A Returning Resident’s Visa (RRV) ensures a foreign national’s residence status in New Zealand.

People holding a Residence Class Visa must possess a RRV in order resume their New Zealand residence after every overseas travel. When a Resident Visa can be used only for one time to enter the Kiwi land, an RRV enables a person to travel in and out of New Zealand, with no limit set.

There are a number of Returning Resident’s Visas available for the purpose. Have a look at the requirements of different type of RRV for New Zealand:

• First-time Returning Resident’s Visa: This RRV is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance of an applicant’s first Resident Visa. A person is issued with this visa for free-of-charge upon getting approval of his/her residence application.

• Indefinite Returning Resident’s Visas: A person is eligible for an IRRV, if he/she meets any of the following:
  a) One qualifies for an IRRV, if he/she has been in New Zealand as a resident for 184 days or more than that in each year of the two-year period (validity of Residence Permit); OR

  b) If one has been in New Zealand as a resident for 41 days or more than that in each year of the two-year period, who will be assessed by New Zealand’s Inland Revenue Department for holding tax residence status in the country for 2 years; OR

  c) One is qualified, if he/she has been considered a resident under the New Zealand’s Business Investor Category, as well as maintain investment in the country for 2 years. Approval of residence under any other category would also work if the person has maintain an investment of 1,000,000 NZ Dollars in the country for 2 years; OR

  d) One can be qualified, if he/she has gained residence under any of the visa category and had established a business in New Zealand which must be running successfully for at least last 1 year; OR

  e) One is qualified, if he/she has obtained residence permits for a minimum period of 41 days in a 1-year period immediately before filing the RRV application; and if all of his/her immediate family members (those were included in the resident visa application) have resided in the Kiwi land for a minimum period of 184 days in a 2-year period of time immediately before filing for RRV; and if he/she (principal resident visa holder) owns and maintains a family home (which was basically bought within the first 12-month period of obtaining resident) in the Kiwi land; OR if the principal resident visa holder is employed in a full-time job in New Zealand for a minimum 9-month period during the 2-year period immediately before filing for RRV.

• Twelve-month Returning Resident’s Visa: A person is eligible for a Twelve-month Returning Resident’s Visa, if he/she has been a New Zealand resident for a minimum period of 1 year before filing for an RRV, along with satisfying one of the following conditions;
  If the resident has been in New Zealand for 184 days or more in any of the 1-year portion of the 2-year period before filing for an RRV; OR
  If he/she has been in New Zealand for 41 days or more in any of the 1-year portion of the 2-year period before lodging the RRV application, where one is considered as a tax resident in the country for 12 months in 2-year span.

• 14-day Returning Resident’s Visa: A person is qualified for a 14-day Returning Resident’s Visa, if he/she holds a residence permit in New Zealand and if he/she does not meet the requirements set for an IRRV or a Twelve-month RRV.
• Second or Subsequent Returning Resident’s Visa: Second or Subsequent Returning Resident Visa is basically for family member(s) of the principal applicant of New Zealand Resident Visa. When the principal applicant is eligible for an RRV, his/her family members/dependents also qualify for an RRV with same validity.

If you are interested in applying for a residence permit to New Zealand, mail following information ASAP at ajay@abhinav.com for a free of charge assessment by Ajay Sharma, principal consultant, ABHINAV.

• Your updated resume if skilled professional, or if businessmen, then brief on business profile along with information on your current personal net worth.
• If married, provide the resume for your spouse as well.
• If applicable, please provide information on children and their age.
• Information on any blood relatives residing in New Zealand. This is not a compulsory requirement to qualify for immigration to New Zealand, but serves as additional positive assessment and suitability factor.