New 5 + 5 Year Parent Visitor Visa – Launches 29 September 2025

The New Zealand Government has delivered on its election promise by introducing the Parent Boost Visa (PBV) — a 5-year multiple-entry visitor visa for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents.

Provided eligibility criteria continue to be met, parents can apply for a second PBV, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years in New Zealand. Read the Government announcement here.

• Good character & acceptable health – Applicants must meet New Zealand’s standard character requirements and health criteria.

• Health insurance – Suitable insurance must be maintained for the entire PBV duration, including:

  • Emergency medical care (minimum NZD 250,000/year)

  • Cancer treatment (minimum NZD 100,000)

  • Repatriation and return of remains

• Sponsorship – Parents must be sponsored by their New Zealand citizen/resident child, who commits to covering:

  • Essential living & accommodation costs

  • Healthcare access

  • Financial support, repatriation, or deportation costs (if needed)

• Sponsor’s income – At least the New Zealand median wage (currently NZD 69,804.80/year), plus an extra 0.5× median wage for each additional parent.

• Parent’s income – Equivalent to New Zealand Superannuation, currently:

  • NZD 32,611.28/year for a single parent

  • NZD 49,552.88/year for a couple

• Parent’s personal funds – At least:

  • NZD 160,000 for a single parent

  • NZD 250,000 for a couple

Initial check – Completed when applying for the PBV.

Three-year check – Conducted outside New Zealand, requiring parents to leave the country for possibly several months. This check will confirm ongoing health and health insurance compliance.

• Insurance availability – Insurers are expected to create PBV-specific products. However, as parents age, maintaining cover may become harder due to rising premiums and health-related exclusions.

• Insurance cost – Currently unclear; estimated between NZD 4,000–8,000+ per person, per year, depending on health and age.

• Visa conditions – The PBV is a visitor visa:

  • No work or study rights in NZ

  • Remote work for overseas employers may be possible (to be confirmed)

• Alternative pathways – Families may wish to first use:

  • Standard visitor visas

  • The 3-year Parent/Grandparent Visitor Visa (18-month maximum stay)

The PBV does not lead to permanent residency.
Parents seeking residence must apply under:

• Parent Category – A ballot system requiring higher sponsor income levels

• Parent Retirement Resident Visa – Requires NZD 1 million investment, plus other criteria

Parents can hold the PBV while awaiting the outcome of these residence applications.

Application fee – NZD 3,100

Pacific Island applicants – Reduced fee of NZD 2,450

Three-year health/insurance check – Additional fee (~NZD 300)

Families should be realistic about the long-term implications:

• Health or age factors may force an earlier return home

• The 10-year maximum stay will eventually end

• Plans must be in place for parents’ housing, care, and emotional support upon return

Family migration decisions are deeply personal and complex. To ensure your application meets all requirements and avoids costly mistakes, speak with a Licensed Immigration Adviser experienced in parent visa applications.

📞 Contact SOL Edu & Migration NZ today to explore your options and start your PBV application.