Permanent resident visa cost: a small fee with no levy
The permanent resident visa costs $315 from outside NZ, or $315 for someone applying in NZ, with an immigration levy of $0. A listed Pacific passport applying from outside NZ pays $260. The second or subsequent resident visa, for people whose resident visa has already expired, is $275 from outside NZ and $275 in NZ.
Fees as at 7 November 2026, checked against INZ.
What INZ charges for the permanent resident visa
| Where you apply from | Application fee | Immigration levy | Visitor levy (IVL) | INZ total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I'm in NZ | $315 | $0 | $0 | $315 |
| Overseas, Pacific passport | $260 | $0 | $0 | $260 |
| Overseas, other passport | $315 | $0 | $0 | $315 |
Source: Immigration New Zealand. Checked 7 November 2026. Fees aren't refunded if an application is declined.
INZ's permanent resident visa page says applicants must have held a resident visa for two years in a row, hold a current resident visa or one that expired 90 days ago or less, and have met its conditions. Commitment to NZ is shown in one of five ways, and the time-based way needs at least 184 days in NZ in each of the last two years.
What INZ charges for a second or subsequent resident visa
| Where you apply from | Application fee | Immigration levy | Visitor levy (IVL) | INZ total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I'm in NZ | $275 | $0 | $0 | $275 |
| Overseas, Pacific passport | $250 | $0 | $0 | $250 |
| Overseas, other passport | $275 | $0 | $0 | $275 |
Source: Immigration New Zealand. Checked 7 November 2026. Fees aren't refunded if an application is declined.
INZ's second or subsequent resident visa page says the visa is for people whose resident visa has expired because they were outside NZ when their travel conditions ended. The application must be made before travelling to NZ.
Work out your own total
A partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included, and the calculator shows them as one application.
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Full cost guides
Each guide has worked examples, when you pay what, and legal ways to pay less.
Every INZ fee, levy and IVL in one table
Three examples
- A resident in Tauranga with two years behind them and travel records showing the days in NZ: $315.
- A couple and two children who were all on the original resident visa. Open the calculator for two adults and two children.
- Someone whose resident visa expired while they were overseas: $275 for the second resident visa, instead of the permanent one.
When you pay each part
INZ says the application is made online, with the fee paid at submission. Police certificates are needed only if INZ asks, and must be less than 6 months old when submitted. Medical or chest X-ray evidence may be requested after applying. INZ quotes 80% of permanent resident applications as processed within 2 weeks and 80% of second resident applications within 6 weeks. Anyone on a resident visa whose travel conditions run out while outside NZ finds the visa has expired, which is how the second fee arises.
Legal ways to pay less
- Family members from the original resident visa application can be included under the principal's application.
- INZ's page for resident visa holders says citizenship is possible after about five years as a resident without a permanent resident visa first.
- The second resident visa asks for no police certificates, according to INZ, so that cost drops out.
- The Fees Guide has a fee-waiver table for certain countries, and the calculator applies it by country. The Fees Guide says waivers never cover the IVL.
Mistakes that cost money
- Applying early. INZ warns that applications submitted before every requirement is met may be declined, and the Fees Guide says it will not refund the fee and levies.
- A partner or child not on the original application applying early. INZ says each must meet the 24-month requirement on their own.
- Letting travel conditions run out overseas. A variation of travel conditions is the other route, with its own fee.
- Travelling on a renewed passport before moving the visa across. The transfer guide covers that fee.
- Applying for the second resident visa more than 2 years after the old one expired. INZ's page ties one basis for permanent residence eligibility to applying within 2 years.
Extras for this visa
INZ lists a passport scan, one acceptable photo per person and certified English translations of any document not in English. Estimates:
- Passport photos: $25–$35.
- Certified translations: $62–$95 per document.
- Police certificates, only if requested: $44–$72 each.
- Medical examination, only if requested: $200–$290.
Quick answers
How much is the permanent resident visa?
$315 from outside NZ and $315 in NZ, with no immigration levy. Source: INZ Fees Guide.
Who can apply for a permanent resident visa?
People who have held a resident visa for two years in a row, have met its conditions and can show commitment to NZ. Source: INZ permanent resident visa page.
What happens if travel conditions expire while overseas?
The resident visa also expires. A second or subsequent resident visa may be possible, and it must be applied for before travelling to NZ. Source: INZ permanent resident and second resident visa pages.
Is a permanent resident visa needed for citizenship?
No. INZ says people may be eligible for citizenship after about five years as a resident without a permanent resident visa first. Source: INZ permanent resident visa page.
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