Find out if you can get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension

Residence criteria

The last criteria you need to meet is the residence criteria.

You must have lived in NZ for a certain number of years from age 20. This must include 5 years from age 50.

These years (including the 5 years from age 50) do not need to be consecutive.

Work out how many years you need

Step 1

First, work out the number of years between when you started living in New Zealand and your 65th birthday.

Step 2

Then, work out the number of years you must have lived in NZ based on your date of birth. Use the table below to work this out.

Date of birth	Total number of years you must have lived in NZ
On or before 30 June 1959	10 years
1 July 1959 - 30 June 1961	11 years
1 July 1961 - 30 June 1963	12 years
1 July 1963 - 30 June 1965	13 years
1 July 1965 - 30 June 1967	14 years
1 July 1967 - 30 June 1969	15 years
1 July 1969 - 30 June 1971	16 years
1 July 1971 - 30 June 1973	17 years
1 July 1973 - 30 June 1975	18 years
1 July 1975 - 30 June 1977	19 years
On or after 1 July 1977	20 years

Step 3

Take those 2 numbers and look at which amount is less.

This is the number of years you must have lived in NZ from age 20. This must include 5 years from age 50.

Make a note of this number as you may need it later.

What we mean by 'have lived in NZ'

When we say 'have lived in NZ', we mean you were 'resident' and 'physically present' in NZ at the same time.

If you left NZ to travel overseas, this period may not be counted as having lived in NZ. Read the definition to find out more.

Have you lived in NZ for the required number of years?