New Zealand – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to New Zealand?

The vast majority of people intending to travel to New Zealand will require either a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), together with a valid passport. In almost all cases, one of these must be secured before departure.

New Zealand maintains visa waiver agreements with a number of countries and territories. Passport holders from these nations do not need to apply for a separate visa but are still obliged to obtain an NZeTA before travelling. The NZeTA functions as a pre-travel electronic authorisation tied to your passport — conceptually similar to the ESTA required for travel to the United States or Canada’s eTA system.

If your passport is from a visa waiver country and your intended stay is under three months, you may travel using an NZeTA and will be granted a visitor visa upon arrival, provided you satisfy standard entry conditions — including evidence of sufficient funds, confirmed onward travel, and meeting health and character standards.

Australian citizens and permanent residents generally have the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand without obtaining a visa beforehand. This arrangement stems from the close Trans-Tasman relationship and is a privilege extended exclusively to Australia — no other nationality receives this degree of automatic access.

Passport holders from countries not covered by visa waiver arrangements must apply for a Visitor Visa before entering New Zealand. This permits stays of up to six or nine months depending on the application. Regardless of any short-stay entitlement, anyone wishing to live, work, or remain in the country on a long-term basis must hold an appropriate visa. Always confirm your requirements via Immigration New Zealand’s official website, as the rules differ according to nationality.

What types of visa are available for people moving to New Zealand?

New Zealand provides a range of visa categories for those planning a permanent or extended move. The principal routes of interest to expats are described below.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The AEWV is designed to address workforce shortages by enabling migrants to take up employment with approved New Zealand employers. Applicants must hold a job offer from an accredited employer and satisfy the relevant skill and qualification thresholds for the role. The visa permits employment for up to five years and represents the most frequently used work visa route for newly arriving expats. It is structurally comparable to the UK’s Skilled Worker visa, in that the employer must achieve approved status before a worker can be sponsored.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
This visa targets professionals whose expertise is actively sought in New Zealand. Eligibility is determined through a points-based assessment, with points allocated according to factors including skilled employment, academic and professional qualifications, and age. Unlike the AEWV — which is a temporary permit — this route leads directly to residency, and bears a resemblance to Australia’s General Skilled Migration programme.

Working Holiday Visas
New Zealand has bilateral working holiday arrangements with numerous countries, generally allowing younger adults aged between 18 and 30 or 35 — depending on the specific agreement — to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. Many people use this as an introductory experience before committing to a long-term immigration pathway.

Partnership-Based Residence Visa
This visa caters to individuals in committed, enduring relationships, offering a route to permanent residence in New Zealand. Applicants must furnish evidence of a genuine and stable partnership — typically including shared financial commitments and proof of cohabitation.

Active Investor Plus Visa
Among the most notable developments in New Zealand’s immigration landscape in 2025 was the launch of the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa — the country’s residency-by-investment scheme, often described as a “Golden Visa”. Two tiers are available: the Growth category requires a minimum investment of NZD $5 million for at least three years, while the Balanced category requires NZD $10 million maintained for at least five years.

Business Investor Work Visa
Open to experienced business people seeking to invest in New Zealand, this visa provides a pathway to residence and facilitates investment in existing businesses. Applications became available from November 2025. The visa is valid for up to four years and permits inclusion of a partner and dependent children in the application.

Parent Resident Visa
This visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to join their families in the country. Processing times are considerably longer than for other categories, and the scheme is subject to ballot and quota restrictions. Refer to Immigration New Zealand for details of current availability and eligibility criteria.

How do I apply for a visa for New Zealand?

The majority of New Zealand visa applications are lodged online through Immigration New Zealand’s secure portal. The steps below outline the standard process for work and residence visas — always verify the current procedure on the official Immigration New Zealand website.

1. Confirm your eligibility. Use the visa finder tool on the Immigration New Zealand website to identify the most suitable visa category for your circumstances. If applying for the AEWV, check that your prospective employer holds current accreditation, as this is a mandatory prerequisite.
2. Assemble your documents. Collect all required supporting materials — including your passport, employment offer, qualification certificates, police clearance, medical documents, and proof of funds — before you begin the application. Submitting an incomplete application is one of the most common causes of delays.
3. Open an Immigration Online account. Register on the Immigration New Zealand website and create a secure Immigration Online account, through which you will submit and monitor your application.
4. Fill in and submit your application. Complete all sections of the online application form, attach your supporting documents, and pay the required fee by card. Once your submission is received, Immigration New Zealand will issue an acknowledgement.
5. Attend any requested appointments. Certain applications may involve biometric data collection or a medical examination. Immigration New Zealand will advise you of any such requirements following submission.
6. Wait for a decision. Once your application is formally accepted, it will be assigned to a case officer who will review your eligibility and determine whether you meet the criteria for the visa you have applied for.
7. Receive your eVisa. A successful outcome will result in your visa being issued electronically and linked to your passport. If any details on your eVisa are incorrect, contact Immigration New Zealand without delay.

Applicants located in the United States can find consular information through the New Zealand Embassy in Washington D.C. or the New Zealand Consulate-General in Los Angeles. Those in the United Kingdom should consult the New Zealand High Commission in London. Applicants elsewhere should contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate, or apply directly through the Immigration New Zealand online portal where permitted.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for New Zealand?

The precise documents required will vary according to your visa category. The following are commonly requested for work and residence applications. Always refer to the official checklist for your specific visa on the Immigration New Zealand website.

• Valid passport: Your passport or certificate of identity must remain valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand.
• Employment offer or contract: For work visas, a signed offer of employment from an accredited New Zealand employer is required.
• Qualification evidence: Relevant academic certificates, professional credentials, or documentation demonstrating work experience.
• Police certificate: A valid and complete police certificate must be uploaded with your Accredited Employer Work Visa application. From December 2025, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept a receipt showing you have applied for a certificate, with limited exceptions.
• Medical certificate and chest X-ray: If you intend to remain in New Zealand for more than 12 months, a General Medical Certificate is required. A chest X-ray may additionally be needed, depending on your countries of prior residence.
• Proof of financial means: Bank statements or other documentation showing you can sustain yourself and any dependants financially.
• Passport-sized photographs: Taken in accordance with Immigration New Zealand’s specifications.
• Employer accreditation documentation: Where applicable, evidence confirming that your employer holds valid Immigration New Zealand accreditation.

Translation requirements: Any supporting documents not already in English must be accompanied by certified translations from a recognised translator, or your application risks being declined. Immigration New Zealand publishes translation guidelines on its website. For residence applications, additional materials such as payslips, employment confirmation letters, and income tax records may also be requested.

How long does a visa application for New Zealand take to process?

Processing durations vary considerably depending on the visa type. The figures below are indicative and intended for planning purposes only — consult the live wait times tool on the Immigration New Zealand website for the most current data.

Processing time data is published by Immigration New Zealand in its Research and Statistics section and is revised on a regular basis. Residence-class visas, including skilled residency pathways, can frequently take six to twelve months or longer. Timelines are shaped by the nature of the visa applied for, the completeness and quality of the supporting documents submitted, and whether further checks are necessary. Seasonal demand and policy changes can also influence decision timeframes.

Applications may be delayed by missing documentation, outstanding medical or character checks, or high application volumes. Responding promptly to any communication from an immigration officer and ensuring your employer’s accreditation is current at the time of submission will help avoid unnecessary hold-ups. It is strongly advisable to begin applications well ahead of any planned move date — especially for residence-class visas, where timelines can stretch considerably beyond initial estimates.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for New Zealand?

Fees are determined by the New Zealand government and are subject to revision. The figures below are provided as a planning guide only — always verify the applicable fee using the Immigration New Zealand fees tool before submitting your application.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa application fee stands at NZD $1,540 (as of 2024), while the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa attracts a fee of NZD $6,450 (as of 2024).

Applicants for certain residence and temporary visas are also required to pay an immigration levy, which contributes to the costs of settling new arrivals in New Zealand and is charged on a per-application basis. Most international visitors are subject to an IVL of NZD $100, payable at the time of applying for a visa or NZeTA. This levy is non-refundable, even where an application is ultimately declined.

Beyond government fees, applicants should anticipate a range of additional costs. Medical examinations and chest X-rays — required for stays exceeding 12 months — typically cost between NZD $150 and NZD $250. Further expenses may include police clearance certificates, document translation and notarisation, and courier charges. For complex applications, fees charged by licensed immigration advisers or lawyers can represent a significant additional outlay. Professional advice is particularly worthwhile for intricate or high-stakes applications.

Can my family members join me in New Zealand on a visa?

New Zealand’s principal visa categories generally allow the primary applicant to include close family members or support separate applications on their behalf. The precise entitlements and processes depend on the visa type held.

AEWV holders may apply to bring their partners and dependent children, who can obtain dependent visas. Partner visas for AEWV holders are priced at NZD $1,630, while dependent child student visas cost NZD $750 (as of 2024). Partners of AEWV holders are typically issued a work visa permitting employment with any New Zealand employer. As of 2025, the minimum annual income an AEWV holder must earn to sponsor dependent children has been set at NZD $55,844. This threshold is reviewed periodically, so confirm the latest figure on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Family inclusion is also available under investor visa categories. If your partner or dependent children hold or have applied for a New Zealand temporary entry visa based on their relationship to you, they must be included in your residence application. Where a partner and/or children are added to the application, each must complete a Resident Visa Declaration Form (INZ 1242).

A spouse or partner and dependent children up to the age of 24 may be included in an Active Investor Plus Visa application. Family members included in a resident visa must travel to New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being granted; failure to do so will necessitate a fresh application for residence.

Under the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants may likewise include their partner and dependent children. Applicants will need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support their family while they are establishing their business in New Zealand.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in New Zealand?

New Zealand provides well-defined pathways from temporary work permits through to permanent residence and ultimately citizenship. The route available to you will depend on the visa you currently hold.

AEWV holders whose visa validity falls short of the maximum permissible stay may apply for additional Accredited Employer Work Visas. Depending on the nature of your employment, you may also be eligible to apply for resident status and live in New Zealand as a permanent resident. A common progression for AEWV holders is to pursue the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa once they have built a record of skilled employment in New Zealand.

Investors who have fulfilled all conditions upon reaching the end of their investment period may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa covering themselves and any family members originally included in their resident visa application, including children born after the original application who held a Dependent Child Resident Visa. Such family members must have held their resident visa for a minimum of two years.

After holding a Migrant Investment or Active Investor Plus Resident Visa for at least 24 months, an application for a Permanent Resident Visa becomes available. A Permanent Resident Visa enables unlimited travel to and from New Zealand, provided the visa remains linked to a valid passport.

On the path to citizenship: holders of a permanent residence visa may apply for New Zealand citizenship after five years from the date of obtaining that status, in accordance with the country’s naturalisation laws. Applicants must satisfy the relevant residency presence and character requirements. This citizenship pathway is open to residence visa holders broadly, not solely investors. Always refer to the Immigration New Zealand website for current eligibility criteria, as requirements may change over time.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for New Zealand are refused?

Being aware of the most frequent grounds for refusal puts you in a better position to submit a well-prepared application. Among the issues most often cited by Immigration New Zealand are the following:

• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Applications lacking required information take longer to assess and may be declined outright. Every requested document must be submitted alongside the application to avoid unnecessary delays or adverse decisions.
• Supporting documents not in English without accompanying translations. Evidence submitted in a language other than English, in an incorrect format, or in an outdated version can hinder or jeopardise the processing of your application.
• Failure to satisfy character requirements. Character checks — including police clearance certificates — form a central part of most applications. Any criminal history may result in a refusal, and failing to hold the correct visa or travel authority when checking in for a flight to New Zealand can prevent boarding or result in being turned away on arrival.
• Providing false or misleading information. Misrepresentation — even if unintentional — is treated with considerable seriousness by Immigration New Zealand and can result in refusal or future immigration bans.
• Insufficient evidence of genuine intent to depart. For visitor visa applications, officers must be satisfied that you will leave New Zealand at the end of your authorised stay. Weak ties to your home country or vague travel purposes can lead to refusal.
• Inadequate proof of funds. Applicants must show they can meet their living costs throughout their stay, either independently or through the financial support of their employer.
• Employer accreditation not in order. For AEWV applications, Immigration New Zealand accreditation held by your employer must be current at the time you submit your application. If accreditation has expired or was never obtained, the application cannot be progressed.

Where an application is refused, Immigration New Zealand will issue written reasons for the decision. In many instances, applicants are able to remedy the identified issues and submit a fresh application. A formal appeal may be available through the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, depending on the case type. Licensed immigration advisers are particularly valuable for complex applications or appeals — ensure any adviser you engage is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), which is New Zealand’s regulatory body for immigration advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an NZeTA even if I’m just transiting through New Zealand?

Passengers transiting through Auckland International Airport are required to hold a Transit Visa unless they already possess a valid visa or are nationals of a visa waiver or transit visa waiver country. Transit requirements differ from standard visitor entry conditions, so it is important to verify your particular situation carefully on the Immigration New Zealand website before you travel.

Can I work remotely for my overseas employer while visiting New Zealand on a visitor visa?

New Zealand introduced a policy, effective from 27 January 2025, permitting visitors to carry out remote work for overseas employers while staying in the country for up to 90 days without breaching their visa conditions. However, performing work for New Zealand-based employers or providing services directly to local businesses is not permitted under this arrangement.

Is there a specific retirement visa for New Zealand?

New Zealand does not operate a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees from most countries would need to qualify under an existing visa category — such as a Partnership Visa (if partnered with a New Zealand citizen or resident) or the Parent Resident Visa — or meet the requirements of one of the investor pathways. Consult Immigration New Zealand for options appropriate to your personal circumstances.

How many points do I need for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is evaluated through a points-based framework, with points allocated for factors such as current skilled employment in New Zealand, relevant qualifications, and age. The required points threshold and the specific criteria used to calculate scores can be updated, so it is essential to review the current requirements on the Immigration New Zealand website.

What is the IVL and do I have to pay it?

The International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) raises funds for conservation programmes and tourism infrastructure across New Zealand. Visitors from the majority of countries — including those on working holidays — must pay the NZD $100 IVL before entering the country. Exceptions apply for nationals of Australia and many Pacific Island nations, among others.

Can I include my partner in my visa application if we are not married?

Yes — New Zealand’s immigration framework recognises de facto or unmarried partnerships, provided you can establish that the relationship is genuine, stable, and of adequate duration. You will generally be required to supply evidence of cohabitation, shared financial arrangements, and the background of your relationship. Requirements differ between visa categories, so consult the Immigration New Zealand website or a licensed immigration adviser for tailored guidance.

Will my foreign qualifications be recognised in New Zealand?

New Zealand assesses overseas qualifications against the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) and the New Zealand Register of Quality Assured Qualifications. Certain regulated professions — including medicine, law, teaching, and engineering — require registration with the relevant New Zealand regulatory authority irrespective of overseas credentials. Qualifications in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, education, and engineering can strengthen an immigration application, but must still receive formal recognition from the appropriate body. For guidance on qualification assessment, refer to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

Is it possible to appeal a New Zealand visa refusal?

Many visa refusals can be challenged before the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, an independent body with jurisdiction to hear appeals on matters including residence decisions, deportation proceedings, and certain temporary visa refusals. Eligibility to appeal and the available grounds vary according to the case type. When a refusal is issued, Immigration New Zealand will provide written reasons; consulting a licensed immigration adviser or immigration lawyer is strongly recommended before deciding whether to appeal or to lodge a new application.