New Zealand Started 10-Year ‘Parent Boost’ Visa to Strengthen Family Bonds — Applications Open 29 September 2025
In a landmark announcement aimed at deepening family unity and bolstering its appeal to top global talent, the New Zealand Government has launched the brand-new Parent Boost Visitor Visa, a long-term multiple-entry visa designed to reconnect families over the course of up to 10 years.
This major visa reform—revealed on 8 June 2025—is being hailed as a “game-changing step” for the thousands of Kiwi citizens and residents who wish to bring their parents closer without navigating the complexity of residency pathways.
What Is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
The Parent Boost Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens and residents to visit New Zealand for up to 5 years at a time, with the opportunity to renew for another 5 years, provided they meet ongoing eligibility requirements.
This is not a residence visa, but a unique, long-duration visitor permit that balances emotional connection with practical policy. It is designed to ensure families can stay meaningfully connected—without creating a burden on public services.
Who Can Apply?
Parents must:
- Be sponsored by their biological or adopted child, who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Be in good health and of good character.
- Hold and maintain comprehensive private health insurance throughout their stay.
- Meet one of the following financial criteria:
- Be sponsored by a child earning at least the NZ median wage (or more, depending on how many parents are sponsored);
- Have personal income equal to NZ Superannuation (NZD $32,611.28 for individuals, NZD $49,552.88 for couples);
- Or possess sufficient personal funds (NZD $160,000 for individuals, NZD $250,000 for couples).
Health insurance must cover:
- Emergency care (min. NZD $250,000/year)
- Cancer treatment (min. NZD $100,000/year)
- Repatriation and return of remains
Two health checks are required: one at the initial visa application and another in Year 3, conducted outside of New Zealand.
NZ Parent Boost Visa Fees & Levies
The total cost for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa is structured to include the main visa application fee, a tourism levy, and an additional health check fee in the third year. The standard visa fee is NZD $3,000, while applicants eligible under the Pacific fee band will pay a reduced fee of NZD $2,450.
All applicants must also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy of NZD $100. In the third year of the visa, a mandatory health check fee applies—NZD $325 for most, or NZD $240 for those under the Pacific band.
| Fee Type | Standard Fee | Pacific Fee Band |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | NZD $3,000 | NZD $2,450 |
| Tourism Levy | NZD $100 | NZD $100 |
| Third-Year Health Check Fee | NZD $325 | NZD $240 |
When Can You Apply for Parent Boost Visa?
Applications for Parents boost visa for New Zealand will be accepted starting 29 September 2025. It is also worth mentioning that this visa does not lead to permanent residency. Those interested in settling permanently with their families must apply separately under the Parent Category Resident Visa.
Apply here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-parent-boost-visitor-visa-to-strengthen-family-connections/.
