New Zealand names only 4 countries eligible for Special Visa that grants permanent residence

The New Zealand government has announced the four countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa, a special immigration pathway that allows successful applicants to live, work and study in the country indefinitely.

According to New Zealand Immigration, the visa is available only to citizens of four Pacific Island nations and is issued through an annual ballot system with a limited number of places.

Four Countries Eligible for the Special Visa

The countries eligible for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa are:

1. Fiji
2. Kiribati
3. Tonga
4. Tuvalu

Citizens of countries outside this list are not eligible to register for the visa ballot under the programme.

650 Visa Places Available

New Zealand Immigration said 650 visa places were allocated for the 2026 ballot.

Under the quota system, Fiji and Tonga each received 250 places, while Kiribati and Tuvalu were each allocated 75 places.

Prospective applicants were first required to register for the ballot. Those selected through the draw would then receive an invitation to submit a formal visa application.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 45 to qualify for the visa.

The application fee starts from NZD $1,389, and successful applicants can include their partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger, provided they were listed during the ballot registration.

The visa grants holders the right to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

Registration for 2026 Ballot Closed

New Zealand Immigration has confirmed that registration for the 2026 Pacific Access Category Resident Visa ballot has closed.

Citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu who missed the registration window will need to wait until the next ballot cycle before they can apply.

The Pacific Access Category Resident Visa is one of New Zealand’s dedicated immigration pathways for Pacific Island communities and reflects the country’s long-standing relationship with the region.,