Passport Atlas

Entering New Zealand

New Zealand playbook updated 2026-09. Openness first, then how to apply and how to stay.

Openness rank

#157

Entry openness

Visa free

Visa required

137

Get an email when entry rules for New Zealand change

One confirmation email, then only when the data actually changes.

No account needed. Unsubscribe with one click.

Country profile

Capital

Wellington

Population

5.3 million

Area

268,680 km²

Currency

New Zealand dollar NZD

Languages

English, Māori, New Zealand Sign Language

Time zone

UTC+13:00–UTC+13:45

Foreign-born

1.5 million · 2024

Migrant share

28.2%

Ethnic groups · 2018

European64.1%
Maori16.5%
other13.7%
Chinese4.9%
Indian4.7%
Samoan3.9%
Other7.5%

Foreign-born counts are UN international migrant stock via the World Bank (mostly 2024). Ethnic groups follow each country's published categories — most do not census by skin colour. Indicative only.

Travel notes

Plug

Type I

Mains

230 V · 50 Hz

Driving

Left

Emergency

Police 111 · Ambulance 111

Dialing code

+64

Airports

AKL · CHC · WLG · ZQN

Highlights

Milford Sound
Hobbiton
Rotorua
Queenstown

New Zealand Passport Guides · New Zealand Visa site Immigration site

How to get a visa

Visitor visa / NZeTA
Visit / tourism · Often 3, 6 or 9 months
- Visa-waiver passports get NZeTA and the IVL; others file a visitor visa.
Accredited Employer Work Visa
Work · Matches the role, up to 5 years
- The employer is accredited and the job checked, then sponsors you.

Immigration routes

Skilled Migrant Category
Points / invitation
Residence once skills, income and English clear the bar.
Leads to PR：SMC grant is New Zealand residence (PR).
Green List straight to residence
Skilled work
Listed occupations may go straight to residence or after a work period.
Leads to PR：Fastest for shortage occupations such as health and engineering.