Many families in New Zealand want their parents here for months, not weeks: for a new baby, a festival or simply time together. New Zealand has two visitor visas designed for parents. This guide explains how they compare, and how to plan the flights so they fit the visa.
What is the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa?
It is a multiple-entry visitor visa for the parents and grandparents of New Zealand citizens and residents. Your parents can come and go during its life, as long as each visit and the total time stay within the limits.
- Each stay: up to 6 months at a time.
- Total: up to 18 months within 3 years.
- Where to apply: only while your parents are outside New Zealand.
- Sponsor: their child or grandchild, who must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Fee: from NZD $441.
- Processing: Immigration New Zealand says 80% of applications are processed within 3 months.
- Health insurance: not compulsory, but strongly recommended. Your parents or you pay for any healthcare they need here.
See the official Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa page for the full requirements.
What is the Parent Boost Visitor Visa?
The Parent Boost Visitor Visa opened in September 2025 for families who want parents here for much longer. It is also a multiple-entry visitor visa, with stricter requirements.
- Visa length: up to 5 years, with no time limit on each visit.
- Second visa: parents can hold at most 2 Parent Boost visas, and must be outside New Zealand when applying for the second.
- Sponsor: an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and normally lives here, spending at least 184 days a year in New Zealand. Up to two children can sponsor jointly.
- Money: the sponsor’s income, or the parents’ own income or funds, must meet thresholds that Immigration New Zealand sets and updates.
- Health insurance: compulsory. Parents need at least 1 year of cover to start, then cover for every visit.
- Fee: from NZD $3,100.
- Processing: around 4 months.
- Work: parents can’t work for a New Zealand employer on this visa.
See the official Parent Boost Visitor Visa page for the current income thresholds and insurance rules.
Which visa suits your family?
| Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa | Parent Boost Visitor Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Each stay | Up to 6 months | No limit |
| Total time | Up to 18 months in 3 years | Up to 5 years |
| Fee (from) | NZD $441 | NZD $3,100 |
| Health insurance | Recommended | Required |
| Income or funds test | No set threshold listed | Yes |
| Processing | 80% within 3 months | Around 4 months |
As a rough guide: for one long visit a year, the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa is simpler and cheaper. If your parents want to spend most of their time here, the Parent Boost Visitor Visa may suit better. Immigration New Zealand or a licensed adviser can tell you which your family qualifies for.
When should you book your parents’ flights?
- Apply for the visa first. Many families wait for a decision before paying for a fare that can’t be refunded. If you need to book early, ask us about fares with more flexible change rules.
- Fit the return date to the visa. On the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa each stay is up to 6 months, so book a return that falls inside it.
- Have proof of onward travel. Visitors can be refused entry if they can’t show onward travel or the money to leave New Zealand, so a return ticket helps.
- Match the names. The name on the ticket must match the passport exactly.
- Plan for older travellers. Ask about a single ticket with a protected connection, a sensible layover, wheelchair assistance and meal requests when you book.
Flights for parents coming to New Zealand
There are no direct flights from India, Nepal or Sri Lanka to New Zealand, so most journeys have one stop, often in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or another Asian hub. We book these from our Auckland office: you pay here, and your parents start their trip at home.
- India: Delhi to Auckland, Mumbai to Auckland or Chennai to Auckland.
- Sri Lanka: Colombo to Auckland.
- Nepal: Kathmandu to Auckland.
Use the official site to apply
Search results often show third-party sites that look official and charge extra. Apply through immigration.govt.nz, and check the web address before you enter any details or pay.
When the visa is sorted, request a free quote with your parents’ dates and home airport, and we’ll compare airlines and layovers for them.
Frequently asked questions
How long can parents stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa?
On the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, up to 6 months at a time and up to 18 months in 3 years. On the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, there is no limit on each visit and the visa lasts up to 5 years. Check Immigration New Zealand for your situation.
How much is the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa?
From NZD $441 in October 2026. Fees change, so check the official Immigration New Zealand page before you apply.
Do parents need health insurance to visit New Zealand?
It is compulsory for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa and strongly recommended for the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa, because visitors pay for their own healthcare.
Can my parents apply from inside New Zealand?
Not for the Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: they must apply while outside New Zealand. Check Immigration New Zealand for other cases.
Should I book my parents’ flights before the visa is approved?
Many families wait, because some fares can’t be refunded. If you need to book early, ask about fares with more flexible change rules.
Can Quick Trips apply for the visa?
No. We book flights and can answer general questions, but we can’t give immigration advice. Use Immigration New Zealand or a licensed immigration adviser.
