New Zealand requires resident visa holders to meet visa, residency and character rules before applying permanently. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty ImagesWho qualifies for New Zealand permanent residency visaAccording to Immigration New Zealand, applicants must satisfy five requirements for permanent residency. Residency timeline for New Zealand permanent residencyApplicants must hold a current resident visa, or one that expired no more than 90 days before the date of application. If the resident visa carried any specific conditions, the applicant must provide evidence that those conditions were fully met before moving forward with the permanent residency application. Commitment requirement for New Zealand permanent residencyOn the commitment requirement, Immigration New Zealand specifies that applicants must show a genuine intention to live in the country permanently.