Which visa is right for your retirement in New Zealand?

Retiring in New Zealand is a dream for many, and with the right visa, it can be a reality. Whether you're looking to fully retire or continue working part-time, there are options available.

Retiring in New Zealand can be an attractive option for many people. 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.

A Retirement Visa allows you to live in New Zealand on a temporary basis for the purpose of retirement. 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.

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. 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.

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.

If you are approved for a Retirement Visa, you will be able to work in New Zealand, but you will not be able to receive government support. You will need to have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in the country.

Retiring in New Zealand can be a rewarding experience, and a Retirement Visa can provide you with the opportunity to live in this beautiful country on a temporary basis. If you are considering retiring in New Zealand, it is important to do your research and carefully consider all of the factors involved.

Our Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser Simar Singh says:

New Zealand has introduced a number of visa programs specifically designed for retired migrants and choosing the right program will grant you permission to stay in New Zealand as a retiree, permanently.

Even 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. This popular visa requires employment in NZ but regardless of age and job status, everyone will find an alternative suitable for them.

New Zealand has two dedicated retirement categories:

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!

This policy necessitates an investment of NZ$1,000,000 in order to take full advantage.

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.

More options to retire to New Zealand:

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.

Once you have reached the age of 65, Investor 2 is no longer available to you. Therefore, your choices are a Residence Visa for NZ$10 mio (Investor 1) or an Extended Visitor Visa for two years with Temporary Retirement Category at NZ$1.25 mio; whereof only NZ$500k need to be settlement funds and doesn't necessarily require investment.

Once you have reached the age of 65, Investor 2 is no longer available to you. Therefore, your choices are a Residence Visa for NZ$10 mio (Investor 1) or an Extended Visitor Visa for two years with Temporary Retirement Category at NZ$1.25 mio; whereof only NZ$500k need to be settlement funds and doesn't necessarily require investment.

Book a consultation with a licensed immigration adviser at Professional Visa Solutions to know more.

We are available to answer all your questions and advise you on the best strategy for retiring in New Zealand. Contact us today! Good luck on your journey. We hope this guide has been helpful and we wish you a successful retirement in New Zealand. Remember, if you have any further questions, Professional Visa Solutions are available to help. Contact us today for more information!

They are also other visa option like the Working Holiday Visas and Business Visas which allow you to stay and work in New Zealand on a temporary basis. However, if you are planning on retiring in New Zealand, these may not be suitable options as they have strict time limits.

For further information regarding Immigration to New Zealand, contact Professional Visa Solutions and book a consultation with one of our Licensed Immigration Advisers. We are here to help and guide you through the entire process.

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