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Parent Visa Options
FRENZ can help with several visa options for parents, and even grandparents, to be with their families in New Zealand. These visas, which don’t have age restrictions, range from short visits to multi-year stays and even residence.
The overview below provides general information so you can understand what might be the best option(s) for you.
New Parent Boost Visitor Visa stay up to 10 years!
Available from 29 September 2025, this visa which allows for a 5 year stay, multiple parents and option for another 5 years – is available for those who:
- are sponsored by NZ citizen/resident child(ren)
- are outside NZ at application and approval
- meet financial requirement with 1 of 3 options available (see more information below)
- hold health/travel insurance
Temporary Parent Visa Options
General Visitor Visa
General Visitor VisaParents (or other family) can stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months if they can show:
- A genuine reason for visiting
- Sufficient funds for their stay
- Clear intent to return home afterwards
Parents from certain countries may instead qualify for an NZeTA visa waiver, allowing visits of 3–6 months depending on nationality. Click HERE for a list of eligible countries.
Applicants must be of good health & character, have no deportations, and no links to criminal or terrorist groups.
Parent/Grandparent Visitor Visa
Parent/Grandparent Visitor VisaParents or grandparents of NZ citizens/residents can stay up to 6 months each year for a total of 3 years.
Requirements:
- NZ citizen/resident child must financially sponsor the visitor for the duration of their stay
- Full Immigration NZ medical checks
- Visitor or child must cover healthcare costs (full medical insurance recommended)
- Police certificates may be required
- Must prove ‘temporary’ intent and strong ties to home country
New Parent Boost Visitor Visa
New Parent Boost Visitor VisaStay 5 years from first arrival with an option to apply for a second 5-year visa.
Key Conditions
- Must be outside NZ when applying and when visa is granted
- Must be supported by NZ citizen/resident child(ren)
- Joint sponsorship options:
- Adult child + their partner (stable relationship ≥12 months)
- Two adult siblings
- An adult child + an adult child of the parent’s partner
Applicant must:
- pass a health assessment and maintain acceptable health or travel insurance for the entire stay
- fund their stay by meeting 1 of 3 requirements:
Financial Proof:
At the time of application, the sponsor’s income must meet the current IRD median income threshold (taxable income only).
Parent Residence Pathways
Parent Resident Visa
Allows NZ citizen/resident children to sponsor parents for residency through a ballot system (2,500 places annually;4x ballots per year).
Eligibility:
- Sponsor must meet the minimum income threshold
- Sibling or partner can jointly sponsor
- Must meet health, character and English-language requirements
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
For high-net-worth parents wishing to invest and live in NZ with their adult citizen/resident children.
Requirements:
- Invest at least NZ$1 million in NZ for 4 years
- Have at least NZ$500,000 to help settle
- Show an annual income of at least NZ$60,000
- Meet health, and character requirements
Talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser
There are a variety of options. To discuss which are best to you and your personal circumstances, you can talk to one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers.
Email our adviser team or call 021 711 071 .
