Dependent Child Resident Visa
Who it's for: New Zealand citizens and residents who want to bring their dependent children to live with them.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 4 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: No
- Language: speak English or pay for classes to learn English
- Age limit: Up to 24
- Main fee: NZ$3,230
- Can lead to permanent residence: Yes
- Decision time: 7 months
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | NZ$3,230 | — | immigration.govt.nzOfficial · 4 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
6 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededNoOfficial wording
“Apply for this visa to bring your dependent children to live with you in New Zealand. You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.”
Languagespeak English or pay for classes to learn EnglishOfficial wording
“Your dependent child aged 16 or older must speak English or pay for classes to learn English in New Zealand”
Age limitUp to 24Official wording
“Age range 24 years or younger”
Main feeNZ$3,230Official wording
“Cost From NZD $3230”
Can lead to permanent residenceYesOfficial wording
“Live, work and study indefinitely”
Decision time7 monthsOfficial wording
“Processing time 80% within 7 months”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Money to show; Salary threshold; Family can join; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other join family routes in New Zealand
- Adoption Pre-citizenship Visitor Visa
- Adoption Visitor Visa
- Child of a New Zealander Visitor Visa
- Child of a Student Visitor Visa
- Child of a Worker Visitor Visa
- Child of Military Visitor Visa
- Dependent Child Student Visa
- Guardian Visitor Visa
- Intercountry Adoption Resident Visa
- Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
- Parent Boost Visitor Visa
- Parent Resident Visa
- Parent Retirement Resident Visa
All visa types in New Zealand
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
New Zealand visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.