Visa to New Zealand

New Zealand is a picturesque island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, which attracts tourists and migrants with its natural beauty, decent quality of life and stable economy. Although the visa rules are strict, they remain transparent and predictable. For most guests, obtaining a visa is a prerequisite for entry, opening up opportunities to explore excellent education and employment prospects in the country.

Due to changes in the visa policy in 2024

The processing process may take additional time. The authorized agencies for entry recommend that tourists planning to travel to the country for holidays at the end of the year apply for a tourist visa by October 15.

Currently, visa programs operate as standard, but due to high demand in the post-pandemic period, processing times may be extended. Based on the category and personal circumstances of the applicant, the waiting period can range from several weeks to several months. Applications can be submitted at embassies and consulates, as well as through the official website.

Full information about visa requirements, their categories and the order of application is available through the online portal. There are also online tools for checking compliance with the requirements of various visa categories and a score calculator for qualified specialists.

Freelancer Visa

New Zealand is widely known for innovations in the field of immigration policy, including projects to attract specialists in key industries and optimized visa processing mechanisms for qualified personnel. Currently, she does not have a special visa category for digital nomads. However, the country provides a number of visa options that may be suitable for remote employees and entrepreneurs.

The closest equivalent to a freelance visa is the Self-Employed Work Visa. It gives foreigners the opportunity to conduct individual work for up to 5 years. Candidates are required to confirm their possession of certain skills, competencies and monetary capital sufficient to conduct business in the country.

Applicants must:

It is noteworthy that despite the lack of a special visa for digital nomads, New Zealand is active in attracting gifted professionals in the field of technology and innovation. In 2017, the LookSee Wellington program was launched, designed to invite IT experts from all over the world. The project aroused great interest among highly qualified specialists who carry out their activities remotely, and demonstrated a successful example of how the state seeks to strengthen its technological potential at the global level.

Attention 

If your travel date has changed, do not forget to notify the relevant services. This will avoid possible violations of the visa regime and preserve your status.

How much does a visa cost

Since October 1, 2024, the country has increased visa fees for all categories of foreign citizens, including tourists. When applying for a visa through the online portal of the immigration department, most applicants will have to pay 441 NZD ($270) for a tourist visa. The amount includes a base fee of NZD 341 ($209) and an additional fee of NZD 100 ($61) – International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

The collection is used to finance initiatives to preserve the environment and develop the tourism industry. Previously, submitting online applications cost 246 NZD ($151), including a fee of 211 NZD ($129) and an IVL tax of 35 NZD ($22).

Also, since October 1, the consular fee has increased, increasing from $131 to $211, so now the total cost of a visa when applying through the consulate is about $481. 

Types of visas

The country provides a variety of visa categories for relocators, depending on their intentions and planned length of stay in the country. Key types of visas:

• Visitor Visa is for tourists and short-term visits for up to 9 months.
• Student Visa is for international students intending to get an education.
• Work Visa is designed for foreigners planning to find employment in the country.
• Resident Visa is provided for persons seeking to settle permanently.
• Business Visa is aimed at businessmen and investors.
• Working Holiday Visa is usually aimed at young people because its purpose is – to provide an opportunity for cultural exchange, experience acquisition and temporary work, which is often in demand among young people who are not yet bound by long-term obligations.
• Family Visa – for family reunification.
• Retirement Visa is for elderly people who want to spend their retirement in an island country.
• Skilled Migrant Visa is for professionals with in-demand skills.
• Essential Skills Work Visa is for employees whose skills are in demand in the country.

Student's

Foreign citizens have the opportunity to apply for a student visa for up to four years, which entitles them to study in educational institutions of the kingdom. The applicant must present a document of enrollment, a certificate with a bank balance that is sufficient to pay for tuition and accommodation, medical insurance with coverage in the range of 30,000-50,000 NZD.

Since October 1, 2024, the cost of a student visa has increased from 375 NZD to 750 NZD ($460). US citizens are required to pay an additional travel fee of 100 NZD (about $62), while for applicants from other countries the base fee is 485 NZD (about $295) plus 100 NZD in tax. Despite the price increase, the cost remains relatively affordable compared to other popular destinations for education.

Tourist

The Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the state for up to 9 months for an 18-month period. It can be used by those who plan short-term trips for work that are not related to employment.

To receive the document, you need to provide proof of the availability of funds, a return ticket or money to purchase it and indicate the purpose of the visit. From October 1, 2024, the cost of a visa is 441 NZD ($270), of which 341 NZD is a visa fee, and 100 NZD is a tourist tax (IVL) aimed at supporting environmental projects.

Citizens of a number of countries have the opportunity to visit New Zealand without a tourist visa, but they need to obtain an electronic entry permit from the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority. It is issued online and is valid for two years.

Business (for business trips)

Business Visa is suitable for expatriates who plan to come to business events or meetings with business partners. She does not give permission to work for hire. The duration of the action depends on the purpose of the trip and can range from several days to several months.

To receive it, you must present an invitation from a New Zealand company or organization, papers indicating the presence of business contacts, financial viability, as well as a return ticket. Starting from October 1, 2024, the cost of a business visa for applicants is 441 NZD (approximately $270), of which 341 NZD is the basic registration fee, and the remaining 100 NZD are sent to pay IVL.

Working

The Work Visa allows foreign professionals to legally work in the state. There are several types, the choice of which is determined by the applicant's level of qualification, the scope of his professional activity and the expected period of employment. Most types require an official invitation from a local employer who takes on the role of sponsor.

The validity period varies depending on the category and can range from several months to several years. Some visas, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa, allow you to work only with those employers who are listed in the documents. Whereas others, for example, Open Work Visa, give freedom of choice. The cost of registration, on average, is about 635 NZD ($390).

Required documents

The following documents are required to apply:

• a passport with a validity period of at least 3 months after the expected date of departure from New Zealand;
• two color photographs taken no earlier than six months in advance; 
• confirmation of the purpose of the trip (hotel reservation, invitation from the host party, travel plan);
• bank statement;
• medical insurance;
• confirmation of booking return tickets or the availability of funds for their purchase;
• certificate of non-criminal record.

The review process can take from 14 days to 3 months, depending on the category and individual circumstances of the applicant.

Recent changes in the New Zealand visa issue

New Zealand has recently made a number of significant changes to its visa policy. First, there was a significant increase in the tourist tax, which caused criticism from representatives of the travel industry and air carriers, in particular Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) and Board of Airline Representatives New Zealand (BARNZ). These organizations fear that the rise in the cost of entry will make the country less attractive to tourists.

Secondly, fees for visa operations have been increased, which may further reduce the tourist flow by 48,000 people per year and lead to a loss of $273 million in tourism revenue, according to TIA estimates. In addition, the authorities have introduced new measures to preserve natural attractions and maintain tourist infrastructure, which, according to their forecasts, will generate $563 million in revenue over the next four years.