To enter or re-enter New Zealand, you may need to apply for a Returning Resident's Visa (RRV). It is an endorsement in your passport or travel document, which allows you to re-enter New Zealand and be granted a Resident Permit.

 

You will need to apply for a RRV if you:  

• Are in New Zealand, hold a Residence Permit and wish to leave New Zealand and the return; or 

• Hold a Residence Permit but left New Zealand without first getting a Returning Resident Visa; or 

• Are a New Zealand citizen who travels on the passport of another country and wish to return to New Zealand

​

The length of your RRV will depend on when you were first granted residence, how long you have been in New Zealand and your tax residence status.    

​

If you are GRANTED residence after 30th October 1995 then the following rules apply:  

First Time RRV  

Your first RRV will be valid for 2 years from the date of your first Residence Permit and will be issued free-of-charge when your are granted residence.  

​

Second or Subsequent Returning Residence's Visas

Your second or subsequent Returning Resident's Visa will be valid for:

• An indefinite period, if you have held residence permits for an aggregate of 184 days or more in each of the 2 years preceding your application; or
   

• An indefinite period, if you have held residence permits for an aggregate of 41 days or more in each of the 2 years preceding your application and you are assessed by Inland Revenue Department as holding tax residence status for the 2 years preceding your application; or
   

• An indefinite period, IF you have been approved residence under Business Investor category and have maintained your investment in New Zealand for 2 years, or if you have obtained residence under another category and have maintained an investment of NZ$1,000,000 in New Zealand for 2 years; or  
   

• An indefinite period, IF you have obtained residence under any category and have successfully established a business in New Zealand not less than 12 months ago which is trading successfully and benefiting New Zealand in some way; or
   

• An indefinite period:

  1. IF you have held residence permits for a total of at least 41 days in the 12 month period immediately before lodging your RRV application; and

  2. All members of your immediate family who were included in your residence application have resided in New Zealand for a total of at least 184 days in the 2 year period immediately before lodging your RRV application, and

  3. You own and maintain a family home in New Zealand, or

  4. You have been genuinely employed full time in New Zealand for a total of at least 9 months in the 2 year period immediately before lodging your RRV application.