How do you apply for a visa to live in New Zealand in 2026?

Visitor visas and NZeTA products cover tourism and limited short stays. They are not a substitute for skilled work or residence. Accredited Employer Work Visas suit people with a job check from an accredited employer. Skilled Migrant Category residence usually starts with an expression of interest, then an invitation to apply once you meet a points, skilled work-experience, or trades pathway and hold eligible skilled employment. Partner and parent routes follow relationship and sponsorship rules. Student visas centre on a registered course. Working Holiday visas exist only for eligible passport countries and age bands.

Check the live INZ visa page for documents, fees, English evidence, and medical or police certificates before you pay an agent. Rules and wage thresholds change. Country To Live answers help you orient; they do not replace the official checklist for your visa.

Track the application in Immigration Online and respond to requests for more information quickly. Most grants arrive as eVisas rather than passport stickers. Save the approval notification and learn how employers verify status: Confirm visa status. After arrival, sequence IRD, bank, health, and address updates: Paperwork after moving.

English requirements differ by route: English language requirements. Health cover depends on eligibility: Choose health insurance and Enrol in public healthcare.