Visa requirements

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.

Work / Immigration visa (Working Holiday Visa - China (18-30, 12 months, quota 1000))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Fee: NZD 455
Validity: 12 months from entry
Entry: Multiple entry

Chinese citizens aged 18-30 can apply for a working holiday visa. Annual quota of 1,000 places. Quota opens at a specific date each year and fills quickly. Applicants must have a tertiary qualification and meet English language requirements.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a citizen of the People's Republic of China.
Age
Must be aged 18-30 at the time of application.

Max age: 30; Min age: 18
Financial
Must have at least NZD 4,200 in available funds.

Minimum funds: NZD 4,200

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 15
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 4,200
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 455

How to apply

Online application
Apply online when the annual quota opens. Places are limited to 1,000 per year.
Fee payment
Pay NZD 455 application fee.
Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for processing.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Working Holiday Visa - United Kingdom (18-35, 36 months))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1095 days
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Fee: NZD 280
Validity: 36 months from entry
Entry: Multiple entry

British citizens aged 18-35 can stay for up to 36 months (3 years) on a working holiday visa in New Zealand, the longest working holiday duration available. The application fee is lower at NZD 280 under reciprocal arrangements.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a British citizen holding a UK passport.
Age
Must be aged 18-35 at the time of application.

Max age: 35; Min age: 18
Financial
Must have at least NZD 4,200 in available funds and a return ticket.

Minimum funds: NZD 4,200

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 36
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 4,200
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 280

How to apply

Online application
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand.
Fee payment
Pay NZD 280 application fee.
Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for processing.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Working Holiday Visa - Austria/Malaysia (18-30, 6 months))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 180 days
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Fee: NZD 455
Validity: 6 months from entry
Entry: Multiple entry

Austrian and Malaysian citizens are eligible for a working holiday visa but with a shorter 6-month duration compared to the standard 12 months available to most other countries.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a citizen of Austria or Malaysia.
Age
Must be aged 18-30 at the time of application.

Max age: 30; Min age: 18

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 9
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 4,200
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 455

How to apply

Online application
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand.
Fee payment
Pay NZD 455 application fee.
Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for processing.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Working Holiday Visa (Extended Age 18-35, 12 months))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Fee: NZD 455
Validity: 12 months from entry
Entry: Multiple entry

Citizens of Argentina, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Uruguay can apply up to age 35 (instead of the standard 30). Same conditions as the standard working holiday visa with 12-month stay.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a citizen of Argentina, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, or Uruguay.
Age
Must be aged 18-35 at the time of application.

Max age: 35; Min age: 18
Financial
Must have at least NZD 4,200 in available funds.

Minimum funds: NZD 4,200

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 15
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 4,200
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 455

How to apply

Online application
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand.
Document submission
Upload passport, proof of funds, insurance, and health certificates if required.
Fee payment
Pay application fee.
Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for processing.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1825 days
Processing time: 4-7 weeks for straightforward applications
Fee: NZD 1,540
Validity: Up to 5 years (3 years for ANZSCO level 4-5 jobs)
Entry: Multiple entry

Replaced the Essential Skills Work Visa in July 2022. Requires a three-gate process: 1) Employer accreditation, 2) Job check approval, 3) Worker visa application. From March 2025, minimum work experience reduced from 3 to 2 years. Workers must be offered at least 30 hours per week at market rate (minimum NZ minimum wage). From November 2025, the National Occupation List (NOL) replaces ANZSCO for occupation classification. Green List roles are prioritised for processing.

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities. The employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand and the specific job must pass a job check.
Employment
Must have a qualification at NZQCF level 4 or higher, or at least 2 years of relevant work experience in the same field as the job offered.

Required status: NZQCF level 4+ qualification or 2+ years experience
Criminal record
Must provide valid police certificates. Must be of good character.
Health
Must meet acceptable standard of health requirements.

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 3
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 1,540
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Employer obtains accreditation and job check approval. Gather passport, qualifications, work experience evidence, police certificates, and medical certificates.
Online application
Submit AEWV application online through Immigration New Zealand portal with reference to approved job check.
Document submission
Upload all supporting documents including police certificates, qualifications, and work experience evidence.
Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee of approximately NZD 1,540.
Processing wait
Wait 4-7 weeks for processing. Green List occupation applications are prioritised.
Visa collection
If approved, visa is linked electronically to your passport.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 1-2 months
Fee: NZD 1,630
Validity: Up to 12 months (renewable)
Entry: Multiple entry

For partners (married, civil union, or de facto) of New Zealand citizens or residents. Allows the partner to live and work in New Zealand. Can be used as a stepping stone to the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa (NZD 5,310, processing 2-13 months), which requires 12 months of living together.

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
Purpose of visit
Must be in a genuine, stable partnership (married, civil union, or de facto) with a New Zealand citizen or resident. Evidence required: marriage certificate, photos together, joint bank accounts, shared address, travel history together.
Includes
- Partnership with NZ citizen/resident
Health
Must meet acceptable standard of health.
Criminal record
Must be of good character with police certificates.

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 3
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 1,630

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather relationship evidence (marriage certificate, photos, joint finances, shared residence proof), police certificates, and medical certificates.
Online application
Submit Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa application online.
Document submission
Upload all relationship evidence and supporting documents.
Fee payment
Pay NZD 1,630 application fee.
Processing wait
Wait 1-2 months for processing.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Working Holiday Visa - Canada (18-35, 23 months))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 700 days
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Fee: NZD 455
Validity: 23 months from entry
Entry: Multiple entry

Canadian citizens aged 18-35 can stay for up to 23 months on a working holiday visa in New Zealand, significantly longer than the standard 12 months.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a Canadian citizen.
Age
Must be aged 18-35 at the time of application.

Max age: 35; Min age: 18
Financial
Must have at least NZD 4,200 in available funds and a return ticket.

Minimum funds: NZD 4,200

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 24
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 4,200
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 455

How to apply

Online application
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand.
Fee payment
Pay NZD 455 application fee.
Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for processing.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Working Holiday Visa (Standard - 18-30, 12 months))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 2-4 weeks
Fee: NZD 455
Validity: 12 months from entry
Entry: Multiple entry

Available to young people aged 18-30 from countries with working holiday agreements with New Zealand. Allows travel, work, and study (up to 6 months). Some countries have annual quotas (e.g., Brazil 300, China 1,000, South Korea 3,000, Philippines 100). Must have NZD 4,200 in available funds plus a return ticket or equivalent funds. Austria and Malaysia schemes are for 6 months only.

Eligibility

Nationality
Must be a citizen of an eligible working holiday scheme country.
Age
Must be aged 18-30 at the time of application (inclusive).

Max age: 30; Min age: 18
Financial
Must have at least NZD 4,200 in available funds and a return ticket or funds to purchase one.

Minimum funds: NZD 4,200
Health
Must meet health requirements. Chest X-ray may be required.
Visa history
Must not have previously held a working holiday visa for New Zealand from the same scheme.

Required history: No prior NZ working holiday visa

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 15
Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 4,200
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: No
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 455

How to apply

Online application
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand when your country's quota opens (if applicable).
Document submission
Upload passport, proof of funds, travel insurance, and any required health certificates.
Fee payment
Pay application fee (NZD 455 standard, varies by nationality).
Processing wait
Wait 2-4 weeks for processing.
Visa collection
If approved, visa is linked to your passport. Enter New Zealand within 12 months.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

Work / Immigration visa (Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Processing time: 40-124 days (prioritised), up to 6 months (standard)
Fee: NZD 6,450
Validity: Permanent residence (resident visa then permanent resident visa after 2 years)
Entry: Multiple entry

Pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers already employed in New Zealand. Requires 6 points from skills, qualifications, income, and NZ work experience. Points can come from income (3-6 points based on multiples of median wage), NZ occupational registration, qualifications, or NZ work experience (1-3 points). Expression of Interest (EOI) required first at NZD 530. Changes coming in August 2026 will reduce NZ work experience requirement from 3 to 2 years maximum.

Eligibility

Nationality
Open to all nationalities. Must already be working in New Zealand on a valid work visa.
Employment
Must be currently employed in skilled work in New Zealand. Must earn at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 50.34/hour) for minimum points claim.

Required status: Skilled employment at 1.5x median wage minimum
Financial
Points are awarded based on income level: 6 points at 3x median wage (NZD 100.68/hr), 4 points at 2x (NZD 67.12/hr), 3 points at 1.5x (NZD 50.34/hr).

Minimum funds: NZD 50.34/hour minimum
Health
Must meet acceptable standard of health. Full medical and chest X-ray required.
Criminal record
Must be of good character with police certificates from all relevant countries.

Documents you need

Passport
Validity months: 6
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 6,980 total
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

Online application
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online with NZD 530 fee. Must claim at least 6 points.
Processing wait
Wait for EOI to be selected from the pool (selections happen regularly).
Document gathering
Once selected, gather all evidence: employment verification, qualifications, police certificates, medical certificates.
Document submission
Submit full residence application with all supporting documents within 4 months of selection.
Fee payment
Pay NZD 6,450 application fee for full residence application.

Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.