New Zealand

Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa

The Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals aged 66 or older to reside in New Zealand for up to two years, provided they invest NZD $750,000 in acceptable New Zealand investments and demonstrate sufficient funds and income to support themselves. The programme targets financially independent retirees who wish to experience living in New Zealand without relying on the country's public welfare system. It is a visitor visa -- not a residence visa -- so it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. The visa permits multiple entries and exits during its validity and is renewable by re-application.

• Must be aged 66 years or older at time of application
• NZD $750,000 invested in acceptable New Zealand investments (unencumbered, not borrowed funds)
• NZD $500,000 in maintenance funds to cover living expenses
• NZD $60,000 minimum annual income from passive sources (pensions, rental earnings, dividends, interest, company profits, or share trading)
• Mandatory health insurance from an A-rated insurer with minimum NZD $500,000 annual coverage, including medical expenses, medicines, emergency dental, and medical evacuation
• Must meet health and character requirements
• Cannot work for New Zealand employers (may volunteer or work remotely for overseas employers)
• No nationality restrictions and no educational qualifications required

• Valid passport for duration of stay
• Two passport-style photographs
• Evidence of age (birth certificate, passport, or identity document)
• Evidence of investment funds (NZD $750,000)
• Evidence of maintenance funds (NZD $500,000)
• Evidence of annual income (NZD $60,000)
• Evidence of lawful acquisition of funds (tax returns, pay slips, business statements, inheritance or gift documentation)
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police certificates (if total time in New Zealand across all visits reaches 24 months; must be less than 6 months old)
• Proof of acceptable health insurance meeting coverage requirements

The visa is valid for up to 2 years with multiple entry and exit permitted. There is no minimum presence requirement. To renew, applicants submit a new application and must demonstrate that the NZD $750,000 investment was maintained in acceptable investments throughout the previous visa and that acceptable insurance was maintained throughout. There is no limit on the number of times the visa can be renewed.

A partner (spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner) may be included in the application if they meet all health and character requirements independently. The combined annual income of the applicant and partner can count toward the NZD $60,000 income requirement. Jointly-owned investment funds with the included partner count at full value if the partnership is genuine and stable. Dependent children cannot be included under any circumstances.

Holders present in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period become New Zealand tax residents, taxed on worldwide income. Tax residency is backdated to the first of the 183 qualifying days. Holders who become tax residents must register with the Inland Revenue Department and comply with New Zealand tax obligations.

1. Apply online through Immigration New Zealand's online services portal
2. Upload all required documents and pay the application fee (from NZD $7,891 plus NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy)
3. Processing: 80% of applications decided within 5 weeks
4. If approved in principle, the applicant has 3 months to transfer and invest funds in New Zealand through the banking system from their own bank account
5. A temporary 3-month visa may be granted to allow entry to arrange the fund transfer
6. Once funds are invested, the full 2-year visa is issued

Investment funds cannot be used for personal purposes such as purchasing a personal residence, boat, or car. If changing investments during the visa period, sale proceeds must be fully reinvested into acceptable investments within 4 weeks -- funds cannot be left as cash longer than that. Residential property development investments must be new developments only (not renovations or extensions) and cannot house the investor or their family. Managed funds must invest only in New Zealand companies, though proportional international exposure is acceptable.

Links

• https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/temporary-retirement-visitor-visa/
• https://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/85291.htm
• https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/fees-processing-times-and-refunds/fees-decision-times-and-where-to-apply/

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