What Is the Dependent Child Resident Visa?
The Dependent Child Resident Visa grants permanent residence to a child who is dependent on a New Zealand resident or citizen parent. Once granted, the child can live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and can eventually apply for New Zealand citizenship.
🇳🇿 Parent is a NZ Citizen
If one or both parents are New Zealand citizens, a dependent child is eligible for the child visa regardless of where the other parent lives or what visa they hold, provided the citizen parent sponsors the application.
📄 Parent Holds Residence Visa
If the sponsoring parent holds a New Zealand resident visa (not citizenship), both parents must hold residence, OR the non-resident parent must consent in writing to the child emigrating to New Zealand permanently.
🧒 Step-Children & Adopted Children
Step-children and legally adopted children are eligible provided the legal relationship is recognised by New Zealand law and the child meets all other requirements including age and dependency.
What the Child Must Meet
All criteria must be met at the time of application. We assess eligibility in your free consultation before any application is prepared.
Age Under 24
The child must be under 24 years of age at the time of application. There is no lower age limit — applications can be made for infants and toddlers as well as older children and young adults.
Unmarried & Not in a De Facto Relationship
The child must be single and not living in a de facto (de facto partnership) relationship. If the child has married or entered a partnership, they would instead need to apply under the partnership visa category.
Dependent on the Sponsoring Parent
The child must be genuinely dependent on the sponsoring parent. For children under 18 this is assumed. For children aged 18–23, evidence of financial dependence and living arrangements must be provided.
Parent is NZ Citizen or Resident
The sponsoring parent must hold a current New Zealand resident visa or be a New Zealand citizen. If the parent holds a temporary visa only, the child cannot yet apply under this category.
Other Parent’s Consent (if applicable)
If the sponsoring parent holds a resident visa (not citizenship) and the other parent does not hold residence, the non-resident parent must provide written consent for the child to relocate to New Zealand permanently.
Health & Character Requirements
The child must meet INZ’s health and character requirements. A medical examination may be required depending on the child’s age and health history. Police certificates are required for children aged 17 or over.
Documents & Evidence Required
A well-organised, complete application avoids delays and reduces the chance of INZ requesting additional information.
👶 Child’s Documents
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Passport
The child’s current valid passport. If the child does not yet have a passport, one must be obtained before the visa application is lodged.
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Birth certificate
A full birth certificate showing both parents’ names. Where the relationship with the sponsoring parent is through adoption, the adoption order is also required.
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Proof of single status
For children 18–23, a statutory declaration confirming the child is not married or in a de facto relationship. INZ may also request supporting evidence.
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Evidence of dependency (18–23 only)
Bank statements, evidence of financial support from the parent, and confirmation of living arrangements to demonstrate ongoing dependency.
🧑🤝🧑 Parent’s & Other Parent’s Documents
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Sponsoring parent’s residence evidence
Copy of the sponsoring parent’s current New Zealand resident visa or New Zealand citizenship certificate / passport.
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Other parent’s written consent (if required)
If the other parent does not hold New Zealand residence, a signed, witnessed consent letter stating they agree to the child permanently relocating to New Zealand.
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Court orders (if applicable)
Any custody or guardianship orders must be provided. INZ will not grant the visa if it would breach existing court orders without appropriate court authorisation.
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Marriage / divorce certificates (if applicable)
To establish the family relationship clearly, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or de facto evidence may be required depending on the family’s circumstances.
🏥 Health & Character Documents
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Medical examination (if required)
INZ may require a medical examination for the child depending on age and health history. We advise on whether this will be required in your case.
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Police certificate (aged 17+)
Children aged 17 or over must provide a police certificate from every country where they have lived for 12 or more months in the past 10 years.
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NZ Police certificate (if in NZ 12+ months)
If the child has already been living in New Zealand for 12 months or more, a New Zealand Police certificate is also required.
How the Process Works
From your free consultation to your child’s permanent residence — here is exactly how we guide your family through.
Free Eligibility Assessment
We confirm the child’s eligibility, identify the correct visa pathway, and flag any potential issues early — such as the need for the other parent’s consent or evidence of dependency for older children.
Document Collection
We provide a personalised checklist of every document needed for your family’s specific situation. We advise on certified translations, apostilles, and any legalisation requirements for overseas documents.
Health & Character Checks
We coordinate any required medical examination and guide you through obtaining police certificates. For children aged 17+, we ensure certificates are obtained from all required countries and remain valid at lodgement.
Application Preparation
We complete all INZ forms, write covering letters where required, and organise your application package in INZ’s preferred order — minimising the chance of a request for further information.
Lodgement & Monitoring
We lodge the application and monitor its progress with INZ. We respond promptly to any officer queries and keep you informed of any updates throughout the process.
Visa Granted
Once the child’s residence visa is granted, we confirm the visa conditions, advise on any travel requirements to activate residence, and outline the future pathway to New Zealand citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Children Belong Here With You
Do not wait until your child approaches the age limit. The sooner you start, the smoother the process. Our licensed advisers will assess your family’s eligibility, prepare a complete application, and guide you through every step to your child’s permanent residence.
