People applying from outside New Zealand require a visa to enter New Zealand. The visa will be endorsed with the conditions that will apply to their status when they arrive in New Zealand. In particular the visa will specify what type of permit, and its expiry date, is to be issued in the passport at the airport on their arrival – visitor, work, residence etc.

Once in New Zealand each person must remain on a valid permit, and abide by the conditions of this permit, throughout their time in New Zealand. A permit allows the holder to remain in New Zealand for the duration and specific purpose as noted on their permit. It is possible to change the permit terms while in New Zealand. For example, a person may initially hold a visitor permit, then they may decide to go to University which requires a change to a student permit. After they complete their study they may get a job which requires the granting of a work permit. Later they may qualify for residence and be granted a residence permit.

 

Permits are issued pursuant to the main purpose of the stay. However it is possible to vary the conditions of a permit to allow another part time purpose to be accommodated. For example, the holder of a work permit may obtain a variation of conditions to allow part time study while working.

 

Applications for new permits MUST be lodged in the correct manner with INZ before the expiry date shown on the permit. In most instances the permit will expire at midnight on the day before the expiry date shown on the permit so any new application should be made well in advance of the expiry date noted.

All permits automatically expire when the holder leaves New Zealand and a re-entry visa is required for the holder to return again to New Zealand and be issued a new permit. Visas are issued for either single entry or multiple entries. Visas and permits are issued for the period of the intended stay and normally the passport must be valid to a date at least 3 months after the permit expiry date (otherwise the permit will be issued to an earlier date).

 

All permit and visa applicants must satisfy INZ policy requirements to be of good health and character and to have a genuine intention to abide by the terms of their permit.

Limited Purpose Visas
Applications for visas to enter New Zealand for a special purpose, either as a visitor, student or worker, which are considered by INZ to present an unacceptable level of risk may be considered for a Limited Purpose Visa. These visas are issued only to allow the holder entry into New Zealand for a specific purpose – this may be a family wedding, funeral, short term study programme or work conference etc. Limited Purpose Permits cannot normally be amended or extended in any way and the holder must leave New Zealand before the permit expiry date.

INZ also have the option of requesting the payment of a bond as assurance a visitor will return to their home country.

Enquire Now Email or Call +64 (0)7 834 9222

Passport holders of the following countries who are genuine visitors may travel to New Zealand without the need to pre-apply for a visitor visa provided they hold outward journey air tickets and have evidence of acceptable financial support (travellers cheques, credit cards etc) at the time of their arrival in New Zealand. These people will be issued visitor permits at the entry airport which allow a stay of up to 3 months from the date of their arrival except for British passport holders who will be issued permits for 6 months. It is possible for these visitor permits to be extended should a longer stay be desired. Australian citizens or permenent resident holders do not require a visitor visa as they are conferred New Zealand residence status on arrival in New Zealand.

 

Andorra	Hungary	Poland
Argentina	Iceland	Portugal*
Austria	Ireland	Romania
Bahrain	Israel	Qatar
Belgium	Italy	San Marino
Brazil	Japan	Saudi Arabia
Brunei	Korea (South)	Singapore
Bulgaria	Kuwait	Slovak Republic
Canada	Latvia*	Slovenia
Chile	Liechtenstein	South Africa
Cyprus	Lithuania*	Spain
Czech Republic	Luxembourg	Sweden
Denmark	Malaysia	Switzerland
Estonia*	Malta	United Arab Emirates
Finland	Mexico	United States of America*
France	Monaco	Uruguay
Germany	Netherlands	Vatican City
Greece *	Norway
Hong Kong *	Oman

 

Countries marked with* may be subject to additional considerations.

Passport holders of all countries not included in the above list must apply for a visitor visa before their arrival in New Zealand. Such visitor visas can authorise the issue of a visitor permit for a stay from 1 week up to 9 months. Visitor permits can generally be issued or extended to allow a maximum stay of 9 months in any 18 month period.

Visitor permit holders cannot work or undertake any long term study but can enrol in one short term study programme of up to 3 months.

Under INZ temporary policies a child is considered a dependent of their parents up until their 20^th birthday unless they themselves are working or in a partnership relationship. Partners and dependent children can be included within the one visitor visa or permit application.

Parent & Grandparent Visitor Policy
A special policy change has recently been enacted which allows parents and grandparents of New Zealand residents to obtain long term 3 year multiple entry visitor visas which allow a stay of up to 6 months in each year.


Enquire Now Email or Call +64 (0)7 834 9222

This page was last updated on 25 September 2009