About
To visit or move to New Zealand, most non-citizens require a valid visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority). The type of visa depends on the purpose of your visit, whether it is for tourism, study, work, or joining family. Many applications are completed online through Immigration New Zealand’s official website.
Common visa types
The most common visas for visiting or staying in New Zealand are the Visitor Visa, the NZeTA, and specific visas for work, study, and family categories.
Visitor Visa- Purpose: For tourism, visiting friends/family, short business trips, or short-term study (up to 3 months).
- Validity: Generally valid up to 9 months within an 18-month period.
- Eligibility: Applicants must show proof of funds, onward travel, and a valid passport.
- How to apply: Applications are usually submitted online with supporting documents and a fee.
- Purpose: For short-term travel (tourism, transit, or business) without needing a full visa.
- Validity: Up to 2 years (multiple entries allowed).
- Eligibility: Required for citizens of visa waiver countries and for all airline and cruise crew members.
- How to apply: Apply online or via the NZeTA mobile app; approval is electronic and usually fast.
- Purpose: Work visas allow skilled workers, seasonal workers, or those with job offers to live and work in NZ; family visas allow joining a partner, parent, or child.
- Validity: Work visas vary (short-term to residency pathways); family visas typically last up to 2 years, with extensions available.
- Eligibility: Depends on job offer, skills, relationship proof, and financial criteria.
- How to apply: Submit online through Immigration New Zealand with supporting evidence.
General application requirements
All applications must be completed through Immigration New Zealand’s official website, and some applicants may need to attend a visa center for biometrics.
- Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
- Travel purpose: Provide clear evidence of your travel reason (tourism, work, study, or family).
- Financial support: Proof you can support yourself during your stay (NZD 1,000 per month, or NZD 400 if accommodation is prepaid).
- Health and character: Medical certificates or police certificates may be required for longer stays.
- Online application: Most visas and NZeTAs are applied for and granted online.
VISA
Course
Business & Management
MBA, International Business, Accounting & Finance, Agribusiness, Marketing, Human Resource Management
Engineering & Technology
Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Software Engineering, Mechatronics, Construction Management, Information Technology
Health & Medicine
Nursing, Public Health, Medicine, Midwifery, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science
Hospitality & Tourism
Hotel Management, Culinary Arts, Event Management, Adventure Tourism, Travel & Tourism
Creative Arts & Design
Graphic Design, Animation, Architecture, Film Production, Fashion Design, Performing Arts
Science
Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Agriculture & Horticulture, Data Science, Biotechnology, Earth Sciences
Law & Education
Law (LLB, LLM), Criminology, Early Childhood Education, TESOL, Inclusive Education, Educational Leadership
Trending Fields
Renewable Energy, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Business Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Sustainable Development
Requirement
It depends on the type of New Zealand visa you are applying for (visitor, student, work, family, etc.), but here are the common requirements and steps. If you share your specific visa type and nationality, I can provide more tailored guidance.
Common requirements for any New Zealand Visa
- Valid passport : Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand.
- Online visa application form : Most visa applications are completed online through the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website or app.
- Visa fee : You must pay the application fee or Immigration Levy (varies depending on visa type and nationality).
- Biometrics : Certain applicants may be required to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph at a visa application centre.
- Health requirement : Medical or chest X-ray certificates may be needed for longer-term visas. A TB test is required for applicants from certain countries.
- Character requirement : A police clearance certificate may be required if applying for a long-term or residence visa.
- Proof of financial capacity : You must show you can support yourself during your stay (at least NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid).
- Proof of onward travel : For temporary visas (visitor/student), you may need to show evidence of onward or return tickets.
Additional Requirements by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Key Additional Requirements | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | Proof of accommodation; travel itinerary; invitation letter (if visiting family/friends); evidence of return or onward travel. | Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Official Website |
| Student Visa | Offer of place from a New Zealand education provider; proof of tuition fee payment; proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent, if required); financial proof for tuition + living expenses; medical insurance. |
Education New Zealand (ENZ) Immigration New Zealand (INZ) |
| Work Visa (Accredited Employer, Post-study, etc.) | Job offer from an accredited employer (for AEWV); proof of skills or qualifications; labour market test in some cases; minimum income threshold depending on job type. | Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Official Website |
| Family Visa (Partner, Parent, Child) | Proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificates); sponsor must be a New Zealand resident or citizen; financial support evidence (if required). | Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Official Website |
| Residence Visa (Skilled Migrant, Residence from Work, etc.) | Expression of Interest (EOI) and invitation to apply; proof of skilled employment or qualifications; English language proof; health and police certificates. | Immigration New Zealand (INZ) Official Website |
Cost of Living
- Accommodation : NZD 800 – 1,600 / month (shared flat, student halls, private rental; higher in Auckland & Wellington)
- Food & Groceries : NZD 300 – 600 / month (home cooking cheaper than dining out)
- Utilities & Internet : NZD 150 – 250 / month (electricity, water, heating, internet)
- Transport : NZD 100 – 200 / month (bus, train, ferry; discounted student passes available)
- Mobile Phone : NZD 20 – 50 / month (prepaid or plan with data, calls, and texts)
- Health Insurance : NZD 300 – 600 / year (≈ NZD 25 – 50 / month; required for international students)
- Entertainment & Misc. : NZD 150 – 300 / month (movies, gym, dining, shopping, social activities)
- Annual Estimate : ~NZD 18,000 – 25,000 (≈ NZD 1,500 – 2,100 / month; depending on city & lifestyle)