You can apply only once under this policy for a Returning Resident’s Visa – your next Returning Resident’s Visa application will be according to our General Policy. You may also be considered under the Returning Resident’s Visa (General Policy) if that policy is more favourable to you.
To be eligible under Returning Resident (Transitional Policy) you must:
- have held a residence permit at a time which was a minimum of two years before you apply
- have been granted a residence permit before 30 October 1995
or
- arrived in New Zealand lawfully to live permanently at any time before 2 April 1974
and to be eligible for an indefinite visa, you must
- have spent a lot of time in New Zealand already – 184 days or more in every year for the past two years
or
- have tax residence status here
You have spent 41 days or more in at least one of the last two years in New Zealand and you are assessed by the Inland Revenue Department as being a resident tax payer for the past two years.
and
What happens if am here as a business or general investor?
If you gained residence under the former Business Investment or General (Investment) Category, you may be issued with a Returning Resident’s Visa for two years provided you have met any requirements imposed under section 18A of the Immigration Act.
If I am not eligible for an indefinite visa?
If this is your first application - you will be issued with a Returning Resident’s Visa for two years.
If this is your second or subsequent application, you will be issued with a Returning Resident’s Visa for the same period of time you have held residence permits (i.e. the time you have spent in NZ) in the four years before you applied.