Permanent Resident Visa
You've successfully gained your New Zealand Resident Visa, established your life in Aotearoa, and now you're ready for the next step: the Permanent Resident Visa (PRV). This visa signifies your ultimate commitment to New Zealand and grants you unparalleled freedom and security, removing most restrictions on your stay and travel.
At ZFS NZ, we understand the importance of this final step in your immigration journey. We are here to ensure your transition to a Permanent Resident Visa is seamless, securing your future in New Zealand indefinitely.
Resident Visa vs. Permanent Resident Visa: What's the Difference?
Many people often confuse a Resident Visa with a Permanent Resident Visa. While both allow you to live permanently in New Zealand, there's a crucial distinction:
Resident Visa: This is typically your first step to permanent residency. It allows you to live, work, and study indefinitely in New Zealand. However, it comes with travel conditions (often valid for 24 months from the date of grant). This means that after the 'expiry date travel' on your Resident Visa, you cannot re-enter New Zealand as a resident if you travel offshore. If you are outside New Zealand and your travel conditions expire, you may lose your resident status.
Permanent Resident Visa (PRV): This is the next stage after your Resident Visa. A Permanent Resident Visa has no expiry date for travel. Once you have a PRV, you can leave and re-enter New Zealand as often as you like, at any time, with the peace of mind that your resident status is secure. It removes all restrictions on your stay and travel.
Who Can Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa?
You can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa if you meet specific criteria, generally proving your commitment to New Zealand after holding a Resident Visa.
To be eligible, you must:
Hold a Resident Visa: You must currently hold a Resident Visa, or have held one that expired no more than 3 months ago.
Continuous Residency: You must have held a Resident Visa continuously for at least the last two years.
Time Since First Entry as a Resident: It must be at least two years since your first day in New Zealand as a resident.
Met Resident Visa Conditions: You must have met any conditions that were placed on your initial Resident Visa (e.g., for a Skilled Migrant Category visa, conditions might include taking up a skilled job offer within a certain timeframe). We can help you check if any conditions apply and how to ensure they are met or removed.
Good Character: You and anyone else included in your application must continue to meet Immigration New Zealand's good character requirements.
Show Commitment to New Zealand: This is a key requirement, and you must meet at least one of the following five criteria:
Significant Time in New Zealand: You (and all family members included in your original Resident Visa) have been in New Zealand for at least 184 days (approx. 6 months) in each of the last two 12-month periods immediately preceding your PRV application.
New Zealand Tax Resident Status: You have been assessed as having New Zealand tax resident status by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the last two years, AND you have been in New Zealand for at least 41 days in each of the last two 12-month periods. (Note: If you are also a tax resident in another country under a double tax agreement, this option may not apply).
Investment in New Zealand: You have invested at least NZD $1 million in New Zealand in an acceptable investment for at least the last two years.
Business in New Zealand: You have owned and successfully operated a business in New Zealand for at least one year, and it's of benefit to New Zealand. If you bought into an existing business, you must have at least a 25% share.
Established a Base in New Zealand: You have lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least 41 days in the year before you apply for PRV, AND you either:
Purchased a home within 12 months before or after becoming a resident, still own that home, and live there now.
Worked full-time in New Zealand for 9 months or more in the two years before you applied for PRV.
Benefits of a Permanent Resident Visa
Holding a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa offers unparalleled advantages:
Indefinite Travel Freedom: The ability to travel in and out of New Zealand without any time limits or concerns about your visa expiring.
Permanent Right to Live, Work & Study: No conditions or expiry dates on your right to reside, work, or pursue education in New Zealand.
Stability & Certainty: The peace of mind that comes with knowing your status in New Zealand is permanent.
Access to Services: Continued full access to New Zealand's public healthcare system, education system, and social security benefits (subject to standard eligibility periods for certain benefits).
Pathway to Citizenship: The PRV is the final step before meeting the eligibility requirements to apply for New Zealand citizenship, should you choose to do so.
Include Family: You can include your partner and any dependent children (aged 24 or younger) who were part of your original Resident Visa application.
The Application Process for a Permanent Resident Visa
Applying for a PRV is typically a straightforward online process once you meet the eligibility criteria. However, ensuring all evidence for your "commitment to New Zealand" is accurate and compelling is vital.
Verify Eligibility: Confirm you meet all the requirements, especially the 2-year Resident Visa tenure and one of the five commitment criteria.
Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary documents to prove your identity, good character, and chosen commitment to New Zealand.
Complete Application: Fill out the online application form with precision.
Submit & Pay Fee: Submit your application and pay the required fee.
Await Decision: Immigration New Zealand will assess your application. Most PRV applications are processed relatively quickly once all information is complete.
How ZFS NZ Can Assist You
Even for a seemingly simpler visa like the PRV, ensuring all details are correct and all requirements are demonstrably met can be challenging. We provide expert support to make this final step effortless:
Comprehensive Eligibility Check: We'll meticulously review your Resident Visa history and your chosen commitment pathway to ensure you meet all PRV criteria.
Documentation Guidance: Clear and precise checklists for all required documents, including evidence for your chosen "commitment to New Zealand" (e.g., travel records, IRD statements, business documentation, property details).
Application Preparation: Expert assistance in completing your online PRV application accurately and efficiently.
Liaison with INZ: Managing all communication with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf, responding to any requests for further information promptly.
Troubleshooting: Addressing any complexities, such as specific conditions on your previous Resident Visa or unique travel patterns.
Ready to gain the ultimate immigration freedom in New Zealand? Contact ZFS NZ today for a comprehensive consultation on the New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa. Let our Auckland-based Licensed Immigration Adviser expertise finalise your journey to a permanent life in Aotearoa.