New Zealand Parent Boost Visa (2025): Requirements, Fees & How to Apply

New Zealand has introduced a new visa called the Parent Boost visa to make it easier for families to reunite. This visa will allow parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit the country multiple times over a long period. It’s part of the government’s efforts to attract skilled migrants by making family life easier for them.

Starting from September 29, 2025, parents of New Zealanders will be able to apply for this special visa. If approved, they can enter and leave the country as often as needed and stay for up to five years. This makes it easier for families to spend time together without needing to apply for a new visa every year.

What Is the Parent Boost Visa?

The Parent Boost visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa. This means that parents can come and go from New Zealand without restrictions during the visa period. The visa is valid for five years, and if the parent still meets all the requirements later on, they can apply for another five-year visa. This allows a total stay of up to 10 years.

However, it’s important to know that the Parent Boost visa is not a pathway to permanent residency. It only allows long-term visits. If parents want to live in New Zealand permanently, they must apply for one of the available resident visas—like the Parent Resident Visa, which is limited to 2,500 spots each year, or the Parent Retirement Resident Visa.

Why This Visa Matters

This visa will help skilled foreign workers who live in New Zealand bring their parents to stay with them for long periods. It will strengthen family ties and make New Zealand more attractive for professionals looking to move abroad with their families. Families won’t have to deal with repeated visa applications, making things much simpler.

Eligibility Requirements for the Parent Boost Visa

To apply for the Parent Boost visa, certain rules must be followed:

1. Sponsor Requirement
   The parent must be sponsored by a New Zealand citizen or resident. The sponsor must be able to meet the financial and legal responsibilities.
2. Health Insurance
   The parent must have at least one year of valid health insurance that covers emergencies up to NZD $250,000.
3. Health Checks
   Applicants must go through two health checks:
   • The first health check is done when applying for the visa.
   • A second health check must be done in the third year, while the parent is outside of New Zealand.
   They must also show that they’ve had valid health insurance during their stay.
4. Visa Fees
   The visa will cost:
   • NZD $3,000 for most applicants
   • NZD $2,450 for those eligible under the Pacific fee band
   These fees include both the visa application and government levy. Additionally, there is a NZD $100 fee for the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. In the third year, the applicant must pay an extra fee for the second health check:
   • NZD $325 for most people
   • NZD $240 for Pacific fee band applicants

Financial Requirements

To qualify, the applicant must meet one of the following income or savings conditions:

• The sponsor must earn at least the median wage to support one parent. If two sponsors apply (such as both children), their combined income must be 1.5 times the median wage.
• The parent themselves must have a steady income that matches the New Zealand Superannuation rate:
  • Single rate for one parent
  • Couple rate for both parents
• Alternatively, the parent can show they have enough savings:
  • NZD $160,000 for a single parent
  • NZD $250,000 for a couple

These funds must be enough to support themselves for the entire duration of their stay in New Zealand.

Other Visa Options for Parents

Besides the Parent Boost visa, there are other visas available for parents:

• Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa – For shorter visits
• Visitor Visa – For general travel purposes
• Parent Resident Visa – Offers permanent residency, but is capped
• Parent Retirement Resident Visa – For parents with retirement income and investments

The Parent Boost visa is a helpful and family-friendly step from the New Zealand government. It gives parents the chance to stay connected with their children and grandchildren for longer periods. While it doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency, it provides a practical and flexible solution for families who want to stay close, even if they live in different parts of the world.

By making family visits simpler and longer, New Zealand is showing that it values not only skilled workers but also their families and well-being.

READ MORE: List of 38 Countries You Can Travel to with a Schengen Visa in 2025 – No Extra Visa Required