New Zealand Visitor Visa
Purpose : For tourism, short visits, seeing family/friends, or attending short courses (up to 3 months).
- Stay period: Generally up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
- Eligibility:
- Proof of funds to cover stay (or sponsor).
- Return or onward ticket.
- Good health and character.
- Work rights: Not allowed (except unpaid volunteer work in some cases).
- Study rights: Up to 3 months study permitted.
New Zealand Tourist Visa
Technically a sub-category of the Visitor Visa
Purpose : Strictly for tourism, sightseeing, holidaying.
- Stay period: Usually 3–9 months.
- Requirements:
- Valid passport, return ticket, funds for expenses.
- Must show intent to return home.
- Work rights: Not allowed.
- Study rights: Up to 3 months.
New Zealand Business Visitor Visa
Purpose : For people visiting NZ for short-term business activities (meetings, conferences, negotiations).
- Stay period: Up to 3 months within a 12-month period.
- Allowed activities:
- Attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs.
- Negotiating or exploring business opportunities.
- Selling goods or services (but not delivering or working in NZ).
- Work rights: ❌ No paid work.
- Requirements:
- Proof of business purpose (invitation letter, conference registration, etc.).
- Sufficient funds & accommodation arrangements.
Quick Comparison
| Visa Type | Main Use | Stay Length | Work Allowed | Study Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | Tourism, family, short visits | Up to 9 months | ❌ | ✅ (3 months) |
| Tourist Visa | Sightseeing/holiday only | 3–9 months | ❌ | ✅ (3 months) |
| Business Visitor | Meetings, conferences, deals | 3 months max | ❌ | ❌ |
- Visa fee for Business Visitor Visa: approx NZD 341. Immigration New Zealand
- International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD 100. Required for most visitors. New Zealand Immigration New Zealand
- For Visitor Visas (non-business), visa fees vary by country — but the IVL almost always applies unless exempt. Immigration New Zealand
⏱ Processing Times
| Visa Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Business Visitor Visa | ~ 1 week for ~80% of applications. Immigration New Zealand |
| Visitor / Tourist Visa | Varies, but often ~ 2 weeks (or more) depending on nationality, documents, etc. new-zealand-immigration.com, Immigration New Zealand |
| NZeTA requests | Usually processed in 72 hours roughly. Government of New Zealand |