What are the requirements for converting a Resident Visa (RV) to a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV)?

Okay, no problem! After obtaining a Resident Visa (RV), upgrading to a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) is the ultimate goal for many. While it might sound complicated, the logic is actually quite simple. Let me break it down for you.

From Resident Visa (RV) to "Permanent Return Visa" (PRV): What You Need to Know

Hi there! Congratulations on having already secured your Resident Visa (RV). This means you've successfully settled in New Zealand. To help you understand the biggest difference between RV and PRV, let me use an analogy:

• Resident Visa (RV): This is like a "long-term pass." You can live, work, and study in New Zealand, but this pass has "travel conditions." It typically has a two-year validity, and if you want to leave the country and return during this period, you must ensure your visa remains valid. If it expires and you want to renew it, you'll need to meet certain conditions, somewhat like "renewing your subscription."
• Permanent Resident Visa (PRV): This is the legendary "permanent return visa," the ultimate BOSS. Once you obtain it, you are a permanent resident of New Zealand. This means no matter how long you leave New Zealand – 10, 20 years, or even a lifetime – you have the right to return at any time. Your New Zealand "status" is permanent, and there are no longer any residency time requirements.

So, how do you upgrade from RV to PRV? There's one key principle: prove your "Commitment to New Zealand."

How do you prove it? Immigration New Zealand provides several ways, and you only need to meet one of them.

Core Conditions for Upgrading to PRV: Choose One of Five

When applying for PRV, you must have held an RV for at least two years. In addition to these two years, you need to meet any one of the following five conditions:

Method One: Spend Enough Time in New Zealand (Most Common!)

This is the simplest and most frequently used method, often referred to as "sitting the immigration jail" (a colloquial term for meeting residency requirements).

• Requirement: In the two years immediately preceding your PRV application, you must have resided in New Zealand for at least 184 days in each year (i.e., each 12-month period).
• Example: Let's say your RV became effective on January 1, 2022. The earliest you can apply for PRV is January 1, 2024. Immigration New Zealand will then check:
  • From January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022, did you stay in New Zealand for 184 days or more?
  • From January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, did you stay in New Zealand for 184 days or more?
  • If both are met? OK, then you meet the conditions!

Method Two: Become a New Zealand Tax Resident

If your work often requires you to travel internationally, making it difficult to stay for 184 days, this method might be suitable.

• Requirement:
  1. In the two years immediately preceding your PRV application, you must have been a tax resident of New Zealand. This status requires proof from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
  2. Concurrently, in each of these two years, you must have stayed in New Zealand for at least 41 days.
• Simple understanding: Your primary tax domicile is New Zealand, and you return to live there for over a month each year. This also demonstrates a strong connection to New Zealand.

Method Three: Have Investments in New Zealand

This is a direct pathway for individuals with significant capital.

• Requirement: At the time of application, you must have at least NZD $1 million invested in New Zealand, and this investment must have been maintained for at least two years.
• Note: This investment must be of a type recognized by Immigration New Zealand, such as buying shares, bonds, or direct investment in a company. Simply owning your primary residence does not count.

Method Four: Establish a Business in New Zealand

Suitable for entrepreneurs or business owners.

• Requirement:
  1. You have successfully established a business in New Zealand, and this business has been operating for at least one year.
  2. Alternatively, you have purchased 25% or more of the shares in an existing New Zealand business, and this business is also successfully operating.
  3. Crucially, your business must be "beneficial to New Zealand," such as creating jobs or introducing new technologies.

Method Five: Establish a "Base in NZ"

This method is slightly more complex but very practical.

• Requirement:
  1. In the one year immediately preceding your application, you stayed in New Zealand for at least 41 days.
  2. And, in the two years immediately preceding your application, your entire family (including spouse and children) primarily lived in New Zealand.
  3. Most importantly: For at least one year immediately preceding your application, you must have owned and resided in your own home in New Zealand (it cannot be rented).

Don't Forget These Basic Conditions

In addition to the "choose one of five" conditions above, you must also ensure:

• Held RV for two full years: This is a strict threshold; not a day less.
• Met any additional conditions of your RV: For example, if you obtained your RV as a skilled migrant, your visa might have required you to be employed in a specific skilled job; you must first meet this condition.
• Good Character: Simply put, don't get into any legal trouble or have a criminal record during this period.

In Summary

To obtain your PRV, you must first diligently hold your RV for two full years, and then, through "sufficient time in NZ," "paying taxes," "investing," "running a business," or "settling down" – any one of these five methods – prove to Immigration New Zealand: "I love New Zealand, and I consider this my home!"

For most ordinary people, the most reliable method is the first one: simply staying in New Zealand for at least 184 days each year.

I hope this explanation is helpful to you. Wishing you an early PRV and complete freedom from visa worries!