The New Zealand Government has announced a new long-term visitor visa – the 'Parent Boost' Visa – aimed at reuniting families and increasing the country’s appeal to highly skilled migrants.
This multiple-entry visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay in the country for up to five years. Applicants may apply a second visa, allowing a total stay of up to ten years, provided applicants continue to meet all eligibility requirements. However, the Parent Boost Visa is not a pathway to residence.
According to the Government, the visa has been designed to support family connections without placing additional pressure on public services. For those seeking permanent residency, the existing Parent Category Resident Visa remains available.
Immigration minister Erica Stanford said a longer-term visa was an important consideration for migrants when deciding where they want to build their lives.
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"The Parent Boost Visa strikes the balance of making New Zealand more attractive for people who want to make our beautiful country their home, without putting additional strain on public services," she said.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be granted a Parent Boost Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are of good character, meet the acceptable standard of health (aligning with the standard for residence), and can meet the following requirements.
Sponsorship
Applicants must have an eligible sponsor who is their biological or adopted child and a New Zealand citizen or resident. The sponsor must agree to cover the parent’s accommodation, daily living costs, access to health and financial support, and any potential costs related to repatriation or deportation.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
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The sponsor earns at least the New Zealand median wage (or 1.5 times the median wage for joint sponsors) to sponsor one parent, with the requirement increasing by 0.5 times the median wage for each additional parent; or
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The parent(s) have a personal income equivalent to the New Zealand Superannuation rate (currently NZD $32,611.28 for a single parent, NZD $49,552.88 for a couple); or
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The parent(s) hold sufficient personal funds – NZD $160,000 for a single applicant or NZD $250,000 for a couple.
Health Insurance
Applicants must maintain valid health insurance for the entire stay in New Zealand, with minimum coverage including:
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Emergency medical care (minimum NZD $250,000 per year)
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Repatriation and return of remains
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Cancer treatment (minimum NZD $100,000)
Applicants must also undergo two health assessments – one during the initial application process and a second in the third year of their visa, completed while outside of New Zealand. Proof of continuous valid health insurance is required, and failure to maintain this could affect eligibility for future visas or result in visa cancellation or deportation.
Fees and Application Date
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Visa application fee: NZD $3,000 (NZD $2,450 for Pacific fee band applicants)
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International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy: NZD $100
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Third-year health check fee: NZD $325 (NZD $240 for Pacific fee band applicants)
Applications for the Parent Boost Visa will open on 29 September 2025, with further details to be released closer to the date.
Not a Pathway to Residency
The Parent Boost Visa is strictly a visitor visa and does not provide a route to permanent residency. Those interested in settling in New Zealand permanently should consider applying for the Parent Category Resident Visa.
Other Visa Options for Parents
Temporary:
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Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
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General Visitor Visa
Residence:
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Parent Resident Visa (2,500 places annually, capped)
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Parent Retirement Resident Visa
The new visa aims to offer families meaningful time together in New Zealand while ensuring the country’s public services remain protected.
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