Applications must be submitted with completed forms, the appropriate fees, and all required supporting documents. The approval process typically takes between eight to nine months.

Investments must be maintained over a three-year period, with a fourth year of holding the funds in New Zealand. After four years, provided the minimum residency requirements are met, investors can apply for permanent residence. Additionally, after fulfilling the investment and residency requirements, they can sponsor their parents under the Parent Retirement category.

Families included in the resident visa must enter New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being granted but are not required to stay for a specific duration. Family members aged 16 and older must either meet English language requirements or arrange for ESOL tuition to be completed upon arrival in New Zealand.

Visa holders can choose to live anywhere in New Zealand and are eligible to study as domestic students at all schools and tertiary institutions. To purchase residential real estate, they must usually be residing in New Zealand. Those who only meet the minimum stay requirements may need approval to buy property, but this requirement is lifted once they have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 183 days in the last 12 months and are considered a tax resident.