New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa and Engagement
A New Zealand Resident Visa is not permanent by itself. To stay indefinitely you apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) by showing commitment to New Zealand in one of five ways. This page describes New Zealand rules. Based on the official INZ guidance, September 2026.
Resident Visa vs Permanent Resident Visa
- You must hold a Resident Visa for at least 2 continuous years before applying for a PRV.
- The 2 years start from the date you first arrived in New Zealand from overseas, or from the visa's issue date if you were already in the country.
- You need a current Resident Visa, or one that expired no more than 90 days ago.
- You must meet any conditions and be of good character (a police certificate may be required).
The five ways to show commitment
| Time | At least 184 days in New Zealand in each of the two years before you apply |
| Tax resident | At least 41 days in each 12-month period and assessed as a tax resident (IRD evidence); a tax resident of another country cannot use this |
| Investment | NZD $1,000,000 in acceptable investments for at least 2 years |
| Business | Owned or started and successfully operated a business for 1 year or more (at least 25% shareholding when buying an existing business) |
| Settlement | 41 days in the 12 months before applying, plus family in New Zealand for 184 days over two years, plus 9 months' work over two years or buying a home within 12 months of arrival and still owning it |
The official PRV and commitment pages did not state a fee or a processing time, so neither is given here.
Family
Partners and dependent children already included in your residence application can be included in the PRV application and do not need to meet the commitment conditions themselves. A non-principal applicant normally cannot be granted a PRV before the principal applicant.
Common pitfalls
- Applying before the two years are complete.
- Misreading the 184-day test, which looks at the two years before the application.
- Spending too long outside New Zealand.
- Relying on being a tax resident of another country.
- Letting the Resident Visa lapse for more than 90 days.
- Expecting a non-principal applicant to be granted first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Permanent Resident Visa?
It is the New Zealand visa that lets a resident stay permanently; a Resident Visa is not automatically permanent.
When can I apply?
After holding a Resident Visa for at least 2 continuous years, with a current visa or one expired no more than 90 days ago, and showing commitment to New Zealand.
What is the time commitment?
The main option is spending at least 184 days in New Zealand in each of the two years before you apply.
What are the other commitment options?
Be a tax resident (41 days or more in each 12-month period), invest NZD $1,000,000 for at least 2 years, run a business for a year or more, or settle through 41 days plus family and work or home ownership conditions.
Can I apply before I meet the requirements?
No. Applying before you are eligible can lead to refusal, even if you later meet the two years.
Do my family need their own commitment?
No. Partners and dependent children already in the original residence application can be included and do not need to meet the commitment separately.
Related: the the Singapore PR and Re-Entry Permit guide guide, document translation and copies, and the guides hub.
Source: Immigration New Zealand (immigration.govt.nz), "Permanent Resident Visa" and "Show your commitment to New Zealand" pages — retrieved 2026-09-29. Rules change, so confirm the current position on the official pages at the time you apply.