A new round of Permanent Residence (PR) applications is expected to open this year, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI).

In response to queries from Cook Islands News, the Ministry stated: “On Permanent Residence, as has been advised previously, a PR round will be called this year – the public invitation calling expressions of interest will be advertised on all usual platforms.”

The most recent PR round was in July 2022, with some recipients officially confirmed and awarded by December 2022.

The delay, according to MFAI, was due to some selected individuals being unavailable to attend the initial ceremony because they were either overseas or engaged with other commitments.

The 2022 recipients were formally acknowledged at a ceremony held on Rarotonga and Prime Minister Mark Brown who was the Foreign Affairs Minister at the time said, “We are pleased to be able to award Permanent Residence to those people who have made the Cook Islands their home and contributed to the development of our country.”

That round followed the standard three-year cycle for the awarding of PR, meaning a 2025 announcement was anticipated.

The upcoming round is expected to follow similar procedures, including a call for Expressions of Interest (EOI), eligibility screening, and a final approval by the relevant Cabinet committee.

MFAI’s website confirms the criteria for PR eligibility, including good character, sufficient knowledge of Cook Islands culture and language, and a minimum residency requirement.

Certain categories exist for spouses of Cook Islanders and for long-term residents who have significantly contributed to the country.

“Information regarding PR can be found on the Ministry website at www.mfai.gov.ck,” the Ministry reiterated in its response.

The announcement of the 2025 round is expected to be published widely through various platforms.

With increased interest in settling long-term in the Cook Islands, the upcoming PR round is likely to attract a wide range of applicants. More details are expected in the coming months.