Retiring in New Zealand: Your Guide to Applying for a Retirement Visa

Retirement Visa New Zealand
Retiring in New Zealand can be an attractive option for many people, as the country offers a high standard of living, a peaceful and safe environment, and a range of recreational and cultural activities. If you are considering retiring in New Zealand, you may be able to apply for a Retirement Visa. In this blog post, we will provide a detailed guide on how to apply for a Retirement Visa and what you need to know before making the move to New Zealand.

What is a Retirement Visa?

A Retirement Visa allows you to live in New Zealand on a temporary basis for the purpose of retirement. The visa is initially granted for a period of two years, and it can be renewed for a further two years. After this, you may be able to apply for permanent residence.

Eligibility for a Retirement Visa

To be eligible for a Retirement Visa, you must be aged 66 or over, and you must have the financial means to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand. You will also need to meet health and character requirements.

What are the requirements for a Retirement Visa?

To apply for a Retirement Visa, you will need to provide evidence of your age, such as a passport or birth certificate, and evidence of your financial means, such as bank statements or a letter from a financial institution. You will also need to provide a police certificate from your country of citizenship, as well as a medical certificate.

Benefits of a Retirement Visa

One of the main benefits of a Retirement Visa is that it allows you to live in New Zealand for an extended period of time. Additionally, you will be able to work in New Zealand, but you will not be able to receive government support.

Other options for Retiring in New Zealand

If you are over 56 years old or choosing not to work, there is still a chance to emigrate to New Zealand as the Skilled Migrant Category of immigration policy offers numerous options.
New Zealand has two dedicated retirement categories: The Parent Category and the Temporary Retirement Category.

The Parent Category: If you have a child that is a citizen or resident of New Zealand living in the country and will support your visa application, then it’s possible to obtain an indefinite residence visa through the Parent Policy. This extraordinary opportunity allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely, but it necessitates an investment of NZ$1,000,000.

The Temporary Retirement Category: To gain access to the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, you must be 66 years or older and have ready-access to NZ$750,000. In addition to the initial investment, you must present proof that you have additional resources totaling NZ$500,000 as settlement funds.

In addition, those applying for the Temporary Retirement Category must present evidence of an annual income surpassing NZ$60,000 and maintain a robust health or travel insurance policy.
If you do not qualify for any of the two above dedicated Retirement Categories, you might still be able to retire to New Zealand. The Investor 1 and 2 Categories are reliable investment options that can be used as retirement vehicles if you meet the necessary criteria. To qualify for the Investor 1 category, you must have NZ$10 million in capital; to qualify for the Investor 2 Category, your total capital must be at least NZ$3 million and you must be 65 or younger.

Conclusion

At NZ Migration Help, we understand that the process of applying for a Retirement Visa can be overwhelming. Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers is here to guide you through the process and ensure that your application is successful. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your retirement in New Zealand.