New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa 2024

After reaching the age of 66, a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa grants permission to enter New Zealand to make investments in the nation. The New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor allows you and your companion to reside together in New Zealand for two years, during which time you are free to travel within and outside the country at will. After receiving this visa, you are also permitted to study for a maximum of three months.

Benefits of New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa:

• Extended Stay: Guests are granted a visa that privileges a stay in New Zealand for a maximum of two years, during which they are free to explore the nation’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and way of life.
• Multiple Entry: The Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is classified as a multiple-entry visa, which grants its holders unrestricted permission to enter and exit New Zealand throughout its validity period. Those who occasionally return to their country of origin or wish to travel internationally will find this flexibility to be advantageous.
• Lifestyle and Environment: New Zealand is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, pristine environment, and high standard of living. With access to picturesque forests, mountains, and beaches, retirees can experience a tranquil and healthy way of life.
• Healthcare System: The healthcare system in New Zealand is highly developed and adheres to rigorous standards of quality of care. While not eligible for publicly funded healthcare, bearers of Temporary Retirement Visitor Visas have the option to acquire comprehensive private health insurance.
• Safety and Security: Low crime rates and a politically secure environment contribute to New Zealand’s reputation as one of the safest nations globally. This ensures a secure living environment and peace of mind for retirees.
• Friendly Community: The populace of New Zealand, commonly referred to as “Kiwis,” is generally affable and receptive. Facilitating the integration and sense of belonging of retirees is the nation’s inclusive and diverse society.
• Cultural and Recreational Activities: New Zealand provides an extensive selection of recreational and cultural activities, spanning from the dynamic urban environments of Auckland and Wellington to the more tranquil pursuits of the great outdoors, including boating, fishing, and hiking. Retirement can be maintained through participation in a variety of social and physical activities.
• Moderate Climate: With few instances of extreme heat, the climate of the nation is generally moderate. This enables retirees to reside comfortably and participate in outdoor activities year-round.
• Quality Housing: New Zealand offers an assortment of high-quality housing options, ranging from contemporary apartments situated in picturesque rural regions to contemporary apartments situated in urban centers. Retirees can locate housing that satisfies their preferences and way of life.
• Financial Stability: The economy of New Zealand is well-regulated and stable. A stable financial environment is essential for the effective management of retirement funds and investments, to the benefit of retirees.
• Proximity to Other Destinations: New Zealand’s geographical positioning in the South Pacific provides advantageous proximity to a plethora of captivating travel destinations, including but not limited to Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia. This is optimal for the travel-inclined retiree.
• Partner Eligibility: The visa provides provisions for the incorporation of a partner, thereby enabling couples to retire jointly in New Zealand. By sharing this with a loved one, the retirement experience can be elevated.
• Ease of Application: In contrast to other long-term visas, the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa application procedure is comparatively uncomplicated, notwithstanding the financial prerequisites. This enables individuals who satisfy the specified criteria to access it.
• Investment Opportunities: A substantial investment in New Zealand is a prerequisite for obtaining a visa. This investment may be allocated to government bonds, managed funds, or an investment that has been approved. This may generate financial returns in the long run and benefit the local economy.

Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa, one must satisfy the subsequent eligibility criteria:

• You are required to be at least 66 years old.
• It is required that you are in excellent health.
• The character must be in excellent standing.
• You must possess sincere intentions to visit New Zealand.
• A minimum of NZ $750,000 is required to invest in New Zealand.
• It is necessary to transfer your investment capital to New Zealand.
• A minimum of NZ $500,000 is required to cover living expenses.
• A minimum annual income of NZ $60,000. is required.

Check Also: New Zealand Government Jobs with Work VISA 2024 – Apply Now

Required Documents:

To petition for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa, the following documents are required:

• Passport
• Two recent photographs in passport-size
• Medicinal license
• Police accreditation
• Evidence of adequate investment capital
• Evidence of lawful funds
• Documentation of a minimum of NZ$500,000
• Evidence of a yearly income
• Documentation proving your partnership
• Indications of suitable investments

Proof of Your Identity:

To be eligible to register for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa, you are required to furnish the following identification documents:

• A passport or an identity document. Presenting your passport in its original form is preferable to submitting a certified copy. You might subsequently be required to present the original passport even if you provide a certified copy.
• Two photos of your head and shoulders. When submitting a paper application, all New Zealand photo requirements must be met with the submitted photographs.

Proof of Your Age:

Non-passport-related evidence that you are at least 66 years old and eligible to petition for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa may include the following:

• your complete birth record
• a valid identification document that includes your date of birth

Medical Certificate

Specified on the duration of your intended stay, you might be obligated to furnish substantiation of your good health. You must bring the duly printed medical certificates, which must be completed in English, to your scheduled appointment.

Police Certificate

To register for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa, you are required to submit a police certificate attesting to your good character and absence of a criminal record. Your application will be denied if New Zealand deems you to be a hazard to the nation.

Proof of Sufficient Investment Funds

An initial investment of NZ$750,000 is required to remain in New Zealand for 24 months. The nature, location, and value of the assets and/or funds in which you intend to invest in New Zealand must be specified. Evidence that may be presented comprises:

• bank statements
• title deeds
• property valuations
• share certificates
• business ownership documents
• asset valuations

The value that can be declared for specified funds is contingent on ownership status (single, joint, or multiple). If you jointly own an investment with:

• You and your companion are entitled to the entire investment value so long as you are officially recognized as a partnership.
• an individual other than your companion; you are only entitled to your portion of the investment.

Note: INZ will not accept funds that have been borrowed or secured by a loan, bond, or the like for investment purposes.

Proof of Lawful Funds

You are required to furnish substantiation that the funds in question have been lawfully earned or acquired. Documents that may be submitted comprise the following:

• tax returns or certificates
• pay slips
• business financial statements
• business shareholdings
• dividends
• receipts for property sales
• bank certificates
• share trading profits
• evidence of gifted money
• probate and other evidence of inherited money

Note: Your visa application will be approved if the funds were legally and unconditionally provided to you. The visa application will be denied, however, if the funds were not obtained lawfully.

Proof of at Least NZ $500,000

Proof of a minimum of $500,000 in liquid assets is required to reside in New Zealand. You may submit the following documents as evidence:

• bank statements
• title deeds
• property valuations
• Share certificates
• business ownership documents asset valuations

If the value of your maintenance funds that you are entitled to claim is contingent on your ownership or joint ownership with another individual:

• You and your companion are entitled to the entire investment value so long as you are officially recognized as a partnership.
• a non-partner; however, your claim is limited to the proportion of the investment that you owe.

Proof of an Annual Income

The minimum annual salary requirements are NZ $60,000. In support of your claim for such income, you are required to submit one of the following documents:

• a pension
• earnings from rental properties
• dividends from share portfolios
• interest from investments
• profits from owning a company
• Share market trading profits

Note: The income must be earned either independently or in conjunction with a companion who is listed on the application.

Proof of Your Relationship With Your Partner

If you include your companion in your application for a Temporary Retirement visa, you are required to provide evidence of your relationship’s authenticity. To introduce a partner, one must:

• Present birth and marriage certificates as proof of your relationship with them.
• furnish evidence of their identity.
• substantiate their commendable character.
• furnish evidence of their excellent health.

The partnership is evidenced by the following documents:

• Civil union or matrimonial union certificates
• Birth certificates for any joint offspring
• a home loan or combined rental agreement
• Joint financial accounts
• evidence that you jointly own assets
• Employer-signed credit cards and hire purchase agreements
• Joint utility expenses (telephone or electricity)

Evidence of Acceptable Investment

For a minimum of two years, you must invest at least NZ $750,000 in acceptable investments in New Zealand. The following documents must be attested to by a lawyer or chartered accountant on your behalf:

• Complete name
• the quantity of New Zealand dollars invested
• on the date your investment began.
• the category of investment
• the names of any businesses in which you have invested.
• the number of bonds or shares you purchased in any organization.

Acceptable Investment for a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa

To qualify for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa, a suitable investment must be made. Investments are restricted to real estate, bonds, or stocks. Acceptable investments must:

• Construct a commercial return
• Place your funds in New Zealand.
• Maintain a New Zealand dollar investment
• Possess potential economic benefits for New Zealand
• Be invested in managed funds or lawful enterprises.
• Not intended for individual use.

Bonds can be issued:

• by the government or local authorities of New Zealand
• on New Zealand Debt Securities Market-traded instruments issued by New Zealand firms
• by New Zealand-based companies that have obtained a credit rating of BBB- or higher from a credit rating agency that is globally recognized (such as Standard and Poor’s).
• and by banks incorporated in New Zealand
• in financial institutions

Equity can be:

• in New Zealand-based organizations (public or private)
• among banks incorporated in New Zealand

Residential property development must:

• Be a brand-new construction (not a renovation or addition to an existing structure).
• Acquire the necessary authorizations and consent.
• Produce a profit on the open market (not for personal, familial, or social use).

The following funds must be transferred to New Zealand to register for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa:

• The specified funds are in your visa application.
• The proceeds from the sale of the assets that you specified in your visa application.

How to Apply for a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

To apply for a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa, you must follow the process below:

• Completion of the application form is required. The Temporary Retirement Visa Application must be filled out accurately and completely. It is mandatory to utilize capital letters when completing the application.
• The application fee for a Temporary Retirement visa must be paid via postal mail. Payment may be made using either a debit card or a credit card. You are required to have sufficient funds on hand on the date you submit your application.
• The application and all required documents must be submitted to Immigration New Zealand. The postal or courier addresses for the recipient are provided after the visa application.
• Make a suitable investment decision. You have three months from the date of initial approval of your application by Immigration New Zealand to transfer the funds to New Zealand. The following telegraphic transfer documentation must be submitted:
  • Your investment funds have been transferred to New Zealand via the banking system and subsequently allocated to suitable investment vehicles.
  • The origin of your assets or funds was disclosed in your visa application.

Note: Before transferring funds, you may register for a multiple-entry Visitor Visa to investigate potential investment opportunities.

When Should I Transfer My Investment Funds for a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

You have three months from the date of approval of your application to invest and transmit your funds. An extension of the timeframe for the transmission of your funds is not possible. It is necessary to transfer the investment funds from your banking account to New Zealand.

What Should I Do After Obtaining a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa

After obtaining a visa as a Temporary Retirement Visitor, the following requirements must be met:

• Application for entry authorization is required at the New Zealand border. A completed arrival certificate is required for entry into New Zealand. A passport, return airfare to country of origin, and duly completed Passenger Arrival Card are required items.
• You may enter and exit New Zealand at any time during your twenty-fourth month.
• A minimum of NZ $750,000 must have been invested in eligible investments for 24 months.
• It is mandatory to possess adequate health insurance and/or healthcare coverage while in New Zealand.
• Additional information, including your contact address, is required.
• Working is not permitted with a Temporary Retirement Visitor visa.
• Three months of study are permissible within any one year.
• You must depart New Zealand before the expiration of your visa.

What Is the Processing Time for a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

Visa processing time for Temporary Retirement Visitor visas is typically forty-two days. However, depending on the volume of applications Immigration New Zealand receives at the time of your application, the processing time may vary.

What Are the Fees For a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

To qualify for a Retirement Visitor visa, a $3,790 application fee is required. Certain countries do not require an application fee; therefore, you must visit the New Zealand Immigration page to determine whether or not one is required to pay one.

For How Long Is a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa Valid?

The maximum length of stay permitted in New Zealand on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is two years. You are free to enter and exit New Zealand at any time during the preceding two years.

Can I Work on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

The Retirement Visitor visa prohibits employment in the country of New Zealand. To work in New Zealand, a work visa may be applied for.

Can I Study on a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

A Retirement Visitor visa grants permission for three months of study in New Zealand every 12 months. You are eligible to apply for a New Zealand student visa if you wish to study for an extended period.

Can I Bring My Family With a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa?

A companion may accompany the holder of a Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa to New Zealand. It is not possible to transport dependent children, however. A companion is an individual with whom one is in either the following:

• a legal marriage
• a civil union, or
• a de facto relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions: