Temporary Retirement Visa for New Zealand: Requirements and Process

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Key Takeaways:

The New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa allows those over 66 to invest and live in New Zealand for two years.
Applicants need to meet age, health, character, intent, and financial criteria, including substantial investment and living expense funds.
Required documents include passport, photos, medical and police certificates, proof of funds, income, and relationship status for partners.

What is a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

A New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa allows individuals over the age of 66 to invest and live in New Zealand for a period of up to two years. This visa also permits you to bring your partner with you and travel in and out of New Zealand as you wish during this two-year period. You can also study for up to three months without needing a separate student visa.

Temporary Retirement Visa for New Zealand: Requirements and Process

Who is Eligible for a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visa?

To qualify for a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, you must meet several eligibility criteria:

Age Requirement: You must be over the age of 66.
Health Requirement: You should be in good health.
Character Requirement: You must be of good character, which typically means having no criminal background.
Intentions: You must genuinely intend to travel to New Zealand.
Financial Requirements: You need to have at least NZ $750,000 to invest and at least NZ $500,000 for living expenses. Furthermore, your annual income must be at least NZ $60,000.

What Documents Are Needed for a New Zealand Retirement Visa?

When applying for a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, you’ll need to gather several key documents:

Passport: Your original passport is preferred, though a certified copy may be accepted.
Passport Photos: Two recent passport-size photos that meet New Zealand’s photo requirements.
Medical Certificate: Proof of good health, depending on the length of your stay.
Police Certificate: This shows you have no criminal history and are of good character.
Proof of Investment Funds: Documents such as bank statements, title deeds, and share certificates.
Proof of Lawful Funds: Evidence that your funds were legally acquired.
Proof of Living Expenses: Documentation showing you have at least NZ $500,000 for living expenses.
Proof of Annual Income: Proof of an annual income of at least NZ $60,000.
Relationship Proof: If you’re bringing your partner, you’ll need to prove your relationship status.

How Do You Prove Your Identity?

To prove your identity for a Temporary Retirement Visa, you must provide your passport or certificate of identity. It’s advisable to submit the original passport. Additionally, you need to include two photos of your head and shoulders that comply with New Zealand’s photo requirements for visa applications.

How Do You Provide Proof of Age?

Your age can be verified through various documents besides your passport:

Full birth certificate
An identity card that confirms your birth details

What Medical Certificate Do You Need?

Depending on your intended length of stay, you may be required to submit a medical certificate to demonstrate good health. These must be printed, completed in English, and taken to a medical appointment for necessary tests.

How Do You Obtain a Police Certificate?

A police certificate is required to show you have no criminal history. Your application may be rejected if you are considered a risk to New Zealand.

What Constitutes Acceptable Investment Funds?

You must have a minimum of NZ $750,000 to invest in New Zealand for a period of 24 months. Various documents can serve as proof:

Bank statements
Title deeds
Property valuations
Share certificates
Business ownership documents

“It is important to note that if you want to invest borrowed funds, they will not be accepted.”

How Do You Prove Your Funds are Lawful?

You must show that the funds you plan to invest were legally acquired. Acceptable documents include:

Tax returns or certificates
Pay slips
Business financial statements
Dividends
Receipts for property sales

Funds obtained unconditionally and legally will make your visa application more likely to be accepted.

How Do You Prove You Have At Least NZ $500,000 for Living Expenses?

To show you have the required NZ $500,000 for living expenses, provide:

Bank statements
Title deeds
Property valuations
Share certificates
Business ownership documents

What Proof is Needed for Annual Income?

Your annual income of at least NZ $60,000 can be verified through:

Pension statements
Earnings from rental properties
Dividends from share portfolios

How to Prove Your Relationship for a New Zealand Retirement Visitor Visa?

If your partner is included in your application, you must provide documents like marriage certificates, joint bank accounts, and utility bills to show your relationship is genuine.

What Are Acceptable Investments for a New Zealand Investment Visa?

Your investment of NZ $750,000 must be in acceptable investments, which include bonds, equities, and residential property development. Investments must make a commercial return, be invested in New Zealand dollars, and benefit New Zealand’s economy.

Bonds: Issued by the New Zealand government or approved firms.
Equity: In New Zealand firms or registered banks.
Residential Property Development: Must be a new development with necessary approvals.

Your funds must come from the sources outlined in your visa application.

How to Apply for a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

To apply for this visa, follow these steps:

Complete the Application: Fill out the Temporary Retirement Visa Application form truthfully and in capital letters.
Pay the Application Fee: The fee is NZ $3,790. Ensure you have enough money available on application day.
Submit Documents: Send your application and required documents to Immigration New Zealand by post or courier.
Invest in an Acceptable Investment: Once your application is approved in principle, transfer your funds to New Zealand within three months.

You may apply for a multiple-entry Visitor Visa to explore investment opportunities before transferring your funds.

When to Transfer Investment Funds?

You have three months from application approval to transfer and invest your funds. This timeframe cannot be extended. Funds must be transferred from your banking account.

What are the Conditions After Obtaining a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

Upon obtaining the visa, you must:

Apply for Entry Permission at the Border: Provide your passport, a ticket back to your home country, and a completed Passenger Arrival Card.
Maintain Your Investment: Keep at least NZ $750,000 invested for 24 months.
Health Insurance: Maintain acceptable healthcare or health insurance.
Provide Contact Details: Stay reachable during your stay.
Study Limitation: Study for up to three months in any 12-month period.
No Work: You cannot work with this visa.
Leave Before Expiry: Ensure you leave before your visa expires.

How Long Does It Take to Process a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

The processing time usually spans 42 days but can vary based on the volume of applications at the time.

What is the Fee for a New Zealand Retirement Visa?

The application fee is NZ $3,790. Some countries are exempt from this fee, so check the New Zealand Immigration page Immigration New Zealand.

For How Long is a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa Valid?

The visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to two years, traveling in and out as you wish.

Can You Work on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

This visa does not allow work. If you intend to work, you must apply for a separate work visa.

Can You Study on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

Yes, you can study for up to three months in any 12-month period. For longer study durations, apply for a student visa.

Can You Bring Your Family with a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

You can bring your partner but not dependent children. Your partner must be legally recognized in your relationship.

Chosen to retire in a beautiful country like New Zealand and wish to live comfortably? The Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa offers ample opportunities to invest and enjoy the serene environment with ease. For further details on eligibility and application, visit Immigration New Zealand.

Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More

Can I work remotely for my foreign employer while on a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

No, you cannot work remotely for your foreign employer while on a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa. This type of visa is specifically designed for individuals who are 66 years old or older, want to stay in New Zealand for up to two years, and can support themselves financially. The visa conditions clearly state that undertaking any form of employment, including remote work, is not permitted.

Quoted directly from the New Zealand Immigration official website: “You can’t work while you’re in New Zealand on this visa” (source: New Zealand Immigration).

If you are planning to work while in New Zealand, you would need to explore other visa options that permit employment, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa or the Work to Residence Visa. Always refer to the official immigration website for the most accurate and up-to-date information: New Zealand Immigration.

Is it possible to extend a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa beyond two years?

No, it is not possible to extend a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa beyond two years. This visa allows eligible applicants aged 66 or older, with significant funds, to stay in New Zealand for up to two years. Once the visa expires, applicants must reapply if they wish to stay longer.

The key requirements for reapplying include:

Being 66 years or older.
Holding a minimum of NZD $750,000 to invest in New Zealand and NZD $500,000 as settlement funds.
Proof of annual income of at least NZD $60,000.

According to Immigration New Zealand:

“You can’t stay in New Zealand longer by extending this visa. You must leave the country when your visa expires but can apply for a new Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa.”
(Source: Immigration New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa).

Considering the conditions and requirements for the visa, it is advisable to prepare in advance if you intend to reapply, ensuring all financial documents and criteria are met. For more detailed information and to start your application, you can visit the Immigration New Zealand Official Website.

Can I bring my pets with me if I move to New Zealand on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

Yes, you can bring your pets with you if you move to New Zealand on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, but you must follow the country’s strict regulations. New Zealand has stringent biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of diseases and pests.

Here are key steps to bringing your pets to New Zealand:

Check Eligibility and Requirements:
- Only cats and dogs are allowed to be imported as pets.
- Different rules apply based on the country your pet is coming from. Check if your country qualifies by referring to the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.
Prepare Documentation:
- Your pet will need a microchip, vaccinations, and various health tests.
- Obtain an import permit from MPI.
Quarantine:
- Pets must spend a certain period in quarantine upon arrival. The length of quarantine can vary.

Quote from MPI:

“All cats and dogs must stay in a biosecurity quarantine facility approved by MPI. The minimum period is 10 days.”

To ensure a smooth process for bringing your pet, it’s recommended to contact a professional pet relocation service or refer to the official guidelines on the New Zealand Immigration (NZ Immigration) website.

Are there any restrictions on the type of property I can invest in with a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

Yes, there are restrictions on the type of property you can invest in with a New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa.

Residential Property Restrictions: According to the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office (OIO), individuals on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa are generally not allowed to buy residential property in New Zealand. As stated by the OIO, “Overseas people, including those on temporary visas, usually need consent to buy sensitive land, including residential land.” Exceptions may apply if you obtain prior consent from the OIO. To understand more about these regulations, you can visit the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office website.
Commercial Property Investment: While residential property investment is restricted, you are permitted to invest in commercial properties. The New Zealand Immigration website outlines that there’s no such restriction for purchasing commercial property. For example, you can invest in office buildings, shops, or industrial sites without needing special consent. More details can be found on the New Zealand Immigration website.

In conclusion, while the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa allows you to enjoy the benefits of living in New Zealand, it limits your ability to invest in residential properties. Make sure to seek advice from legal or immigration experts and refer to official resources before making any investments.

What happens if my investment loses value while I am in New Zealand on a retirement visa?

If you are in New Zealand on a retirement visa, it’s vital to understand what happens if your investment loses value. The main requirement for a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is that you must maintain your investment of at least NZD $750,000 in New Zealand. This investment must be maintained for the duration of your stay.

Impact on Visa Status:
- “If your investment drops below the required amount due to market fluctuations, it is generally accepted as long as you do not withdraw or lessen the amount you initially invested.” This means that temporary market losses are usually not a reason for the visa to be revoked.
- Official guidance from Immigration New Zealand states that as long as the funds remain invested and you do not take out any money, “your visa should remain valid.”
Reporting Requirements:
- You may still need to show evidence of your continuous investment when applying for a visa extension. This is to confirm you meet the ongoing requirements.
- “It is important to keep detailed records of your investment and any market changes. You might need to provide updated financial statements.” (Source: Immigration New Zealand)
Consultation and Support:
- Consider seeking advice from a financial advisor familiar with New Zealand’s visa investment requirements.
- Contact Immigration New Zealand directly if you have any concerns about your investment meeting visa conditions. Their official website, Immigration New Zealand, provides resources, forms, and contact information for specific queries.

Staying compliant with New Zealand’s retirement visa requirements is crucial, so regularly review your investment and seek professional advice if needed.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Immigration Terms

Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa:

A specialized visa issued by New Zealand for individuals over the age of 66, allowing them to invest a significant sum of money and reside in the country for up to two years.
Character Requirement:

A criterion for visa eligibility that means the applicant must have no criminal background, demonstrating they pose no risk to the safety and security of New Zealand.
Medical Certificate:

A document required in visa applications that verifies the applicant is in good health, often needed for entering countries with health-related entry requirements.
Police Certificate:

An official document proving that the applicant has no criminal record, used to demonstrate compliance with the character requirement for visas.
Acceptable Investments:

Specific types of investments recognized by New Zealand immigration authorities as valid for the investment component of a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, such as bonds, equities, or residential property development.

These terms are essential for understanding the application and maintenance requirements associated with the New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa allows individuals aged 66+ to invest NZ $750,000 and live for up to two years. It covers travel, permits study for three months, and allows bringing a partner. For more details, visit Immigration New Zealand.
— By VisaVerge.com

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