The government of New Zealand has announced a new long-term visa for parents — Parent Boost Visa. This step is aimed at supporting family connections and enhancing New Zealand’s appeal to highly skilled migrants.
Parent Boost Visa
The Parent Boost Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa that allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay in the country for up to 5 years. After that, they can apply for a second visa, extending their possible stay to a total of 10 years (provided all requirements are met).
This is not a pathway to residence, but it is a genuine opportunity to spend more time with family. For those interested in permanent relocation, there is a separate Parent Resident Visa category. Those wishing to settle permanently can still apply through the Parent Category, which remains open.
The visa is intended for parents whose children live in New Zealand as citizens or residents. It supports family reunification without placing additional pressure on public services such as the healthcare and welfare systems.
Main requirements
To be eligible for the visa, applicants must be of good character, meet health standards equivalent to those required for residence visas, and fulfill the following criteria:
Sponsorship
Parents must be sponsored by their biological or adopted child, who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
The sponsor must commit to:
- covering the living and daily expenses of their parents,
- ensuring access to medical and financial support,
- taking responsibility for any potential costs related to repatriation or deportation.
Financial requirements
The applicant must meet ONE of the following criteria:
- Sponsor’s Income
Income requirements are based on the median wage of the sponsor. As of June 2025, the median wage is NZ$33.56 per hour.
| Sponsor(s) | Parents | Required Income |
| 1 sponsor | 1 parent | 1x median income |
| 1 sponsor | 2 parents | 1.5x median income |
| 2 sponsors | 1 parent | 1.5x median income (combined) |
| 2 sponsors | 2 parents | 2x median income (combined) |
| 2 sponsors | 3 parents | 2.5x median income (combined) |
| 2 sponsors | 4 parents | 3x median income (combined) |
- Parents’ Own Income
Must be no less than the New Zealand superannuation (retirement pension):
- NZ$32,611.28 per year for a single parent
- NZ$49,552.88 per year for a couple
- Parents’ Savings
- Minimum NZ$160,000 for one parent
- Minimum NZ$250,000 for a couple
Health Insurance
A key requirement is having valid insurance coverage for at least 1 year, which must include:
- Emergency medical treatment – minimum of NZ$250,000 per year
- Repatriation and return of remains
- Cancer treatment – minimum of NZ$100,000
Important: Insurance must remain valid for the entire duration of the stay in New Zealand. Failure to maintain coverage may result in:
- being denied future visas (including residence under the Parent Category),
- cancellation of the current visa, and
- deportation
Two medical checks are required:
- First check – at the time of application
- Second check – during the third year of the visa, outside New Zealand, with proof of full insurance coverage for the entire period
Fees and Charges
-
- Main visa fee: NZ$3,000
- Additional International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZ$100
- Third-year health screening fee: NZ$325
Applications for the Parent Boost Visa will open on 29 September 2025.
More details on the application process, insurance costs, and related requirements will be provided closer to the launch date.
