New Zealand plans to introduce a significant policy shift to bring families closer. On 29 September 2025, Immigration New Zealand will start accepting applications for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa — a long-term multiple-entry visa that allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to stay in the country for long periods, without needing to apply for a residency pathway.
This new visa category gives parents permission to live in New Zealand for up to five years at a stretch, with a chance to ask for a second visa lasting another five years making the total possible stay 10 years. It offers a workable answer for families who wish to spend more meaningful time together while keeping strong connections to their home countries.
Unlike the Parent Resident Visa, which has a yearly limit and involves a more intricate residence process, the Parent Boost Visa is a visitor visa. It suits parents who want long visits without aiming for permanent residency.
What is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
The Parent Boost Visa is part of New Zealand’s effort to make the country more appealing to skilled migrants by helping with their family needs. Many migrants consider the chance to reunite with their parents for long periods when deciding where to settle and work for the long haul.
This visa lets parents of New Zealand citizens or residents take multiple trips over five years without having to leave the country often or ask for new short-term visitor visas. They can apply for a second visa, which adds another five years to their stay if they still meet the requirements.
Keep in mind that the Parent Boost Visa doesn’t result in residence. If you want your parents to live in New Zealand for good, you might want to look at options like the Parent Resident Visa or Parent Retirement Resident Visa.
Who Can Sponsor a Parent?
To apply, a New Zealand citizen or resident who is the biological or adopted child of the parent must sponsor them. The sponsor has to promise to support their parents during their entire stay. This means:
- Providing a place to live and money for daily expenses
- Making sure they can get healthcare and financial help
- Paying for their return travel, including sending them back home if needed
The sponsor’s money situation has a big impact on the application process. When more than one parent needs sponsorship, the financial needs go up too.
What Money Do You Need?
To qualify, applicants (or their sponsor) must meet one of three money-related rules:
- Sponsor’s income is at least equal to the New Zealand median wage (with a 0.5x increase for each extra parent); OR
- Parents’ personal income matches NZ Superannuation:
- NZD $32,611.28 (for singles)
- NZD $49,552.88 (for couples); OR
- Parents’ personal funds:
- NZD $160,000 for one applicant
- NZD $250,000 for two applicants
These rules make sure parents visiting New Zealand can support themselves or have family backing, which helps reduce pressure on public services.
Health and Insurance Requirements
Health standards for this visa match those needed to live in the country, so applicants need to be healthy and go through two health checks:
- The first happens when you first apply for the visa.
- The second takes place outside New Zealand in the visa’s third year.
Applicants must also keep valid health insurance for their whole time in New Zealand. This insurance has to cover:
- Emergency medical care (at least NZD $250,000 per year)
- Cancer treatment (at least NZD $100,000)
- Bringing you home if you’re sick and returning your body if you die
Lacking proper health insurance might result in visa cancellation removal from the country, or ineligibility to obtain future visas — including residency under the Parent category.
What's the Cost of the Parent Boost Visa?
- Fee to apply: NZD $3,000 (regular), NZD $2,450 (Pacific fee band)
- Charge for tourism: NZD $100
- Fee to process third-year health check: NZD $325 (regular), NZD $240 (Pacific fee band)
These expenses cover both the visa application and the charge that supports New Zealand’s conservation and tourism facilities.
When Can You Submit Your Application?
Applications for the Parent Boost Visa open on 29 September 2025. We’ll share more details on how to apply as we get closer to that date.
At Ezy Immigration, we stand ready to help families navigate the application process and figure out if the Parent Boost Visa or a residence visa makes more sense for your family’s long-term plans.
Why Pick the Parent Boost Visa?
- Extended visits without the headaches of residence applications
- Spend up to 10 years with your parents
- Keep family bonds strong without straining public services
- Flexible choices for families not quite set on permanent residency
If you’re a New Zealand citizen who just moved with your family or a resident wanting to have your parents visit for a long time, this visa offers a practical and generous answer.
To explore permanent options, check out our guides on the Parent Resident Visa and Parent Retirement Resident Visa. These explain all you need to know.
Need Help Applying? Talk to Ezy Immigration Today
Getting through New Zealand’s visa system can be tricky — but it doesn’t have to be. At Ezy Immigration, we simplify the process making it straightforward and hassle-free. If you’re thinking about the Parent Boost Visitor Visa or exploring long-term parent migration choices, reach out to us for tailored, expert guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This visa doesn’t create a path to residence. Parents who want to settle should look into the Parent Resident Visa.
Parents can remain in New Zealand for up to five years on each visa. They might get a second visa allowing them to stay for up to 10 years in total.
Failing to keep valid insurance may result in the cancellation of the visa, forced departure from the country, or becoming ineligible to apply for visas in the future.
No. The Parent Boost Visa doesn’t give parents permission to work or study in New Zealand.
You need to get a work visa before you start any job. Look at our New Zealand Work Visa Guide to see what choices you have.
Eddie Dhiman – Your Ezy Immigration adviser can evaluate your income or savings against the current New Zealand median wage and Superannuation thresholds.
The Parent Boost Visa allows longer stays (up to 10 years), while the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa permits shorter stays and more frequent travel.
