This visa allows your dependent child to live in New Zealand permanently with you, if you are a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Live, work and study
80% WITHIN
Starting
Parent's Eligibility: You are a New Zealand citizen or resident and live in New Zealand
Legal Parent: You are the biological or legally recognised parent and have the legal right to remove your child from their home country
Age Limit: Your child is aged 24 or younger
Child's Eligibility: Your child must be single with no children of their own and financially dependent on you.
Health and Character Requirements: Your child meets health, character, and (if applicable) English requirements
The Dependent Child Resident Visa allows dependent children aged 24 and under to live, work, and study in New Zealand permanently if they have a parent who is a NZ citizen or resident.
Your child can:
Live in New Zealand permanently
Study anywhere in New Zealand
Work in New Zealand (if old enough)
Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years
Your child must:
Be 17 or younger, or
Be 18-24 years old, single, child-free, and financially dependent
Not be living with a partner
Rely on you for financial support (especially ages 21-24)
If parents are separated or divorced, you must show:
Sole custody, or
Legal permission to remove your child from their home country, or
Written consent from the other parent
Children aged 16 or older may need to show English ability or pre-pay for English classes, depending on the residence category they were eligible under.
Children aged 15 or younger are exempt.
Dependent child residence applications can be complex - especially where custody, financial dependency, or prior residence applications are involved. We focus on clarity, consistency, and strong documentation, so Immigration New Zealand can assess your child’s application with confidence.
Disclaimer: Immigration requirements can change, and every case is different. This page offers a simplified summary only. Unite Immigration will assess your situation carefully and guide you with personalised advice.
Licence Number
202100808 →
