New Zealand Permanent Residents are residents of New Zealand, who hold a residence class visa (including both resident visas and permanent resident visas). Both resident visas and permanent resident visas give the holders the permanent right to be in New Zealand. However, they have different travel conditions. This article refers to the terms “resident” and “permanent resident” only in the scope of immigration purposes and describes the current situation based on the Immigration Act 2009. There are other definitions for residents in tax or electoral affairs.

Similarities between a resident and a permanent resident visa

The holder of any residence class visa is entitled:

Differences between a resident and a permanent resident visa

A permanent resident visa holder is entitled to be granted entry permission at the border at any time, while the resident visa holder is only entitled to apply for entry permission (whether before or after travelling to New Zealand). All other rights become only effective, if entry is granted to the resident visa holder. Generally, a resident visa is granted with travel conditions, which allow the holder to re-enter the country multiple times until these conditions expire. After that the holder may remain in the country legally but must not leave it or lose their resident visa.

Requirements to obtain a permanent resident visa

An applicant for a permanent resident visa must Commitment to New Zealand can be met by spending enough time in the country, by becoming a tax resident, by owning a business, by investing in New Zealand or by establishing a base.

Differences between a permanent resident and New Zealand citizen

In contrast to a New Zealand permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen

Pathways to a permanent resident visa

The way to a permanent resident visa almost always leads through a two-year resident visa. In any case you will need to be invited to apply for a resident visa by Immigration New Zealand. Currently there are the following categories through one can obtain a resident visa:

Australian citizens and permanent residents

Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents can enter New Zealand and live in New Zealand indefinitely without a visa, provided they meet the health and character requirements. They are assumed to hold a New Zealand resident visa while in New Zealand with a few key differences: