Can you move to New Zealand if you are over 60? Here's what you need to know

New Zealand is consistently ranked among the world's best places to live, with its stunning landscapes and high quality of life attracting retirees globally. For those over 60 considering a move, the question, "can you move to New Zealand if you are over 60?" hinges primarily on financial eligibility and family connections, as standard skilled migration options are often no longer available.

Quick Summary

Relocating to New Zealand after age 60 is achievable, although the skilled migrant pathway is not available. Potential options include investor-based visas, which demand significant financial resources, and family-sponsored visas for those with qualifying adult children who are citizens or residents in the country.

Key Points

• Age Restriction: Standard skilled migrant visas have an age limit (often 55 or 56), so seniors must look at investment or family-based visas.

• Two Primary Paths: Main options are the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa (66+ with no NZ child) or the Parent Retirement Resident Visa (sponsored by an adult NZ child).

• High Financial Requirements: Both investment visas require significant funds, including investment capital (NZD $750k–$1m), settlement funds (NZD $500k), and annual income (NZD $60k).

• Residency vs. Temporary Stay: The Temporary Retirement Visa does not lead to permanent residency, while the Parent Retirement Resident Visa offers a pathway to indefinite stay after meeting requirements.

• Non-Financial Criteria: All applicants must meet stringent health and character requirements, including medical exams and police certificates.

• Visitor Options: For shorter, extended stays with family, the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visas offer temporary solutions without the high investment costs.

Visa options for seniors in New Zealand

Immigration to New Zealand for those over 60 is not a straightforward process through the typical skilled migrant channels, as these usually have age limits. Instead, it relies on either substantial financial investment or having family ties within the country. Understanding the specific visa categories is the first step toward planning a move.

Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa

This visa is an option for individuals who are at least 66 years old and do not have an adult child living in New Zealand. It allows for a stay of up to two years, which can be renewed, but it does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. Key requirements include being 66 or older, investing a minimum of NZD $750,000 for the visa duration, having NZD $500,000 for living expenses, and proving an annual income of at least NZD $60,000. Health, character, and comprehensive health insurance are also mandatory. This visa allows travel but not work.

Parent Retirement Resident Visa

This visa is a pathway to permanent residency for those with an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and agrees to be a sponsor. Financial requirements are significant, including a NZD $1 million investment for four years, NZD $500,000 in settlement funds, and a combined annual income of at least NZD $60,000. Good health and character are also essential. This visa allows living, working, and studying in New Zealand indefinitely and leads to permanent residency after the investment period.

Comparing retirement visa pathways

Feature	Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa	Parent Retirement Resident Visa
Family Link	Not required	Requires an adult NZ citizen or resident child as a sponsor
Minimum Age	66+	No specific age, but designed for parents
Investment	NZD $750,000 for 2 years	NZD $1,000,000 for 4 years
Settlement Funds	NZD $500,000	NZD $500,000
Annual Income	NZD $60,000+	NZD $60,000+
Duration	2-year temporary visa, renewable	Pathway to permanent residency after 4 years
Work Rights	No	Yes, can work and study

Health, character, and other general requirements

All visa applicants must meet health and character criteria. This involves medical examinations to ensure no significant burden on health services, with healthcare costs being the applicant's responsibility unless they gain permanent residency. Good character is required, necessitating police certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months over the past decade. Evidence of lawfully acquired funds and English translations for non-English documents are also necessary.

Temporary visit options for parents

For those not seeking permanent residency or large investments, temporary visitor visas for parents are available. The Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa allows multiple entries over three years, with a maximum stay of 18 months total, sponsored by a child or grandchild. The new Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers a five-year multiple-entry visa for parents of NZ citizens/residents, extendable for another five years, but does not lead to permanent residency.

Additional considerations before you move

Beyond visa requirements, consider lifestyle aspects:

1. Cost of Living: Generally high, especially in urban areas. Ensure your income is sufficient.
2. Healthcare System: New Zealand has public and private systems. Residents access the public system, but registration with a GP is needed. Comprehensive health insurance is vital for temporary residents.
3. Community and Climate: Research regions to find a suitable community. Some visas require demonstrating a genuine commitment to living in New Zealand.

Consult the official Immigration New Zealand website for the most current information: Immigration New Zealand.

Conclusion

Moving to New Zealand after 60 is possible if you meet the specific requirements of its retirement and parent visa categories. Significant financial assets can open doors to temporary or permanent residence through investment pathways. If you have an adult child in New Zealand, a sponsored visa is a viable alternative that can also lead to permanent residency. Careful planning and meeting all criteria are key to a successful move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you move to New Zealand if you are over 60 through skilled migration?

No, the Skilled Migrant Category has an age limit of 55, meaning individuals over this age are not eligible for this specific pathway. Other visa options, such as those for retirement or parents, must be pursued.

What is the age requirement for the Temporary Retirement Visa in New Zealand?

To be eligible for the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, you must be 66 years or older.

How much money do I need to invest for a Parent Retirement Resident Visa?

For the Parent Retirement Resident Visa, you must be prepared to invest NZD $1 million for four years and have an additional NZD $500,000 for settlement funds.

Do I need a New Zealand citizen or resident child to move to New Zealand after 60?

Having an adult child who is an NZ citizen or resident opens up the Parent Retirement Resident Visa option. If you don't, you must qualify for the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa or another investor category.

Can I work in New Zealand on a retirement visa?

The Parent Retirement Resident Visa does allow you to work and study. However, the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa does not permit working in New Zealand.

Is health insurance required for older migrants to New Zealand?

Yes, for most retirement visas, you must have and maintain comprehensive health insurance while in New Zealand, as you may not immediately be eligible for public healthcare.

What is the Parent Boost Visa?

The Parent Boost Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa (up to 10 years total) for parents of NZ citizens/residents, but it is not a pathway to permanent residence.