions. The legislation does not set strict limits for the minimum turnover or the number of employees, but it is expected that the business will be economically significant. Usually, owners of small businesses can count on a residence permit for a period of one year, while entrepreneurs with large businesses can obtain a status for a longer period.

List of documents

Documents required to apply for a residence permit under the business program:

• a completed application and questionnaire; 
• a valid passport;
• three 35x45 mm photographs;
• detailed information about the company's activities, turnover and number of employees;
• medical certificate;
• receipt for payment of the administrative fee.

Extension of a residence permit

To extend a residence permit in New Zealand, you need to contact the Immigration Service and apply in advance, at least 40 days before the expiration of the current status. The cost of the procedure is about 260-300 NZD, and the process usually takes from 1 to 2 months.

The dossier:

• a completed application for renewal; 
• a passport with an up-to-date validity period;
• documents confirming stable income or employment; 
• a medical certificate (if required by the type of residence permit); 
• confirmation of payment of an administrative fee.

After submitting the application and paying the fee, it is important to regularly check the status of the application, as delays are possible in case of high workload of the migration service.