Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa: New Zealand

The Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa is a long-stay visitor visa that provides a pathway to spend retirement years in New Zealand. It comes with specific financial and eligibility requirements applicants need to understand before committing.

Who it’s for

People aged 66 and over who can meet the investment and income criteria below.

Financial requirements

• Investment: minimum NZD 750,000 invested in New Zealand for a 2-year period
• Support funds: additional NZD 500,000 in funds to support yourself during your stay
• Annual income: minimum NZD 60,000 per year

Duration and renewal

The visa is granted for 2 years and can be renewed, provided the investment and income conditions continue to be met.

What you DO get

• Living rights in NZ during the visa’s validity
• Publicly funded healthcare
• Travel freedom in and out of the country
• Ability to renew if conditions remain met

What you do NOT get

This visa does NOT lead to permanent residence. It’s a temporary visa only. Those seeking a residence outcome through investment usually look instead at the Active Investor Plus Visa.

You are also NOT eligible for:

• New Zealand Superannuation
• Other government benefits available to residents and citizens

Standard requirements

Applicants must also meet standard health and character requirements (police certificates, medical certificates per INZ’s standard immigration health requirements).

Practical next step

Planning for retirement in NZ on this visa requires careful financial and immigration advice: investment requirements, healthcare access, tax implications, and ongoing renewal conditions all need to be carefully considered together. The “no permanent residence” point is the major decision factor: this visa is right for those who want NZ time without commitment to a longer-term move.