Polynesia · Immigration

Cook Islands

17 immigration routes

Cook Islands sits in Polynesia. Its immigration system runs 17 distinct routes — led by family, work and study, each set out in official law. All 17 cite an official government source, shown on the route with the date we last read it. Who actually qualifies depends on your full profile.

Immigration routes
17across 8 route categories, each set out in official law
Source-cited routes
17 of 17cite an official government source, with the date we last read it
Largest category
Family5 of the 17 routes — see them under Family below
Region
Polynesia
Capital
Avarua
Population
15,040
Official language
English, Cook Islands Māori
Currency
CKD
Time zone
UTC-10:00
Source-cited pathways

Immigration routes

All 17 routes, grouped by purpose — 17 of 17 cite an official government source directly.

Work

4 routes

Permission for paid or volunteer service under a written agreement with the Cook Islands Government or a government-supported programme.

Official government source: mfai.gov.ck · checked 2026-07-26

Sponsored work permission for specialist services under a qualifying government, business, society or approved foreign-enterprise contract.

Official government source: mfai.gov.ck · checked 2026-07-26

Investment

1 route

Residence permission for an investor whose foreign enterprise is approved and registered by the Business Trade and Investment Board.

Official government source: mfai.gov.ck · checked 2026-08-03

Study

2 routes

Family

5 of 5 say who you can bring
5 routes

Dependent permission for the single child of a Government Worker or International Worker permit holder.

Can bring: dependants, children, parents
Official government source: mfai.gov.ck · checked 2026-07-26

Residence permission for the single child of an eligible Cook Islander, permanent resident or approved resident permit holder.

Can bring: children, parents
Official government source: mfai.gov.ck · checked 2026-07-26

Residence permission for the genuine spouse or partner of a Cook Islander, permanent resident or Resident Investor permit holder.

Can bring: spouse, partner
Official government source: mfai.gov.ck · checked 2026-07-26

Partner permission for the genuine spouse of a person approved under another qualifying visa and permit class.

Can bring: spouse, partner
Official government source: mfai.gov.ck · checked 2026-07-26

Independent means

1 route

Residence-based status

1 route

Short stay & visit

2 routes

Other & special

1 route

Official sources

Compiled by António Mira, founder · How we verify our data · Not legal advice — immigration rules and thresholds change; confirm with the official sources above before deciding.

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