Permanent residence and citizenship

Permanent residence is usually the next step after residence. You can live and work in New Zealand indefinitely, and come and go as you like.

Already have a visa

Your commitment to New Zealand

When you apply for permanent residence, you must show us you are committed to living in New Zealand permanently. Find out what evidence to provide.

Permanent residence for non-principal applicants

People who were included in someone else's residence application, such as their parent's or partner's, can sometimes be granted a permanent resident visa without that other person becoming a permanent resident first.

Christchurch Response (2019) — permanent resident visa

Between April 2019 and April 2021 people present during the terrorist attacks in Christchurch and their immediate families could apply for a special permanent resident visa. Applications closed in April 2021.

Resident to permanent resident

Find out the difference between a Resident and Permanent Resident Visa, who can apply, and what happens if you need to travel on a Resident Visa.