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Parent Retirement and Parent Resident are two very different pathways
Many families treat these as one visa. The Parent Retirement Resident Visa looks at the parents' own investment funds and their source, and is assessed to investor standards. The Parent Resident Visa looks at the sponsoring child's income. Jason helps you decide which one fits.
Who this is for
- Parents with significant assets who want to retire in New Zealand
- Adult children with steady income who want to sponsor their parents
- Families wanting parents to visit for long periods
- Applicants who received an RFI or decline on a parent visa
Key requirements
- Parent Retirement requires an investment in New Zealand of a set amount, plus settlement funds and annual income, all lawfully sourced and traceable
- Parent Resident requires the sponsoring child to meet an income threshold, and applications are by INZ selection
- Parent visitor visas require evidence of purpose and funds
- Health and character requirements apply to all. INZ's current published policy sets the thresholds
This is a general summary. See the INZ website ↗ for current requirements.
| Parent Retirement | Parent Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| What INZ looks at | The parents' own investment funds, settlement funds and income, and where the money came from | The sponsoring child's income and eligibility |
| Who assesses it | INZ's Business Migration Branch, to investor standards | INZ residence processing |
| Sponsor needed | No | Yes |
| The hard part | Tracing funds, such as business income, property sales or compensation | Proving sponsor income, and selection timing |
| What it asks of your adviser | High. Investor-type casework experience | Familiarity with sponsorship and income evidence |
How it works
Choose the pathway
Compare Parent Retirement, Parent Resident and visitor options.
Organise the evidence
Trace every source of funds for Parent Retirement, or assemble sponsor income evidence for Parent Resident.
Lodge
You review everything before Jason lodges the application.
Follow through
Parent applications take time. Queries and RFIs are handled as they arise.
Practical notes from Jason
- Parent Retirement funds need a document at every step, such as a sale contract, tax receipts and bank statements
- The route and timing of funds leaving China must line up
- Parent Resident sponsor income is assessed on tax records. Confirm early that it meets the threshold
- Names must be spelled consistently across all translated documents
Questions
Can Parent Retirement funds come from the children?
Ownership and source of funds are closely examined, and the funds generally need to be the parents' own. Please start with an assessment.
Can we apply under both?
It depends on your family. We compare them at the assessment and choose the stronger and better-timed option.
Related guide Parent Retirement Resident Visa, proving your investment funds and where they came from →
Not sure which pathway fits?
Tell us the basics and Jason will tell you whether there is a workable path. The initial assessment is free.
