New Zealand
General visa requirements for travelling to New Zealand. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.
Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.
Business visa (NZeTA - Business Visit (Visa Waiver Countries))
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
e-Visa
- Maximum stay
- 90 days
- Processing time
- Up to 72 hours
- Fee
- NZD 17 (app) or NZD 23 (online) + NZD 100 IVL
- Validity
- 2 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Citizens of visa waiver countries can use the NZeTA for short-term business visits (meetings, conferences, negotiations) up to 3 months (6 months for UK). Cannot be used for actual employment in New Zealand. APEC Business Travel Card holders from participating economies also benefit from expedited entry.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Must hold a passport from one of the 60 visa waiver countries.
-
Purpose of visit
Business activities limited to meetings, conferences, negotiations, and similar short-term activities. Cannot undertake paid employment.
Documents you need
-
Passport
Validity months: 3
How to apply
-
Online application
Apply for NZeTA via official app or online portal.
-
Fee payment
Pay NZeTA fee and NZD 100 IVL.
Business visa (Business Investor Work Visa)
Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 3-6 months
- Fee
- NZD 12,380
- Validity
- Up to 4 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Opened November 2025, replacing the closed Entrepreneur Work Visa. Two investment pathways: NZD 1 million investment in an existing NZ business (3-year work-to-residence pathway) or NZD 2 million investment (12-month fast-track to residence). Must employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff. Restricted business types include drop-shipping, gambling, tobacco/vaping, adult entertainment, discount stores, convenience shops, fast food, franchises, and home-based operations. Can include partner and dependent children.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
-
Age
Must be aged 55 or under at the time of application.
Max age: 55; Min age: 0
-
Financial
Must invest at least NZD 1 million (3-year pathway) or NZD 2 million (12-month pathway) in an eligible New Zealand business and have NZD 500,000 for settlement.
Minimum funds: NZD 1.5 million minimum
-
Employment
Must have business experience and be able to actively manage the New Zealand business. Must employ at least 5 FTE staff.
Required status: Business experience, employ 5+ FTE
Documents you need
-
Passport
Validity months: 48
-
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 1,500,000 minimum (NZD 500K settlement + NZD 1M investment)
-
Police clearance
Validity months: 6
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 12,380
-
Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.
Must include financials: No
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Prepare business plan, financial evidence, police certificates, and medical examinations.
-
Online application
Submit Business Investor Work Visa application online through Immigration New Zealand.
-
Document submission
Upload all supporting documents including business plan, proof of investment funds, and character/health evidence.
-
Fee payment
Pay NZD 12,380 application fee.
-
Processing wait
Wait 3-6 months for processing and assessment of business viability.
-
Visa collection
If approved, visa is granted for up to 4 years with pathway to residence.