Parent resident visa (Sponsored by child)

This visa lets parents live in New Zealand permanently with their adult children — but spots are limited and competition is high.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible under this category:

• You must have an adult child living in New Zealand who is a citizen or resident.
• Your child (and their partner, if applicable) must have earned a high income in at least 2 of the last 3 years.
• Your child must agree to support you financially and provide accommodation for your first 10 years in New Zealand.
• You must be in good health and have no dependent children.

Important Details:

• The New Zealand government approves up to 2,500 parent visas per year under this category.
• Due to high demand, there is a waiting list and a random selection system (ballot) each year.
• Even if you meet all requirements, you may need to wait several years before being selected.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Confirm eligibility – both for yourself and your sponsoring child.
2. Enter the ballot – submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
3. Wait for selection – selected applicants are invited to apply for residence.
4. Prepare your documents – proof of relationship, financial support, and health checks.
5. Submit residence application – and await Immigration New Zealand’s decision.

Tip: Don’t wait until the last moment. The earlier you plan, the smoother your journey will be.

Sponsorship Requirements

Want to bring your parents to New Zealand? Here’s what you (and your partner) need to know if you plan to sponsor them under the Parent Category Resident Visa.

Who Can Be a Sponsor?

To sponsor your parent(s), you must be:

• Their adult child (18+), OR
• Their adult child and your partner (joint sponsors), OR
• Two adult children of the applicant(s) acting together.

You must NOT be a dependent child (under 18 or financially dependent).

Maximum 2 sponsors per application.
Each sponsor can support up to 6 parents total (including past and current applications).

Sponsor Requirements

Every sponsor must:

Be a New Zealand citizen or resident
Meet the minimum income requirements (explained below)
Agree to support your parent(s) for 10 years
Meet Immigration NZ’s “acceptable sponsor” rules

Minimum Income Requirements

To be a sponsor, you must have earned enough taxable income in NZ in 2 separate 12-month periods in the 3 years before your Expression of Interest (EOI) was selected.

Only income recorded with Inland Revenue (IRD) will be accepted. This includes:

• Regular wages/salaries
• Self-employed income (from final tax summary)
• Shareholder salary, dividends, or trust income (if it shows on your personal IRD income summary)

Income from a company or trust won’t count unless it’s paid directly to you and recorded on your IRD summary.

How Much Income Do You Need?

The income threshold depends on:

• How many parents you’re sponsoring
• Whether you're sponsoring alone or jointly with another sponsor
• The median wage set by Stats NZ at the time

Latest Income Thresholds (from 28 Feb 2025)

If you are the only sponsor:

If you and your partner or sibling are joint sponsors:

Your income must meet the above levels for two 12-month periods (which must not overlap).

Already Sponsoring Someone?

When calculating the required income, Immigration NZ adds together:

• Any parent(s) you’re sponsoring in this application AND
• Any parents you are currently sponsoring under a previous Parent Category visa (if still within their 10-year sponsorship period)

Partnerships & Income

Your partner’s income can count only if:

• They are acting as a joint sponsor, AND
• You’ve been in a genuine & stable relationship for at least 12 months, AND
• Your partnership meets INZ requirements

What Documents Are Needed?

Inland Revenue (IRD) Summary of Income for each 12-month period
Final Tax Summaries if you're self-employed
Proof of relationship if joint sponsors (e.g. marriage certificate, joint tenancy, etc.)

Summary Checklist

Are you the adult child of the parent(s)?
Are you a New Zealand citizen or resident?
Do you meet the income threshold for 2 separate years?
Can you commit to 10 years of support?
Do you have the right documentation?

Need Help With Your Parent Category Application?

We’re here to simplify the process for you. At JD Immigration Services, we’ll guide you through every step — from checking eligibility to preparing your documents.

Book your consultation today or  contact us for expert support.