Planning a holiday, working holiday, study programme, or a new life in Aotearoa? Find the right visa, understand the requirements, and start your journey with confidence.
New Zealand offers a range of visas for tourists, students, workers, and those wishing to relocate or join family permanently.
For holidays, visiting family and friends, or short-term study. Citizens of 60+ visa-waiver countries (UK, USA, EU, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and more) need only an NZeTA — a simple online electronic travel authority — instead of a full visa. Visitor Visas apply for other nationalities.
Live, work, and travel New Zealand for up to 12 months (23 months for UK citizens). Available to eligible nationalities aged 18–30 (or 18–35 for some countries). Work with any employer — no sponsorship required. One of the most sought-after working holiday programmes in the world.
Enrol in a full-time course at a New Zealand Education (formerly NZQA) recognised institution. Students may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled holidays. Covers courses from English language schools to university degrees.
New Zealand's primary employer-sponsored work visa, introduced in 2022. Your employer must be Immigration New Zealand accredited. Allows you to work for that specific employer for up to 3 years. Replaces the former Essential Skills and other work visa categories.
Two pathways to permanent NZ residence for skilled workers. The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) uses a points-based system. The Green List (introduced 2022) offers faster residence for critical shortage roles — Tier 1 (straight to residence) and Tier 2 (two-year work-to-residence pathway). Health, engineering, and education roles dominate the Green List.
Join your New Zealand citizen or resident partner. The Partnership-Based Residence visa leads to permanent residency. A Partnership Work Visa provides an open work right while the residence application is being processed. Genuine relationship must be demonstrated with strong evidence.
Answer a few questions to get a suggested NZ visa type. This is a guide only — confirm all details with Immigration New Zealand at immigration.govt.nz.
Fill in the form and click Find My NZ Visa to see a personalised suggestion based on your circumstances.
Most New Zealand visas are applied for online through the Immigration NZ online system. Here's what to expect step by step.
Use the Visa Options tool at immigration.govt.nz/visas — or use the checker above — to confirm which visa matches your situation and nationality.
Register at immigration.govt.nz. Applications for most visas (including the NZeTA and Working Holiday) are lodged and tracked through your secure online account.
Collect required supporting documents (see list). Ensure all documents are certified where required and translated into English if in another language.
Complete the online form, upload your documents, and pay the applicable visa fee. You'll receive an application reference number to track your application.
Processing times vary significantly by visa type. NZeTAs are often approved within minutes; residence applications can take months. Decisions are communicated to your INZ account and email.
Commonly Required Documents
All fees in NZD, set by Immigration New Zealand. Fees are subject to change — verify current fees at immigration.govt.nz before applying.
| Visa Type | Category | Fee (NZD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Citizens & PRs | Trans-Tasman | No Visa Needed | Free movement — show valid Australian passport on arrival |
| NZeTA (online) | Visa Waiver | NZ$23 | NZ$17 via official mobile app; also need IVL levy |
| IVL — International Visitor Levy | Add-on | NZ$35 | Paid alongside NZeTA for most nationalities |
| Visitor Visa | Tourist | NZ$246 | For non-visa-waiver countries; up to 9 months |
| Working Holiday Visa | Work & Holiday | NZ$280–540 | Fee varies by country of passport |
| Student Visa | Study | NZ$375 | Includes work rights; insurance recommended additionally |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | Work (AEWV) | NZ$700 | Employer pays accreditation / job check fees separately |
| Skilled Migrant Category | Residence (SMC) | NZ$4,190 | Includes partner & dependent children |
| Partnership-Based Residence | Family | NZ$3,340 | Includes open work visa while processing |
Quick answers to the questions visitors ask most about New Zealand visas and entry requirements.
No. Australian citizens and permanent residents have unrestricted entry to New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. You can visit, live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely — simply bring a valid Australian passport. No application, no fee, no immigration requirements.
The NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) is a pre-travel approval required for citizens of visa-waiver countries — including the UK, USA, EU nations, Canada, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. It's applied for online or via the official NZ government app and typically approved within minutes. The fee is NZ$23 online (NZ$17 via app) plus the NZ$35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). Australians are exempt. Check the full list of eligible countries at immigration.govt.nz.
NZeTA holders from visa-waiver countries can typically stay up to 3 months (90 days) per visit, though some nationalities receive 6 months. A Visitor Visa for non-waiver countries allows stays up to 9 months. Extensions within New Zealand may be possible in some circumstances — apply at immigration.govt.nz before your visa expires.
No. Visitor visas and NZeTAs do not include work rights. If you wish to work in New Zealand you'll need a Working Holiday Visa (for eligible nationalities aged 18–30/35), an Accredited Employer Work Visa sponsored by a NZ employer, a Student Visa (permits up to 20 hrs/week work during term), or another appropriate work visa category.
The Green List is a fast-track residence pathway introduced in 2022 for workers in roles experiencing critical shortages in New Zealand. Tier 1 roles (such as specialist doctors and certain engineers) can apply for permanent residence immediately without a prior work visa. Tier 2 roles (such as nurses, midwives, and some construction roles) can gain a 2-year work visa that leads to residence. See the full list at immigration.govt.nz/skilled-migrant-category.
Overstaying is a serious immigration breach. You may be detained, removed from New Zealand, and face a ban on re-entry. Always be aware of your visa expiry date and apply for an extension through your INZ online account before your visa lapses. If you're unsure of your status, contact Immigration New Zealand directly.