Thinking about joining your adult child in New Zealand for your retirement? The Parent Retirement Resident Visa provides a path to permanent residency, but requires careful planning. As financial advisors specialising in immigration investment, we have put together some key information about the investment requirements for this visa category.
The Parent Retirement Resident Visa demands significant financial commitment. You will need at least $1 million NZD to invest in New Zealand for 4 years, plus an additional $500,000 NZD for settlement funds. These amounts can not be borrowed or have any loans against them and must be transferred through the banking system.
When developing your investment strategy, you need to understand what qualifies as an “acceptable investment.” New Zealand immigration authorities have specific criteria for investments that count toward your visa requirements. You’ll need documentation confirming:
- Your full name
- The investment amount in NZD
- The start date of your investment
- The type of investment
- The units, shares or bonds you have invested in
- Number of units, shares or bonds purchased
If you already have funds in acceptable New Zealand investments when you apply, your 4-year investment period can potentially start from when your residence application is approved in principle. This could save you considerable time on your path to permanent residency.
You must provide evidence that all funds were earned or acquired lawfully. This might include tax returns, business financial statements, property sale receipts, or inheritance documentation. Gifted funds are acceptable if they were unconditional, lawful, and originally earned through legitimate means.
Once your application is approved in principle, you have 12 months to transfer and invest your funds. This timeframe can’t be extended, so plan accordingly. If you want to explore investment opportunities before committing, consider applying for a Specific Purpose Work Visa to visit New Zealand.
Throughout the 4-year investment period, you must maintain your investment and provide evidence at the 2-year and 4-year marks. You’ll have three months to provide this evidence when requested. While you can transfer funds between acceptable investments during this period, the total invested amount must remain at least $1 million NZD.
Beyond the investment requirements, applicants must show an annual income of at least $60,000 NZD. This can come from various sources including pensions, rental properties, dividends, interest from investments, or business profits. This income can be earned individually or together with a partner included in your application.
The visa allows travel in and out of New Zealand during the first two years of your investment period. If you meet all conditions during this time, you can apply for a variation to continue traveling during the final two years. After successfully completing the full 4-year investment period and meeting all visa conditions, you may receive a permanent resident visa, allowing unrestricted travel.
If you are looking to live permanently in New Zealand and will trigger tax residency it is also important to consider your wider asset and invesment base. Understanding how income and assets will be tax in New Zealand once you become a tax resident and the potential planning opportunities available is key to a successful financial transition. At Cambridge Partners we specialise in working with those looking to move to New Zealand, or who have recently moved to NZ, with respect to financial planning and investment management.
For those planning retirement years with family in New Zealand, understanding these investment requirements is crucial for a successful application. Proper financial planning and investment strategy can make the difference between a smooth transition to New Zealand residency and unexpected complications.
by James Howard, CEO and Financial Adviser at Cambridge Partners
25 July 2025
