Visa & Immigration
Residence in New Zealand
If you wish to migrate to New Zealand, you need to apply to the New Zealand Immigration Service for resident status. Resident status in New Zealand entitles you to live, study and work indefinitely in New Zealand.
Types of Visa
Permanent Residence Visa
Temporary Permits Visa
Resident Status can be obtained by two ways:
Residence Visa
A Residence Visa is normally valid for one year and is for a single entry. You must use this visa before its expiry in order to activate your resident status. This visa allows you to travel to New Zealand and be granted a Residence Permit on arrival.
Residence Permit
A Residence Permit allows you to reside in New Zealand for an indefinite period. However, this permit will expire once you leave New Zealand.
If you wish to leave New Zealand temporarily after taking up residence, you must have a valid Returning Residence Visa in your passport to ensure your re-entry into New Zealand. You will be issued your first Returning Resident's Visa when residence is approved.
Who do not require Visa?
Not required of US citizens in possession of a return or onward ticket staying up to 90 days. Passports must be valid 3 months beyond date of departure.
New Zealand Immigration monitors the number of migrants who arrive in New Zealand each year, from permanent and temporary residents to visitors and holiday makers.
Holiday makers traveling to New Zealand for a period no longer than 3 months are not required to have a visa to enter the country, although a visa is required if they wish to stay longer;
Potential migrants who wish to live in New Zealand permanently must first obtain a Residence Visa and Permit entitling them to live and work indefinitely in the country; and
Temporary workers who wish to travel to New Zealand to work may apply for a Work Visa and Permit, which in some cases can lead to residence at a later stage.
