New Zealand residence visas · 2026 guide
Resident Visa New Zealand 2026: SMC, Green List & PR Pathways
A New Zealand resident visa lets you live, work and study here indefinitely. There are several ways to get one — through your skills, your job, your family or your investment. This guide explains each pathway in plain English, so you can see which one fits.
As a New Zealand resident, you can
Live in New Zealand indefinitely
Work for any employer, or for yourself
Study at domestic rates and enrol children as domestic students
Access publicly funded healthcare
Include your partner and dependent children
What is a New Zealand resident visa?
A resident visa gives you the right to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. Unlike a work or student visa, it isn't tied to one employer or course. You can change jobs, start a business, buy a home and enrol your children in school as domestic students.
Most resident visas come with travel conditions that usually last two years. After that, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which lets you come and go freely. After five years as a resident you may be eligible for New Zealand citizenship.
Resident visa
Live, work and study indefinitely. Travel conditions apply — typically for the first two years.
Permanent resident visa
Same rights, with no travel conditions. Leave and re-enter New Zealand whenever you like.
NZ residence pathways at a glance
Each pathway has its own rules. Here's a quick comparison — the sections below go into detail.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand's main residence pathway for skilled workers. It uses a simple 6-point system. You claim points from one skill source — registration, qualification or income — and can top up with points for skilled work you've done in New Zealand.
Other SMC requirements
- A skilled job, or job offer, with an accredited employer — at least 30 hours a week, paid at least the median wage
- Aged 55 or under
- English at IELTS 6.5 overall, or an equivalent test or qualification
- Meet health and character requirements, including medical certificates and police certificates
- Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application
Two new Skilled Migrant pathways — Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician — opened on 24 August 2026. Check the full criteria at immigration.govt.nz, or ask us whether they may apply to you.
Green List residence: Straight to Residence and Work to Residence
The Green List names roles New Zealand urgently needs — think doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers and many trades. If your job is on it, you may have a more direct route to residence.
Tier 1
Straight to Residence
Apply for residence straight away — no need to work in New Zealand first. You need a Tier 1 role, the required qualification or registration, and a full-time job or offer with an accredited employer.
Tier 2
Work to Residence
Work in a Tier 2 role in New Zealand for 24 months, then apply for residence. You'll usually hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa while you build that experience.
The Green List is reviewed regularly, and roles can move on or off it. We check your role against the current list before you apply.
Partner, child and parent resident visas
If you have family who are New Zealand citizens or residents, they may be able to support your residence application. No job offer is needed for these pathways.
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
For the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident. You'll need to show a genuine and stable relationship and that you've lived together for at least 12 months. Your partner must be eligible to support you.
Dependent Child Resident Visa
For children of New Zealand citizens or residents who are aged 24 or under, single, have no children of their own, and are dependent on their parent.
Parent Category Resident Visa
Lets New Zealand citizens and residents sponsor their parents for residence. Places are capped each year, and the sponsoring child must meet minimum income requirements. If residence isn't the right fit, the Parent Boost Visa allows longer visits.
Active Investor Plus Visa
For experienced investors who want to invest in New Zealand businesses and the economy. Since April 2025 there are two investment categories, and there's no English language requirement.
Growth category
Invested over 3 years in higher-risk growth investments, such as NZ businesses.
Balanced category
Invested over 5 years across a broader mix of acceptable investments.
From resident to permanent resident
You can usually apply for a Permanent Resident Visa once you've held your resident visa for two years and can show your commitment to New Zealand. You can meet the commitment requirement in one of these ways:
- Spending at least 184 days in New Zealand in each of the two years
- Being tax resident in New Zealand for two years
- Holding an investment in New Zealand
- Establishing a business in New Zealand
- Showing you've made New Zealand your base
How we help you apply
Residence applications are detailed, and small gaps in evidence cause most delays and declines. We walk alongside you from the first check to your visa decision.
- 1Free eligibility checkWe look at your skills, job and family to find every pathway open to you.
- 2Straight-talking strategyWe explain the options that may suit you — and tell you honestly if there isn't one yet.
- 3Evidence and applicationWe build a complete, well-evidenced application and lodge it for you.
- 4Through to decisionWe respond to Immigration New Zealand's requests for you through to a decision. No adviser can guarantee an outcome — INZ makes every decision.
Why residence applications get declined
Residence visa FAQs
What's the difference between a resident visa and a permanent resident visa?
Both let you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. A resident visa usually has travel conditions that expire — typically after two years. A permanent resident visa has no travel conditions, so you can leave and re-enter New Zealand at any time.
How many points do I need for the Skilled Migrant Category?
You need 6 points. You claim them from one skill source — New Zealand occupational registration, a recognised qualification, or your income — and can add points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. You also need a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer.
Can I get New Zealand residence without a job offer?
Yes, through some pathways. Partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residents, Parent Category applicants and Active Investor Plus migrants don't need a job offer. The Skilled Migrant and Green List pathways do.
Can I include my family in my application?
Usually, yes. Most residence categories let you include your partner and dependent children in the same application. Everyone included must meet health and character requirements.
How long does a residence application take?
It depends on the category, how complete your application is, and current Immigration New Zealand workloads. A well-prepared application with full evidence avoids most requests for more information — the biggest cause of delay.
What English level do I need?
Most skilled residence categories require English at IELTS 6.5 overall or an equivalent test score, or evidence such as a recognised qualification taught in English. Active Investor Plus has no English requirement.
Do I need a licensed adviser to apply?
No — you can apply yourself. But anyone who gives New Zealand immigration advice for a fee must be licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority. A licensed adviser can help you check your evidence before you apply.
This is general information only, not advice for your situation. Immigration rules, thresholds and fees change often, and Immigration New Zealand makes all visa decisions. This page summarises Immigration New Zealand settings as at September 2026. Always confirm current requirements with a licensed adviser or at immigration.govt.nz before you apply.
Stories from our residence clients
New Zealand Residency News & PR Updates 2026
A Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application can involve more than meeting the required points. This case study explores how an applicant with a Master of Business Management qualification demonstrated the relevance of her academic background to an ICT Trainer role, with supporting evidence connecting her qualification, skills, employment duties and claimed occupation.