Get your New Zealand visa

For travelers who aren't eligible for the eTA or who plan to stay longer in New Zealand, the Visitor Visa allows you to enter the country for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips.

Usually valid for stays of up to 9 months.

This visa is for international students planning to study for more than three months in New Zealand.

You’ll need an offer of place from an approved institution and proof of funds to cover your expenses.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

If you are aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for a select few countries), and a citizen of a country that has a working holiday agreement with New Zealand, you can apply for a working holiday visa.

On a working holiday visa, you can travel, work, and study usually for up to 12 months in New Zealand. For example, you could take a part-time job while exploring the country, or do a short training course during your time there.

You must be coming mainly to holiday, work and study should be a secondary intention.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

New Zealand offers several work visa types, including employer-assisted and skilled migrant options. These require a job offer or qualifications in demand.

There are also country-specific work visas, such as the China Skilled Workers Visa. To apply for this visa, you must be a citizen of the People’s Republic of China, have a job offer for a role on the China skilled job list, and meet the listed requirements. You can work in the job, for the employer, and in the location specified on your visa, for up to 3 years.

Some work visas can lead to permanent residency, especially if your job is on New Zealand’s Green List (high-demand occupations).

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

The Resident Visa allows long-term settlement in New Zealand, typically based on skilled employment, family sponsorship, or business investment.

The Resident Visa gives you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

There are several ways to qualify:

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): For people with qualifications, experience, and a job offer in an area that contributes to New Zealand’s economy. Applicants are ranked using a points-based system.

Family Sponsorship: If you have a partner, child, or parent who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, they may be able to sponsor your residency.

Investor and Entrepreneur Visas: For individuals who want to invest a significant amount in New Zealand’s economy or start a business that benefits the country.

Straight to Residence Visa: A new pathway for applicants in priority Green List occupations with a job offer in New Zealand, allowing them to apply directly for residency.

This visa opens up long-term stability, access to public healthcare, and a path to New Zealand citizenship.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*

If you’re transiting through New Zealand on your way to another country, you may need a Transit Visa, depending on your nationality. You can’t leave the airport unless you hold a valid Visitor Visa or are eligible for visa-free entry.

If you're from a visa-waiver country, you’ll just need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority), even for short layovers.

If you're not from a visa-waiver country, and your layover involves changing planes or going landside, you’ll need to apply for a Transit Visa.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently offer this visa*