How long does the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa take to process?

As at 5 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa applications were completed within 8 days and 80% within 3 weeks. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.

Why is my Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa application taking longer than the published time?

The published figures are percentiles of recently decided applications, not a promise. Applications that are incomplete, need verification, or raise health, character or genuineness questions routinely exceed them. If your application is far outside the 80% figure, you can contact INZ or engage a licensed adviser or lawyer to follow up.

Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa processing time

As at 5 September 2026, 50% of recent Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa applications were processed within 8 days and 80% within 3 weeks, per Immigration New Zealand's published figures.

8 days

50% processed within

3 weeks

80% processed within

Trend

Daily captures of INZ's published figures, in calendar days.

50% of applications 80% of applications

About this visa

If you are aged 66 or older and have NZD $750,000 to invest in New Zealand, this visa lets you stay in New Zealand for up to 2 years.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa take to process?: As at 5 September 2026, Immigration New Zealand reports that 50% of recent Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa applications were completed within 8 days and 80% within 3 weeks. Individual applications can take longer, particularly if INZ requests further information.
Why is my Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa application taking longer than the published time?: The published figures are percentiles of recently decided applications, not a promise. Applications that are incomplete, need verification, or raise health, character or genuineness questions routinely exceed them. If your application is far outside the 80% figure, you can contact INZ or engage a licensed adviser or lawyer to follow up.

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Source: Immigration New Zealand's published processing-time figures. General information, not immigration advice.