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New Zealand visas
Whether you need a visa to travel to New Zealand — or can request an NZeTA — depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. New Zealand’s immigration system is run by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This hub explains the main routes — visitor, work, study, family, business and residence — in plain language and links to the official immigration.govt.nz sources so you can confirm exactly what applies to you.
New Zealand visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor visas & NZeTAShort stays in New Zealand — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus the NZeTA for eligible travellers.3 visas
- Work visasComing to New Zealand to work — the accredited-employer, skilled and specific-purpose work routes and what they require.4 visas
- Student visasStudying in New Zealand — student visas for accepted students, and what they let you do.1 visa
- Family & partner visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or parent in New Zealand.5 visas
- Business & investor visasInvesting in or running a business in New Zealand, and the routes for exceptional talent.3 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in New Zealand long term — the residence categories and the path to permanent residence and citizenship.3 visas
New Zealand visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
New Zealand — key facts
- Visa authority
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Time zone
- NZST/NZDT (UTC+12/+13)
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.