Most Indians who move to New Zealand have one long-term goal: permanent residency and eventually a New Zealand passport. The process is clear - it just takes time and consistency.

A Resident Visa is not the same as a Permanent Resident Visa. Think of it as your first formal foot in the door. Once you have a Resident Visa you can:

• Live and work in New Zealand indefinitely
• Access publicly funded healthcare
• Enrol your children in state schools for free
• Vote in local and national elections

Resident Visas are granted through the Green List, Skilled Migrant Category, partnership visas, or family visas.

After holding your Resident Visa for at least two years - and spending at least 184 days in New Zealand in each of those two years - you apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.

The Permanent Resident Visa removes travel restrictions. A regular Resident Visa lets you re-enter as a resident for only two years after issue. A Permanent Resident Visa gives you that right for life.

Apply through INZ's Permanent Resident Visa page.

After five years of New Zealand residence, spending at least 1,350 days in New Zealand in the five years before you apply (with at least 240 days in each of those five years), you can apply for citizenship by grant.

Requirements:

• Five years of lawful residence
• Good character (a further character check is conducted)
• Basic knowledge of English
• Demonstrated knowledge of New Zealand's civic values and responsibilities

Application fee: NZD 470.70. A citizenship ceremony is mandatory - citizenship is confirmed at the ceremony, not by post.

A New Zealand passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 countries, including the UK, the EU, the USA, Japan, and Australia.

When you become a New Zealand citizen, you must give up your Indian citizenship. India is one of a small number of countries that does not recognise dual citizenship.

The solution is the OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card. This gives you most economic rights in India - property ownership, banking, long-term visa-free entry - but not voting rights or government employment. Apply for OCI through the Ministry of Home Affairs OCI portal after you naturalise.

The SMC is the main points-based residence pathway. From August 2026, two new pathways are being introduced:

• Skilled Work Experience Pathway: For ANZSCO skill level 1–3 roles with at least five years of directly relevant experience, including two years in New Zealand at 1.1 times the median wage.
• Trades and Technician Pathway: For specified trade and technician occupations, requiring a Level 4+ qualification and four years of experience, including 1.5 years in New Zealand at the SMC median wage.

Full details on the INZ SMC announcement page.

New Zealand has licensed and unlicensed immigration advisers. Only Licensed Immigration Advisers registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority can legally give immigration advice for a fee. Unlicensed agents operate illegally and carry no accountability if they give you wrong advice. Check any adviser's licence status at iaa.govt.nz before paying anything.