New Zealand Guide: Visas & Permits

Which documents do you need when going to New Zealand? What are the regulations on visas and residence permits? Our legal guide will help you understand the paperwork you need to complete before moving to New Zealand.

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  Introduction

  Who needs a visa to come to New Zealand?

  Before making any plans to live or work in New Zealand, you must ensure that you have a valid passport and the appropriate permit or visa.

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  Visitors

  Requirements and application procedure

  If you plan to visit New Zealand for a short period (e.g. for a holiday, business trip or to assess the country before applying for residence), you must apply for a visitor’s visa, if applicable.

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  Working holiday visa

  equirements and application procedure

  There are special working holiday schemes for young people from around 22 countries, including Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea (South), Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Sweden and the UK, which allow you to look for seasonal, temporary and casual employment.

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  Work visas and permits

  Who needs them and how to apply

  A work visa allows you to travel to New Zealand to undertake a period of temporary work.

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  Student Visa

  Requirements for a student visa

  Those wishing to study in New Zealand on a course lasting longer than three months require a student visa.

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  Residence

  Requirements to become a resident

  Applying for residence means seeking the right to live and work in New Zealand permanently.

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  Categories of Residencie

  The New Zealand Immigration Programme

  There are three main categories (known as ‘ streams’) of residence within the New Zealand Immigration Programme:

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  Citizenship

  How to become a New Zealander

  After three or five years’ residence in New Zealand (depending on whether you applied before or after 21st April 2005) you can apply for New Zealand citizenship.

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