New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa in 2026
New Zealand distinguishes a Resident Visa from a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV).
Many skilled, investor and business residence categories first grant resident status with travel conditions. A PRV is the later status that provides indefinite travel rights as well as indefinite permission to live, work and study.
Core timing rule
An applicant normally needs to have held a resident visa for at least 2 years in a row before applying for a Permanent Resident Visa.
The person must also:
- hold a current resident visa, or meet the limited expired-resident-visa timing rule;
- have met the conditions attached to their resident visa;
- demonstrate commitment to New Zealand in one of the five official ways; and
- meet character and other applicable requirements.
Holding residence for two years alone does not automatically grant a PRV.
Route-specific conditions still matter
Investor and business residents must first satisfy any investment, presence, business-operation or other conditions attached to their resident visa. Skilled residents must likewise comply with the conditions of their route.
Citizenship is a separate legal process with its own residence, presence and character requirements.
Official guidance: Permanent Resident Visa.
Related: SMC, Green List, Business Investor route, Active Investor Plus, New Zealand hub.
Official and supporting sources
- Immigration New Zealand — Permanent Resident Visagovernment · accessed 2026-09-21