New Zealand Immigration Services

New Zealand's immigration system provides many solutions to help employers of foreign nationals. Requirements, processing times, employment eligibility, and benefits for accompanying family members vary by visa classification. New Zealand operates on a single visa system, where a visa provides authorization to both enter and stay in New Zealand.

 

Business visitors can apply for a Business Visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)​ prior to travel. A Business Visa may be valid for 90 days within any calendar year while an NZeTA​ may be valid for up to two years​.

 

In general, a foreign national assigned to work in New Zealand must evidence a degree of proprietary knowledge, specialized skills, or managerial/executive-level skills that are not readily available in New Zealand's domestic labor market.

 

There are three primary work visa categories that legally permit a foreign national to work in New Zealand: (1) the Essential Skills Work Visa (for locals hired by a New Zealand-based employer); (2) the Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa (for highly skilled workers working on a specific project); and (3) the Work to Residence (Talent) Visa (for local hires working on an ongoing project with a New Zealand-based employer). Visas can be issued for one to five years on each application, depending on the skill level of the occupation.

 

Because​ there is a grey area between business Visitor Visa and Work Visa requirements, assessments can differ and may be case specific, even within New Zealand.

 

Detailed Immigration Snapshots, Document Lists and Process Guides are available to clients on request.