Temporary Visas Page
Work To Residence Visa
Who can apply:
If you have an exceptional talent, you can apply for a work to residence visa leading to permanent residence in due course.
What it entitles you to:
It allows you to work temporarily in New Zealand as a step towards gaining permanent residence.
Terms & conditions:
You are able to stay in New Zealand initially for up to 30 months, and in due course apply for residence from work.
Further info:
You will need to have an offer of employment in New Zealand with An Accredited Employer, or you have an exceptional talent in the Arts, Culture or Sports fields to be eligible for the Work to Residence option or have an occuption on the long term skill shortage list.
If you have an exceptional talent, you can apply for a work to residence visa leading to permanent residence in due course.
What it entitles you to:
It allows you to work temporarily in New Zealand as a step towards gaining permanent residence.
Terms & conditions:
You are able to stay in New Zealand initially for up to 30 months, and in due course apply for residence from work.
Further info:
You will need to have an offer of employment in New Zealand with An Accredited Employer, or you have an exceptional talent in the Arts, Culture or Sports fields to be eligible for the Work to Residence option or have an occuption on the long term skill shortage list.
Essential Skills Work Visa
Who can apply:
If you have an offer of a job from a New Zealand employer, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa to enable you to take up that employment.
What it entitles you to:
It is an endorsement in your passport that entitles you to undertake paid employment in New Zealand.
Terms & conditions:
You must be of an acceptable standard of Health & Character, and satisfy an Immigration Officer that you genuinely intend a temporary stay in New Zealand to work.
Further info:
You may apply for a temporary work visa either off-shore if an offer of employment is available before you leave your home country, or alternatively on-shore if you source an offer of employment once you arrive in New Zealand.
If you have an offer of a job from a New Zealand employer, you may be eligible to apply for a temporary work visa to enable you to take up that employment.
What it entitles you to:
It is an endorsement in your passport that entitles you to undertake paid employment in New Zealand.
Terms & conditions:
You must be of an acceptable standard of Health & Character, and satisfy an Immigration Officer that you genuinely intend a temporary stay in New Zealand to work.
Further info:
You may apply for a temporary work visa either off-shore if an offer of employment is available before you leave your home country, or alternatively on-shore if you source an offer of employment once you arrive in New Zealand.
Working Holiday Visa
Who can apply:
If you are aged 18 to 30, you may be able to apply for a visa or permit through the Young Persons Working Holiday Scheme.
What it entitles you to:
To experience life in New Zealand whilst being able to take up temporary employment during your stay.
Terms & conditions:
You must hold a valid passport for an eligible country and have not been approved for a visa or permit under a New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme before.
Further info:
The length of time you can remain with one employer depends on the country scheme through which you are applying.
If you are aged 18 to 30, you may be able to apply for a visa or permit through the Young Persons Working Holiday Scheme.
What it entitles you to:
To experience life in New Zealand whilst being able to take up temporary employment during your stay.
Terms & conditions:
You must hold a valid passport for an eligible country and have not been approved for a visa or permit under a New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme before.
Further info:
The length of time you can remain with one employer depends on the country scheme through which you are applying.
Visitor Visa
Who can apply:
Anyone with a valid passport who wishes to see New Zealand.
What it entitles you to:
To tour New Zealand, visit family and friends and take part in sports or cultural events.
Terms & conditions:
You must be of an acceptable standard of Health & Character and not intend to work in New Zealand.
Further info:
Citizens of the UK may enter New Zealand ‘visa free’ for up to six months, and other eligible countries may visit New Zealand for up to three months without the requirement to apply for a visa.
Anyone with a valid passport who wishes to see New Zealand.
What it entitles you to:
To tour New Zealand, visit family and friends and take part in sports or cultural events.
Terms & conditions:
You must be of an acceptable standard of Health & Character and not intend to work in New Zealand.
Further info:
Citizens of the UK may enter New Zealand ‘visa free’ for up to six months, and other eligible countries may visit New Zealand for up to three months without the requirement to apply for a visa.
Student Visa
Who can apply:
If you wish to study in New Zealand you may be eligible for a student visa.
What it entitles you to: You may attend the place of study noted on your visa and may remain in New Zealand for the time allowed on your visa.
Terms & conditions:
You must have a definite offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider such as a school, polytechnic or university, and have paid the course fees required.
Further info:
You may be allowed to undertake a small amount of paid employment whilst in New Zealand on a student permit.
If you wish to study in New Zealand you may be eligible for a student visa.
What it entitles you to: You may attend the place of study noted on your visa and may remain in New Zealand for the time allowed on your visa.
Terms & conditions:
You must have a definite offer of a place from a New Zealand education provider such as a school, polytechnic or university, and have paid the course fees required.
Further info:
You may be allowed to undertake a small amount of paid employment whilst in New Zealand on a student permit.
Temporary Retirement Category
Who can apply?
Retired individuals over the age of 65
What it entitles you to:
A two year temporary residence permit.
Terms & conditions:
Applicants must be of good health and character and able to invest a minimum of $750,000 in New Zealand over two years. They must also demonstrate an annual income of at least $60,000 at the time they apply, and have assets of at least $500,000.
Further information:
Applicants need to hold comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their permit. Temporary Retirees will be able to renew their permits as long as they continue to meet criteria including investment funds, income, and health insurance. It is an ideal permit for people who want to spend some of their retirement in New Zealand. See also information on Permanent Retirement Visas.
Retired individuals over the age of 65
What it entitles you to:
A two year temporary residence permit.
Terms & conditions:
Applicants must be of good health and character and able to invest a minimum of $750,000 in New Zealand over two years. They must also demonstrate an annual income of at least $60,000 at the time they apply, and have assets of at least $500,000.
Further information:
Applicants need to hold comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their permit. Temporary Retirees will be able to renew their permits as long as they continue to meet criteria including investment funds, income, and health insurance. It is an ideal permit for people who want to spend some of their retirement in New Zealand. See also information on Permanent Retirement Visas.
