Cook Islands Permanent Residence
Immigration Act framework
The Cook Islands is a self-governing state in free association with New Zealand and runs its own immigration system through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. New Zealand does not decide entry or residence. Under the immigration framework consulted on in 2020, permanent residence in one's own right needs five consecutive years of lived presence for New Zealand passport holders and ten consecutive years for other passport holders, plus an approval application.
Life in Cook Islands
Money
2
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
NZD
New Zealand Dollar
Tax
17–30%
Income tax (national)
VAT 15%
Rarotonga residents: exempt to NZ$14,600, 17% to NZ$30,000, 27% to NZ$80,000, 30% above NZ$80,000. Pa Enua (outer islands) residents: exempt to NZ$60,000, then 27% and 30%.
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term residents of the Cook Islands, and spouses or partners of Cook Islanders or Permanent Residents.
Eligibility
Own right
Five consecutive years of lived presence for New Zealand passport holders; ten consecutive years for other passport holders; approval application required.
Marriage or partnership
Status through marriage or partnership with a Cook Islander or Permanent Resident also requires an approval process.
Children
A child born in the Cook Islands to a Permanent Resident is automatically approved; a child born overseas qualifies only if the birth was a medical referral.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklistPermanent residence application
- FeesPermanent residence application
- Steps to applyComplete the required consecutive residence on valid permits
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 document
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Cook Islands
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