New Zealand Immigration Requirements and Application Process
New Zealand Immigration Requirements and Application Process
New Zealand accepts applications from all immigrants with tolerance, regardless of religion, language, race, ethnicity, age, gender and sexual orientation. According to Stats NZ data, net immigration in New Zealand was 84,800 in 2020, but decreased to 1000 in 2021 due to the impact of COVID-19. The countries that New Zealand receives the most immigration from are; Australia, United Kingdom, South Africa, China, Philippines, USA, France and Germany.
The main reason why New Zealand is chosen as a migration destination is that it is one of the safest countries in the world. New Zealand attracts the attention of many people with its temperate climate and natural beauty ranging from rainforests to glaciers. New Zealanders, who are known for their friendliness, have an egalitarian attitude in their workplaces, which creates a great advantage for those who want to migrate to New Zealand to work.
How to Immigrate to New Zealand?
People who decide to immigrate to New Zealand must first obtain a valid residence permit. There are many types of residence permits that allow them to apply for citizenship after living in New Zealand for a sufficient period of time. New Zealand residence permits are issued to qualified immigrants, investors, entrepreneurs who will start a business, work visa holders and their immediate family members for the purpose of family reunification.
People who believe they will be persecuted in their own country due to reasons such as religion, race, ethnicity or political views can apply for asylum in New Zealand and obtain a residence permit.
What are the Ways to Immigrate to New Zealand?
Ways to immigrate to New Zealand are listed below.
- Immigrating to New Zealand with a Skilled Migrant Residence Visa
- Immigrating to New Zealand with a family reunification residence visa
- Immigrating to New Zealand with an investor residence visa
- Immigrating to New Zealand with an entrepreneur residence visa
- Immigrating to New Zealand with a refugee residence visa
- Immigrating to New Zealand with a residence visa granted to work visa holders
What are the New Zealand Immigration Requirements for Skilled Migrants?
The first requirement for New Zealand immigration for skilled immigrants is to have an offer or be working in a job that requires expertise.
A certain point system is used when obtaining a residence visa for skilled migrants, and only those who score above 160 points can apply for a New Zealand residence visa. Skilled migrant candidates who score above 160 points can start their New Zealand skilled migrant residence visa applications by filling out the Expression of Interest form. When calculating the points of skilled migrants; their age, whether they work in a place that requires expertise or have a job offer, the person's level of expertise according to the New Zealand Qualification Criteria (NZQF) system and work experience are taken into consideration.
Where is the New Zealand Skilled Immigration Occupation List Published?
The New Zealand skilled migration occupation list is published by Immigration New Zealand on the website skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/.
On the New Zealand Immigration Office's website, there are lists of professions that will be needed for a long time, professions that are needed regionally, and professions that are needed in the construction and infrastructure field. When examining the professions sought for New Zealand immigration, a person can search for their own profession and examine job opportunities that are suitable for their field.
What are the New Zealand Immigration Requirements through Family Reunification?
Spouses, children aged 24 or younger, and parents of people living legally in New Zealand are eligible to apply for New Zealand immigration through family reunification.
There are different requirements for spouses, children and parents who are applying for New Zealand immigration through family reunification. Once the necessary New Zealand family reunification visa requirements are met and the visa is approved, individuals can legally immigrate to New Zealand.
What are the New Zealand Immigration Requirements for Investors?
The first requirement for New Zealand immigration for investors is to have a certain amount of capital. People who immigrate to New Zealand as investors can bring their families with them and eventually apply for citizenship.
There are two types of investor visas in New Zealand. Type 1 visa (Investor 1 Resident Visa) which requires an investment of 10 million NZD for 3 years or Type 2 visa (Investor 2 Resident Visa) which requires an investment of 3 million NZD for 4 years can be selected to migrate to New Zealand. Investors who choose the Type 2 (Investor 2 Resident Visa) option face more conditions when obtaining a visa. Bonds, stocks, property or other types of investments are also valid for obtaining a visa in New Zealand.
Regardless of the type of investment to be made in New Zealand, it must be in NZD. The investment must be made in New Zealand, generate income, be in legal entities or managed funds, and not in real estate or vehicles to be used for personal use.
Type 1 investor visa applicants must stay in New Zealand for 88 days if they have made a growth investment of NZD 2.5 million. Type 2 investor visa applicants must reside in New Zealand for 438 days continuously if they have made a growth investment of NZD 750,000, either when they first arrived in New Zealand with a residence permit or when they were granted a residence permit while in New Zealand.
Those who want to invest in New Zealand can use methods such as philanthropic investment, growth investment or purchasing commercial property, which are unique to New Zealand, in addition to common investment options. After determining the most suitable investment plan for themselves, people can apply for a New Zealand investor visa .
What are the New Zealand Immigration Requirements for Entrepreneurs?
New Zealand immigration option for entrepreneurs; It is offered to those who want to start their own business and work in New Zealand. Entrepreneurs who will start a business must first obtain an entrepreneur work visa in New Zealand. Entrepreneurs with a work visa can apply for an entrepreneur residence permit after meeting certain conditions, and after living in New Zealand for a sufficient period of time, they can become citizens.
Entrepreneurial work visa holders who invest 500 thousand NZD or employ at least 3 people can apply for a residence permit within 6 months of establishing their business. If entrepreneurs do not invest the specified amount or do not provide sufficient employment; they must wait 2 years to obtain a New Zealand entrepreneur residence visa.
What are the Immigration Requirements for New Zealand through Asylum?
Asylum is available to people who believe they will be persecuted in their own country because of their race, political views, religion or national ideas.
New Zealand asylum applications can be made in person in New Zealand. Refugee status is granted to people who have applied for and been approved for New Zealand asylum.
What are the New Zealand Immigration Requirements for Work Visa Holders?
Work visas are granted to those who come to New Zealand to work, and for those who have a work visa, New Zealand immigration is completed by granting a residence permit after a certain period of residence. Residence permits for those working in New Zealand may vary depending on the profession of the person. People must choose the appropriate New Zealand residence and work permit, which are separate types such as religious workers, athletes and artists.
If a special residence visa is not determined for people working in New Zealand, the person can apply for a skilled immigrant work visa. People who work with a work visa for 2 or 3 years can settle in New Zealand
After 2 or 3 years, he/she can apply for a New Zealand residence visa.
How to Apply for New Zealand Immigration?
New Zealand immigration application varies depending on the type of residence visa you are applying for, but for the most part the process is the same.
There is no other requirement for a New Zealand skilled immigrant residence visa and type 2 investor residence visa (Investor 2 Resident Visa) other than the requirement to make a preliminary application. The reason for making a preliminary application in visa applications is to score the candidates and understand whether they have sufficient points for the selected New Zealand visa type. Immigrant candidates with sufficient points in the preliminary application can apply for a New Zealand skilled immigrant residence visa or type 2 investor residence visa (Investor 2 Resident Visa) and the standard procedure for residence visas is applied.
Some New Zealand residence visas accept physical applications, some online applications, and some accept both types of applications. Individuals who work in New Zealand with a work visa and want to obtain a residence permit must apply from New Zealand. After completing the New Zealand visa application form, submitting the necessary documents, and paying the application fee, the application can be completed.
Does the Turkish New Zealand Consulate Receive Immigration Applications?
The Turkish New Zealand Consulate does not accept immigration applications.
A consulate is an institution that represents its own country on the territory of another country. The consulate is tasked with carrying out citizenship procedures such as birth, passport, marriage or death procedures for its own country's citizens. Consulates provide social security to its citizens and help them resolve visa problems if they have any. Turkish citizens cannot apply through the New Zealand Consulate , applications are made through the visa application center or accredited agencies.
What are the Required Documents for a New Zealand Immigration Visa?
The documents required for a New Zealand immigration visa are listed below.
- New Zealand immigration visa application form: Applicants must fill out an application form according to the immigration type appropriate to their situation and provide the requested information about themselves completely and truthfully.
- Passport: Persons must have a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for 3 months after the visa expiry date.
- Photo: 2 photos taken within the last 6 months are required.
- Birth certificate: The birth certificate, which can be obtained from the General Directorate of Population and Citizenship Affairs, must be added to the immigration application file.
- Criminal record: A criminal record must be obtained from the e-government system, from the district governorships or from the Criminal Record Offices located in the courthouses and added to the application.
- Health report: A health report is required to prove that the person is healthy.
- Proof of English language proficiency: Documentation must be submitted along with other documents to prove that the person speaks sufficient English to migrate and adapt to New Zealand.
All the documents given above are standard documents and additional documents may be requested depending on the type of visa to be applied for. For work visa holders, those applying for a residence visa must submit their work visa, and those applying for an investor residence visa must submit documents related to their investment, and it is recommended to receive consultancy services for all these procedures.
How Much Is the New Zealand Immigration Application Fee?
New Zealand immigration application fees are given in the table below.
| Visa type | Online application fee | Physical application fee |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | 530 NZD | 680 NZD |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 2250 NZD | 2250 NZD |
| New Zealand Child Resident Visa (Dependent Child Resident Visa) | 2250 NZD | 2250 NZD |
| New Zealand Parent Retirement Resident Visa | NZD 3720 | |
| New Zealand Investor 1 Resident Visa | 4960 NZD | |
| New Zealand Entrepreneur Resident Visa | 4140 NZD | |
| Religious Worker Resident Visa New Zealand | 1800 NZD | |
| New Zealand Resident Visa for Artists and Athletes (Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident Visa) | 1800 NZD | |
| New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa | 0 NZD |
How Long Does It Take to Process New Zealand Immigration Visa Applications?
The processing time for New Zealand immigration visa applications is given in the table below.
| Visa type | Processing time |
|---|---|
| New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | 45 Months |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | 14 Months |
| New Zealand Child Resident Visa (Dependent Child Resident Visa) | 18 Months |
| New Zealand Parent Retirement Resident Visa | 33 Months |
| New Zealand Investor 1 Resident Visa | 39 Months |
| New Zealand Entrepreneur Resident Visa | 19 Months |
| Religious Worker Resident Visa New Zealand | 37 Months |
| New Zealand Resident Visa for Artists and Athletes (Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident Visa) | 33 Months |
| New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa | 6 Months |
90% of New Zealand immigration visa applications are finalised within the processing times given in the table.
Can Immigrants Get Citizenship in New Zealand?
Immigrants can obtain citizenship in New Zealand.
To become a New Zealand citizen, you must legally live in New Zealand. People with a valid residence permit are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship after living in New Zealand for 5 years.
2026 Application Checklist
- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond stay.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or Blocked Account confirmation (2026 rates).
- Biometrics: Appointment confirmation and receipt.
- Health Insurance: Travel or private insurance covering €30,000+.
- Form IMM 5645: Fully completed Family Information form.