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Country guideLast checked October 16, 2026

Visas and immigration in New Zealand

4 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Permanent residence 1
Asylum & protection 1
Citizenship 1

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Visiting New Zealand

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.

1 passport visa-free
248 passports need an eTA or eVisa

Passports that can visit without a visa

Australia

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Visitor Visa for tourism and family visits
Citizens of New Zealand's visa-waiver countries do not need a visa for short visits but must get a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling, and then receive a visitor visa on arrival. Australian citizens need neither. Everyone else applies online for a Visitor Visa, which costs from NZD 441, allows stays of up to 6 or 9 months, and does not allow work for New Zealand employers. Most visitors also pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100.
Temporary only
Last checked October 16, 2026
View requirements

Permanent residence1 pathway

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
A resident visa for people working in, or offered, a full-time skilled job with an accredited New Zealand employer. You submit a free Expression of Interest (EOI) and, if you meet the requirements, receive an invitation to apply. There are three pathways: Points-based (6 points from qualification, registration or income, topped up with NZ work experience), Skilled Work Experience, and Trades and Technician. The resident visa lets you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Can lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 16, 2026
View requirements

Asylum & protection1 pathway

Claim for refugee and protection status
People in New Zealand can claim recognition as a refugee under the Refugee Convention or as a protected person under the Convention Against Torture or the ICCPR. Claims are decided by refugee and protection officers in Immigration New Zealand's Refugee Status Unit (RSU) after a written statement and interview. Declined claimants can appeal to the independent Immigration and Protection Tribunal.
Can lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 16, 2026
View requirements

Citizenship1 pathway

1 more pathway for members
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Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

Other countries