Visas for New Zealand

Passport stampsWhile British passport holders do not require a visa to visit New Zealand for holidays or short term trips, there are many different types of New Zealand visa available to a British passport holder. Each one permits the holder to different things for varying amounts of time.

However, if you want to move to New Zealand, or travel there for longer, there are a number of different New Zealand visa options available.

New Zealand Skilled Migration

If you have certain skills or experience in demand in New Zealand you may be eligible to migrate under the skilled migration programme.

If you are deemed to be highly skilled, you may be eligible for a work permit, negating the need for a Residence Visa. A work permit for a highly skilled migrant will allow the holder to live and work in New Zealand for five years, which can then be extended a further three years.

In order to be eligible to migrate to New Zealand, you must be under the age of 56 and meet certain requirements such as health, character and language.

A residence visa gives the holder 12 months to enter New Zealand upon which they will be granted a Residence Permit which allows the holder to live and work in New Zealand permanently.

New Zealand Family Visa

New Zealand runs a migration program known as the Family Sponsored stream which is designed to allow families to live together in New Zealand.

In order to qualify for the scheme and be granted a Residence Visa, applicants must be sponsored by an eligible relative.

Eligible relatives include partners, children, parents and siblings. Any relative sponsoring an applicant must themselves be either a New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident.

Visas for Business Trips to New Zealand

New Zealand encourages investors, entrepreneurs and new business to come and contribute to the country’s economy.

There are a couple of different options available to foreign investors and businesspeople.

Long term business

Applicants interested in establishing a business or pursuing other business ventures can apply for long term business which allows them to live and work in the country for a period before applying for permanent residency.

Business Residence

If you are moving to New Zealand to invest in a firm, as an entrepreneur or the company you already work for is relocating to New Zealand, you may be eligible for business residence.

Depending on which category you apply under, you may be subject to different eligibility requirements and conditions.
Visas for Holidays to New Zealand

New Zealand Tourist Visa

British passports do not require a visa to visit New Zealand for holidays or short term trips. British passport holders are permitted to stay in New Zealand for up to six months.

New Zealand also has a visa waiver programme which allows passport holders of some countries, including Ireland and the US, to visit New Zealand for up to three months without requiring a visa.

New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

New Zealand runs a working holiday programme which allows passport holders from eligible countries between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in New Zealand for up to 23 months.

In order to obtain a working holiday visa for New Zealand, applicants must be a citizen or passport holder of any one of the 25 countries which are part of the working holiday agreement and not have previously had a working holiday visa.

Applicants must not be accompanied by any children and either be in possession of a return airfare ticket or have sufficient funds to purchase one. They will also be required to meet certain requirements including passing health and character assessments and prove they have access to sufficient funds to support themselves.

For further information and to apply for a visa contact

Visa Bureau
The Emigration Group

Download your free New Zealand Emigration guide