Your Invitation To Discover New Zealand

Dreaming of exploring the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities and friendly culture of New Zealand? A NZ Visitor Visa is your passport to an unforgettable adventure.

While this information provides a general overview, the specific eligibility criteria and application process can change. It's advisable to consult with an immigration adviser to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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NZ Visitor Visa

Explore New Zealand, visit family and friends

What does the NZ Visitor Visa offer?

A New Zealand Visitor Visa allows you to temporarily enter New Zealand for a range of non-work-related purposes. Here's a breakdown of what it generally enables you to do:

 o  Tourism and Sightseeing: This is the most common reason for a visitor visa. You can explore New Zealand's stunning landscapes, engage in adventure activities and enjoy its diverse culture.

 o  Visiting Friends and Family: You can come to New Zealand to visit relatives and friends who live in the country.

 o  Short-term Study: You are generally permitted to study for a period of up to 3 months within each 12-month period of your visa's validity. This is suitable for short courses or recreational learning.

 o  Business Meetings and Negotiations: For certain business activities that don't constitute "work" in the traditional sense (e.g. attending conferences, negotiating contracts, exploring investment opportunities), a visitor visa can be used. However, for more substantial business engagement, a specific Business Visitor Visa or Work Visa might be required.

 o  Participating in Unpaid Sports or Cultural Events: If you're coming to New Zealand to participate in an amateur sports event or cultural performance without being paid, a visitor visa may be suitable.

 o  Getting Married: You can come to New Zealand on a visitor visa to get married.

 o  Remote Work (Digital Nomads): As of recent updates, you can now work remotely for an overseas employer or client for up to 90 days while on a visitor visa.

Close-up portrait of Tui - Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae - a famous New Zealand endemic honeyeater with yellow pollen on the forehead, in a blurred green background, in New Zealand

How to qualify for the NZ Visitor Visa

Are You Eligible?

Ready to unlock your New Zealand adventure? To qualify for a Visitor Visa, you'll typically need to:

 o  Not Work: Generally, a New Zealand Visitor Visa does not permit you to work for a New Zealand employer or engage in any paid employment within New Zealand. This includes self-employment or volunteer work (excludes Working Holiday Visas). If your intention is to work, you will need to apply for a work visa. 
 
 o  Stay short-term: Visitor visas are for temporary stays. The exact duration can vary based on your nationality and the specific visa granted.

 o  Financial Requirements: You must be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and have a return or onward travel ticket out of New Zealand.

 o  Health and Character Requirements: All applicants must meet New Zealand's health and character requirements.

NZeTA vs. Visitor Visa:

It's important to note that citizens of many countries (known as "visa waiver countries") do not need to apply for a formal visitor visa. Instead, they need to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling. An NZeTA allows for multiple entries and stays of up to 3 months within a 2-year period (or 6 months for British citizens). While technically not a "visa," it serves a similar purpose for short-term visitors from visa-waiver countries.

Road trip of Mt Cook over winding road with motorhome driving on sunny day at Peters lookout, New Zealand

Streamline your visa process

Why consider Professional Visa Advice?

While applying for a Visitor Visa can be straightforward, it's essential to understand the specific requirements and guidelines. A well-prepared application can significantly speed up the process.

That's where Auckland Immigration Services comes in. Our experienced team of visa experts can guide you through the application process, ensuring your documents are in order and your application is strong.

Ready to embark on your New Zealand adventure? Let's discuss your travel plans and help you secure your Visitor Visa.

Unfurling fern frond and koru

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