If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident you can visit, work and live in New Zealand. You do not need a visa before you travel to New Zealand. If you are an Australian permanent resident you will need an NZeTA.
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Provide your details to make the experience more relevant to you.The criteria and evidence below will provide you with the information you need to meet the requirements of this visa.
You must provide proof of your identity
We use your passport details to check your identity.
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
We’ll use your passport to check your Australian citizenship or immigration status.
If you have a valid Australian passport, use it to travel to New Zealand.
Otherwise you can use a foreign passport that confirms you’re both an Australian permanent resident, and hold either:
Australia temporary residents aren’t eligible for this visa.
If your Australian Permanent Resident or Resident Return Visa has been issued electronically, it’s a good idea to check your visa is linked to the passport you’ll be travelling on. You can do this by contacting the Australian immigration authorities.
You must be of good character
When you complete your arrival card, you’ll be asked some questions about your character.
You may not meet our good character requirements if any of the following apply:
People who may be considered a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest, include those who are registered sex offenders or associated with a gang.
If we have reason to believe you are not of good character, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand at check-in, or refuse you entry permission when you get here.
If you are not sure you will meet our requirements for good character, you should apply for a visa before coming to New Zealand.
The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.
Check you meet the requirements for visa waiver travelTo be granted a visa when you arrive in New Zealand you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and be of good character.
If you do not meet our requirements for good character, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand at checkin or refuse you entry permission when you arrive.
If you are not sure you meet our requirements for good character, apply for a visa before you travel to New Zealand.
Check if you need to request an NZeTAIf you are a permanent resident of Australia you must hold an NZeTA before you travel, but you do not need to pay the International Visitor Levy (IVL).
Australian citizens do not need to hold an NZeTA or pay the IVL.
Apply for a resident visa on arrivalOn your way to New Zealand, you will be given an arrival card to complete. It includes questions about your character and intentions.
When you arrive, we check your arrival card. If we can confirm you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and meet our requirements for good character, we grant you a New Zealand resident visa.
Application cost – You do not need to pay fee when granted a resident visa (as an Australian citizen or permanent resident) on arrival in New Zealand.
Your visa is granted when you arrive in New Zealand.
These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.
You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD), or an NZTD paper declaration.
New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.
You can be refused entry permission if:
You can travel to and from New Zealand as often as you wish, but each time you leave New Zealand your Resident Visa will expire.
You can work in any occupation for any employer in New Zealand.
You can study in New Zealand.
Get all the details for a visa, NZeTA, or how to update your passport sticker.
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