Parent Retirement Resident Visa

Missing your parents while building your life in NZ? You’re not alone! Thousands of families reunite every year through the Parent Retirement Resident Visa – and we’re here to help you navigate the process without the headache.

It isn’t just another boring immigration guide. We’ve packed it with:

✅ Real talk about requirements (no sugarcoating!)

✅ Pro tips from successful applicants

✅ Interactive checklists you can use

✅ Plain English explanations (no legal jargon!)

🔍 Quick Reality Check: Is This Visa Right For You?

Before we dive deep, let’s make sure this is your best option:

🤔 ASK YOURSELF:

1. Can my parents comfortably invest NZ$1 million for 4 years + show NZ$500k savings?

2. Are they in reasonably good health with no serious medical conditions?

3. Do they genuinely want to live in NZ long-term (not just visit)?

If you answered “YES!” → Keep reading!

If not, → You might want to explore the Parent Category Visa instead.

💰 Show Me the Money: Breaking Down the Financials

Yes, the financial requirements are steep. But exactly how does it work?

The Two-Part Money Test

Investment Component (NZ$1 million)
- Must be invested for 4 years in:
  - NZ government bonds (safest option)
  - Approved NZ businesses (higher risk/reward)

Pro Tip: Many families use a mix of both!

Living Expenses (NZ$500,000)
- Must be in cash/liquid assets
- Can’t be touched during the 4 years
- Smart Move: Keep this in a separate account to avoid confusion

💡 Real-Life Example:

The Chen family successfully applied by:

Investing $800k in bonds + $200k in a local business
Keeping their $500k in a term deposit (earning interest!)

⏳ Your Step-by-Step Road map (With Realistic Timelines)

We’ve mapped out the entire process based on actual successful applications:

Stage	What Happens	How Long It Takes	Pro Tip
1. Prep Phase	Gather documents, get medicals	2-3 months	Start with police checks – they take longest!
2. Money Move	Transfer funds to NZ	1 month	Use a forex specialist to save thousands
3. Application	Submit everything online	1 day	Triple-check all uploads before submitting
4. Waiting Game	Immigration NZ reviews	6-12 months	Set calendar reminders to check in quarterly
5. Approval!	Visa granted	–	Celebrate! Then plan the relocation

📌 Interactive Checklist:

[ ] Medical exams booked

[ ] Police certificates requested

[ ] Bank statements ready (last 6 months)

[ ] Family evidence prepared

🚧 Watch Out! Top 5 Application Killers

We’ve seen too many good applications fail because of these easily avoidable mistakes:

“But I Have the Money Later!”
- Funds must be available now – future income doesn’t count
Health Report Surprises
- That “minor” heart condition? This could be a big problem
Paperwork Disasters
- One missing signature = months of delays
Investment Confusion
- Not all “NZ investments” qualify – check the official list
Family Tie Issues
- Is your sibling in Australia? That affects sponsorship eligibility.