🇱🇰→🇳🇿Sri Lanka→New Zealand

Holiday/tourism, visiting family and friends, or study of up to 3 months

• Apply online via Immigration New Zealand.
• Stay up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
• Fee from NZD 441; processing 80% within 2 weeks.
• Since 27 January 2025 visitors may also work remotely for an overseas employer while in New Zealand on this visa.

Business meetings, negotiations, exploring opportunities (no local employment)

• For business visits of up to 3 months in a 12-month period.
• Cannot be used to work for a New Zealand employer.
• Fee from NZD 341; processing 80% within 1 week.

Passing through Auckland International Airport en route to another country

• Required for nationals of transit-visa countries transiting through Auckland Airport (max 24 hours in the transit area).
• Fee from NZD 235; processing 80% within 4 days.
• Not needed if you hold a valid NZeTA or NZ visa.

Receiving pre-approved medical treatment or consultation in New Zealand

• For pre-approved treatment at a specified hospital/institution.
• Must show ability to pay for treatment.
• Up to 6 months; can reapply for longer stays.
• Fee from NZD 341; processing 80% within 4 weeks.

Full-time study with an approved New Zealand education provider

• Requires an offer of place from an approved provider; student pays international tuition.
• Valid up to 4 years.
• Fee from NZD 850; processing 80% within 9.5 weeks.
• Paper applications no longer accepted.

Working for an accredited New Zealand employer with a job offer

• Employer must be AEWV-accredited.
• Valid up to 5 years (3 years for skill level 4-5 roles).
• Fee from NZD 1,540; processing 80% within 7 weeks.
• Pathway to residence via Skilled Migrant Category.

Working in New Zealand for a specific purpose or event

• For a defined purpose or event (e.g. seconded staff, contract, specialist work).
• Length granted as needed to complete the work; must arrive within 12 months of issue.
• Fee from NZD 1,455; processing 80% within 3 weeks.

Graduates of eligible NZ qualifications working for any employer after study

Open work rights for up to 3 years depending on qualification level and where you studied. Fee from NZD 1,670; processing 80% within 5 weeks.

Holidaying and working in New Zealand (typically age 18-30, 18-35 for some countries)

Available to citizens of countries with a working holiday agreement with New Zealand (normally up to 12 months). All applications must be made online and only while the relevant scheme is open.

Partners of New Zealand citizens/residents to live and work in New Zealand

• For partners of NZ citizens or residents in a genuine and stable relationship.
• Open work rights; up to 3 years (initially up to 1 year if living together less than 12 months).
• Fee from NZD 1,630; processing 80% within 5 weeks.

Retirees aged 66+ who invest in New Zealand and can support themselves

• For applicants aged 66 or older with NZD 750,000 to invest for 2 years, plus NZD 500,000 to live on and annual income of NZD 60,000.
• Valid 2 years; can reapply if conditions maintained.
• Fee from NZD 7,891.

Long-term multi-entry visiting visa for parents of New Zealand citizens or residents

• Opened to applications 29 September 2025.
• Fee from NZD 3,100; processing expected around 4 months.
• Valid up to 5 years with unlimited-duration visits (no per-visit stay cap), but sponsor (the NZ citizen/resident child) must live in NZ at least 184 days per year of the visa, and the visa holder must leave NZ during the third year for a mandatory health and insurance check.
• Maximum of 2 Parent Boost Visitor Visas per person over a lifetime.
• Requires ongoing health insurance while onshore and proof of funds (annual income or NZD 260,000 in savings if including partner).
• Applicant must be offshore at time of application.
• Does not lead to permanent residence.