Staying longer in New Zealand: apply for a new visa before yours expires
New Zealand visas cannot be extended. A person who needs to stay longer applies for a new visa before the current one expires. INZ recommends applying at least 1 month before.
Moving to New Zealand
Practical facts for newcomers, from official sources Finance Living
Finance
3
Currency
New Zealand Dollar
NZD
New Zealand Dollar
Cost of living
89
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
10.5–39%
Income tax (national)
GST 15%
39% applies to income over NZD 180,000; ACC earners' levy is charged in addition.
Living
1
Happiness
#11 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Eligibility
Who it’s for: People in New Zealand on a valid temporary visa who need to stay longer.
Before expiry
Sign in to check this route against your profileApply for a new visa before your current visa expires; INZ says to apply at least 1 month before.
- INZ advises applying at least 1 month before expiry
Official wording
You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. INZ says to apply at least 1 month before.
Limited, interim or transit visas
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou cannot get a new temporary visa, such as a work, student or visitor visa, if you are in New Zealand on a limited, interim or transit visa.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 1 document
- 1 fee
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Want a licensed advisor to check your case?
Connect with a licensed legal advisor for New Zealand. They set their own price and you pay them directly.
- Licence checked with the regulator
- You choose what they see
- They start from a prepared case
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Places to visit in New Zealand
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
