Visitor Visas
Genuine tourists to New Zealand can apply for visitor visas for up to 9 months.
Digital nomads—people who visit New Zealand while continuing to work remotely for an overseas employer or client—can now do so without breaching their visitor visa or NZeTA conditions. However, there may be tax implications for visitors who work for an overseas employer while staying in New Zealand for an extended period.
Tourists from visa waiver countries and who are staying for a visit of 3 months or less do not need to apply for a visitor visa prior to arrival.
Visa Waiver Countries
Even if you are from a visa waiver country, it is important to note that you should still be a genuine visitor. There is currently no visitor visa category in New Zealand that allows you to enter the country with the sole purpose of looking for a job.
Visitors from visa waiver countries must apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before travelling to New Zealand. This requirement applies for those visiting for up to 3 months or up to 6 months if you are a British citizen.
All Other Countries
You need to apply for a visitor visa before you come to New Zealand. You can apply for a maximum period of 9 months (in some cases extend that to 12 months) as long as your purpose for visiting New Zealand matches the period of stay. You must show that you are a genuine visitor with bona fide reasons for being in the country as a temporary visitor.
Visitor visas to allow you to “look, see and decide” whether New Zealand is the right place for you can be tricky, as you need to be able to show your ability to return to your home country and that you will not undertake work in New Zealand.
We can assist you to ensure that the starting point on your journey to New Zealand is done correctly. For more information about visitor visas and to find out if you are living in a visa waiver country, please contact us today.
Digital Nomad
New Zealand’s visitor visas now allow individuals to work remotely for overseas employers or clients while enjoying the country. This applies to all visitor visa holders, including those with a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
However, the primary purpose of the visit must still be tourism or visiting family and friends. Remote work cannot involve New Zealand-based companies, selling goods or services to New Zealand businesses or individuals, or require your physical presence at a New Zealand workplace.
Visitors planning to work remotely for more than 92 days in a 12-month period should be aware of potential tax obligations.
Contact us today to learn more about your options and start planning your New Zealand “workcation”.
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New Zealand Student Visas
New Zealand is a popular destination for tertiary study, and studying at New Zealand universities can often lead to permanent residence in New Zealand.
Tertiary Student Visas - University or other
Most international students need to apply for a student visa before they are able to live and study in New Zealand.
Once a student has gained a New Zealand qualification, post-study work visas provide a pathway for finding suitable employment that may in time lead to permanent residence under the skilled migrant category.
If you would like help working through your tertiary student visa application please contact us, we would be happy to help.
Primary & Secondary School Student Visas
Primary and secondary students who are dependent children of some visa holders, such as mid-skilled work visa holders, are able to apply for student visas.
This allows them to study as domestic students at primary or secondary schools. Fees are also significantly lower than the international student fees.
Note that immigration policy varies, depending on the category of the principal visa holder, therefore if you need a visa for study. Contact us today to see which option may be best for you.
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UNLAWFULLY IN NEW ZEALAND? VISITOR OR STUDENT VISA DECLINED? LIABLE FOR DEPORTATION?
We can help!
With our in-depth understanding of immigration laws and regulations, we can help you navigate the more challenging cases, including Section 61 requests, ministerial interventions or appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal.
For more information please click here.