Dependent Child Resident Visa

Dependent Child Resident Visa

Your child deserves to be with you. The Dependent Child Resident Visa allows the dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or resident to live in New Zealand permanently — with the right to work, study, and build their future here.

Who Can Apply

This visa is for children who are financially dependent on a parent or legal guardian who holds New Zealand citizenship or residence.

The child must be aged 24 or younger, single, and without children of their own. They must be in good health and of good character. If the child is aged 16 or older, English language requirements may also apply depending on their circumstances.

The parent or legal guardian must be living in New Zealand as their main place of residence and must have the legal right to remove the child from their home country.

Important Restrictions

Children who were eligible but not included in a parent’s original residence application under the Family Quota, Refugee Family Support Category, Samoa Quota Scheme, or Pacific Access Category are not eligible to apply under this visa.

Children who are already New Zealand citizens by birth or descent do not require this visa.

Documents You Will Need

Gathering the right documents early is the most effective way to avoid delays. Most applications will require the child’s passport and birth certificate or adoption papers, along with proof of the parent’s New Zealand citizenship or residence.

Children aged 11 or older will need to undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray. Those aged 17 or older will need to provide police certificates issued within the last six months. Where parents are separated or divorced, custody or guardianship documents will also be required. English language evidence may be needed depending on the child’s age and circumstances.

Fees and Processing

The application fee starts from NZD $3,230. Immigration New Zealand processes 80% of applications within seven months. Once granted, the visa is an indefinite residence visa — there is no expiry.

Current fees are set by Immigration New Zealand and are subject to change. Always confirm the current fee at immigration.govt.nz before applying.

After Approval

Once the visa is granted, the child must enter New Zealand within 12 months. After arrival, they can live in New Zealand indefinitely, work and study without restriction, and travel freely in and out of the country.

Speak with a Licensed Immigration Adviser

Custody arrangements, age, financial dependency, and the parent’s visa status can each affect eligibility and the strength of an application. Every family situation is different, and a formal assessment is the most reliable way to understand your position before applying.

At Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd, our licensed advisers assess your specific circumstances and manage the process from start to finish.

This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Immigration policies are subject to change. All information is sourced from Immigration New Zealand and was accurate at the time of publication. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact a Licensed Immigration Adviser.