Resident Class Visa Options

For all the many advantages of being a New Zealand resident, consider a resident visa

With residence status you can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. 

The benefits of being a resident include being able to work for whomever you want, having full access to funded (government-paid) healthcare, having access to all courses of study without the need to pay international student fees – most of the rights of a citizen, in fact, including the right to vote.

Under our resident class visa categories you may choose to come to New Zealand on the following visa options:

• Skilled Migrant – Based on points for skills, experience and other factors pertinent to New Zealand’s economic needs
• Entrepreneur – For those who can demonstrate that they have successfully set up and operated a business in New Zealand
• Entrepreneur Plus - For those who have invested at least NZ$0.5 million to successfully set up and operate a business in New Zealand
• Investor – For those interested in investing a minimum of NZ$1.5 million in New Zealand
• Investor Plus – For those interested in investing a minimum of NZ$10 million in New Zealand. 
   

FAQs

What does it mean to be a resident – and does it allow me to work in New Zealand?

It’s a status that gives you most of the advantages of citizenship, including the right to vote, to enjoy government-paid education and health benefits for you and your family, and to travel and work freely in and out of the country on a permanent basis as long as you hold a resident visa or a permanent resident visa.

Who is a resident visa best for?

A resident visa under the skilled/business stream is best for anyone who wants to make New Zealand a home base and is able to contribute to New Zealand through their skill or investment capabilities.

What do I do next? 

Determine which of the visas above is best for you.  And apply!