Moving to New Zealand: every visa & residency route in 2026
There is 1 way to move to New Zealand legally as of 2026 — spanning retirement routes. Here's every one, what it actually requires, and where it leads.
This route checked against official government sources · July 2026 · how we verify
Every route, side by side
| Route | Type | Requirement | Leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | Retirement | $449,000 deposit | Temporary residency |
Retirement route to New Zealand
Compare retirement & passive-income visas across every country →
$449,000 deposit
Driven by $449,000 of committed capital and no route onward to permanent residency.
The Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa requires ALL of: age 66+; NZD 750,000 (~$449,000) invested in acceptable NZ investments for the 2-year term (NOT a home/boat/car); an additional NZD 500,000 (~$300k) maintenance funds; AND annual income of NZD 60,000+ (~$3,000/mo). Valid up to 2 years; reapplication for further 2-year terms is possible but it does NOT lead to permanent residence. A partner may be included; dependent children may NOT accompany.
Official source →Next steps: the money side
Set up your finances before and after you move.
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Information only, not legal advice — we never file anything with any government. Requirements change; verify with the official source or a licensed immigration advisor before you apply.
Moving to New Zealand: FAQ
How many ways are there to move to New Zealand?
This dataset tracks 1 residency or visa route into New Zealand as of 2026, across retirement pathways. Each has its own income, investment, or heritage requirement.
Does moving to New Zealand lead to a second passport?
The routes in this dataset lead to residency in New Zealand rather than a fast passport. Some may still qualify you for naturalization after the standard residency period, but that isn't guaranteed — verify with the authority or an immigration attorney.