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Visits from Parents and Grandparents

It is a wonderful thing when families come together and exciting when offshore Parents and Grandparents come into New Zealand to visit their New Zealand citizen or resident mokopuna (grandchildren) and tamariki (Children). There are several visas that can do this, and the time allowed in New Zealand can range from 3 months to five years. These visas are for visiting New Zealand and do not offer a path to residence.

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Here’s a summary, but we would welcome discussion about your individual situation, so do get in touch:

Visa Waiver Entry

Visa waiver countries and territories: Immigration New Zealand.

If you are from a country that New Zealand has a visa waiver agreement, then you can travel to New Zealand without a visa. 

You need to get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) first.

New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) :: Immigration New Zealand.

Visit up to 3 months at a time (or 6 months if you are from the UK).

Visitor Visa General

Visitor Visa: Immigration New Zealand.

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   You need to show: 

  • Proof of the relationship with your child/ grandchild. 

  • Money for your expenses - $1,000.00 per month for maintenance OR $400.00 per month if accommodation is pre-paid or supplied by family.

  • Family can sponsor if they are New Zealand citizens or residents (with no conditions on their visas). 

There are 2 types of visa: 

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​  (1) Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa​

This visa lasts for 2 years and you can stay up to 6 months in each 12-month period, entering and exiting New Zealand while your visa is valid.

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  (2) Single-Entry Visitor Visa 

This is a single entry 6-month visa that can be extended by another 3 months. You enter into New Zealand once and stay for up to 9 months in an 18-month period. 

Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa

Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: Immigration New Zealand.

You need to show: 

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  • You have not had a Parent and Grandparent Visa in the last 36 months. 

  • Proof of the relationship with your child/ grandchild. 

  • Sponsor must be your child or grandchild, or, if they are younger than 18, by their parent AND be a New Zealand citizen or Resident (with no conditions on their visas). 

  • Pay for health or medical assistance – it is good practice to take out medical insurance. 

You can stay in New Zealand for up to 6 months at a time, with a maximum total stay of 18 months in 3 years.

NEW! Opens 29 September 2025 - The Parent Boost Visitor Visa
 

Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Immigration New Zealand.​​

You need to show: 

  • You are outside New Zealand when you apply for this visa.

  • Proof of the relationship with your New Zealand citizen or resident child/ grandchild.

  • Medical and travel insurance.

  • Sponsor must be adult children, OR adult child and their partner, OR your adult child and your partner’s adult child (if partner included in the application). 

  • Maintenance funds from EITHER:

    • Parent income - $32,611.28 for 1 parent; $49,552.28 for 2 parents OR

    • Parent funds - $160,000 for 1 parent; $250,000 for couple OR

    • Single Sponsor Income - $69,804.80 for 1 parent; $104,707.20 for couple
      2 Sponsor’s income - $104,707.20 for 1 parent; $139,609.60 for couple.

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You can stay up to 5 years BUT you must leave New Zealand after 3 years and complete a health and insurance check outside the country. You can re-enter New Zealand once you show you can still meet the health and insurance terms of the visa. 


You can re-apply for this visa only once. 

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