Your complete guide to a New Zealand Visa for Indians

New Zealand is a popular choice for Indian students exploring opportunities to study abroad. New Zealand has its share of scenic locations and beautiful landscapes, making it a favored tourist destination as well. Read on to learn more about traveling to New Zealand and available visa options for Indian residents.

Do Indians need a visa for New Zealand?

Yes. Indians require a visa to visit New Zealand. Since India does not belong to the group of countries qualifying for a visa waiver, Indian passport holders must apply for a visa with New Zealand Immigration before entering the country in any capacity.¹

Types of New Zealand visas

New Zealand offers various types of visas to Indian citizens, enabling them to enter the country for work, higher education, tourism, or to visit family and friends.²

New Zealand tourist visa for Indians

New Zealand offers a tourist visa for Indians to visit friends and family, explore the country's scenic beauty, indulge in adventure activities, and even study for three months or less. Indian visitors can apply for a New Zealand visitor visa online. This visa does not allow you to work in New Zealand. Visitors can stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months within an 18-month period on this visa.³

New Zealand work visa for Indians

New Zealand offers multiple work visas to Indian passport holders depending on their qualifications, nature of employment, and the duration of their stay. The skilled migrant category work visa is a resident visa that allows for an indefinite stay in New Zealand. Other work visa examples include Post-Study Work Visas, Entrepreneur Resident Visa or Straight to Residence Visa, and more. You can explore the New Zealand Government immigration website for work visa options.

For some of the work visas, you will have to first apply for an Expression of Interest (EOI) to New Zealand Immigration before submitting a work visa application.⁴

New Zealand student visa for Indians

Indian students looking to study full-time in New Zealand for more than 3 months must apply for a study visa. New Zealand offers multiple study visas depending on your age and the proposed stay duration. Students can work and support their living expenses while in New Zealand on this visa.⁵

How much does a New Zealand visa cost?

The visa fees depend on the type of visa you apply for. Here are the costs for Indian citizens applying online from India. All visa fees are non-refundable.

Fees and currency conversion verified on 19 June 2023.

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa listed above requires two different payments of NZD 590 and NZD 4,890. So the total cost will be NZD 5,480.

New Zealand visa requirements

Here are the general New Zealand visa requirements to apply for a visa:¹⁰

• Original passport with validity for the entire time in New Zealand.
• Completed application form.
• Provide one passport-size photo, if applying online.
• Have genuine intentions for applying and complying with the rules of the visa category. For example, only visiting for tourism on a tourist visa and not for work.
• Have bank statements that show at least NZD 1,000 per month for a trip, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is already booked.
• Have a return ticket from New Zealand to India, or the money to purchase one, if coming for tourism or short-term travel.
• Medical clearance certificate.
• Character certificate for long-term visas.
• Letter of intent with the purpose of the stay in New Zealand.
• Tourists must provide proof of accommodation, itinerary, or an invitation letter from family or friends, if applicable.

Student and work visas will require additional documents to be submitted. Student applicants will need to show confirmation of enrollment in a college or university and evidence of paying the tuition fees. Work Visa applicants need to show proof of skilled employment with work experience and qualifications.

New Zealand Immigration holds the right to ask for additional documents to help support your application.

How to apply for a New Zealand visa

Indian passport holders can apply for a New Zealand visa online on the official portal.¹¹

Here are the steps to apply for a New Zealand visitor or study visa online:

1. Create an account on the official New Zealand visa application portal.
2. Log into the system using your credentials.
3. Complete the application form online.
4. Attach the necessary documents.
5. Pay the visa fees online using your credit or debit card.

Wait for the visa approval. You can track your application on the New Zealand Immigration website. You will receive the approval on your registered email ID.

Alternatively, you can apply for a New Zealand Visa with VFS Global.

The Skilled Migrant work visa will require applying for an Expression of Interest (EOI) first and then submitting an application with documents from your employer. Follow the directions on the New Zealand immigration website for details.

How long does it take to get a visa for New Zealand for Indians?

The New Zealand visa processing times depend on the type of visa and the number of applications:

• Tourist Visa: 90% of the applications are completed within 33 days, with an average timeframe of 8 days.

• Student Visa: 90% of the applications are processed within 67 days, with an average timeframe of 20 days.

• Work Visas can take longer and depend on the EOI submission and working with your employer to process your application.

The validity of a New Zealand visa varies depending on the type of visa and the purpose of your visit.

Going abroad? Send money from India with Wise.

Use Wise to send money abroad with a low transfer fee and the mid-market exchange rate, which is the same as the one you see on Google.

If you are already living abroad, take a look at the Wise multi-currency account available for residents living in supported countries. Enjoy an account as worldly as you are and spend just like a local when you travel abroad with a linked debit card, while also paying less in fees.

Please see the Terms and Conditions for your region and visit our pricing page for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information on Wise products.