New Zealand visa types
Explore New Zealand visa categories — work, study, family, visit, and more. Compare options, check requirements, and find the right visa for your situation.
17 visa types across 8 categories
New Zealand visa types each have different requirements, timelines, and eligibility rules. Browse by category to find the right option, with processing times and links to official New Zealand sources.
Not sure which visa you need?
Select your goal and we'll highlight the most relevant visa types.
Work visas
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) lets you work in New Zealand if an employer approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) offers you a job.
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa lets you travel and take up temporary work while you explore the country.
This visa allows you to remain in New Zealand after you complete an eligible qualification.
The Essential Skills visa let you work in a specific job for a specific employer in New Zealand.
The Specific Purpose Work Visa lets you work in New Zealand for a defined role tied to a particular event or objective.
This visa lets you live and work in New Zealand while your partner holds an eligible work visa.
Study visas
The Student Visa allows you to study full-time in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) reviews and decides all applications using specific forms and.
Family visas
How the New Zealand Parent Resident Visa works, including sponsor income rules, expression of interest planning, documents, and typical processing timelines.
The Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa lets you live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Visit & tourism
The New Zealand Visitor Visa allows you to travel to New Zealand for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short-term study.
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) lets some travelers visit or transit New Zealand without a visa application in advance.
Residency & green cards
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is a way to apply for permanent residence based on your skills.
If you’ve held a New Zealand resident visa for more than two years, you can apply to secure your ability to live in New Zealand permanently.
Other
The Investor 1 Resident Visa let you apply for New Zealand residence by investing NZ$10 million.
The Investor 2 Resident Visa targeted experienced business people able to commit significant capital to New Zealand.
This visa gives you permanent residence after operating your own business in New Zealand for the required period.
New Zealand citizenship defines how you qualify, which legal category applies to you, and the visa history supporting your application.
Tips for choosing a visa type
- Match your purpose of travel to the right visa category before comparing options.
- Check official processing times — they vary by visa type and location.
- Review required documents early; some visas need employer or school sponsorship.
- Understand the difference between nonimmigrant (temporary) and immigrant (permanent) visas.
- Use official government sources to verify eligibility — VisaMind provides guidance, not legal advice.
Looking beyond New Zealand? Visa requirements vary by destination. Start from the homepage to explore other countries.