Are there any special rules for Australian citizens and residents?
11 September 2023
Knowledge base articles
- Travelling to New Zealand on business
- My resident visa application is still in process but my temporary visa will expire soon.
- I hold two passports. Which one should I travel on?
- If I get a resident visa, how long do I have to move to New Zealand?
- Can I travel to New Zealand as a visitor, and apply for residence from there?
- My country is not on the list of working holiday schemes
- What information can the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) release to an LIA or a lawyer?
- How long will my student visa be valid for, if granted?
- Options for Religious Workers
- Can a visa application be prioritised?
- Will I lose my New Zealand residence status if I travel abroad?
- Skilled Migrant Category - removal of section 49(1) conditions
- Can I enter New Zealand on a one-way ticket?
- What is the visa status of a child born in New Zealand?
- How do I apply online for a Working Holiday?
- Are there any special rules for Australian citizens and residents?
- Do we have to be married to qualify under the partnership instructions?
- Can I look after a child in New Zealand who has a student visa?
- How can I report someone to the immigration authorities?
- Who can apply for a visa using Immigration Online?
- I'm coming to New Zealand to participate in a sports event. What visa do I need?
- How long will my Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest remain in the pool after it is submitted?
- How do I obtain a New Zealand passport or citizenship?
- I am visiting New Zealand but would like to do some fruit picking - is this allowed?
- Information for visitors travelling without a visa
- I filled out my working holiday visa application a while ago, but now the form has disappeared. What should I do?
- Can I add my newborn child to my existing visa application?
- I am a Tour Guide coming to New Zealand with a Tour Group
- How do I start an online Expression of Interest and submit it?
- I can't save details into my Expression of Interest
- What Fiji travel documents will Immigration New Zealand Suva Branch Accept?
- What can be used as evidence of residence status?
- Do I need to submit any documents with my Expression of Interest?
- Will I be eligible for a further student visa if I was absent from class due to illness?
- Can I use an old application form?
- What type of work is seasonal work?
- Can I apply for a Working Holiday visa while in New Zealand?
- What is an 'open work visa', and how do I get one?
- What can be used as evidence of work experience?
- Information on DNA testing
- How do I get a New Zealand passport?
- Providing full birth certificates with applications
- Can I come to New Zealand to volunteer or volunteer once I am in New Zealand?
- kb-question-1098
If you are an Australian citizen, you will usually be allowed to live, work or study in New Zealand and will not need to apply for any type of visa before travelling.
You will need to:
- Be of good character; and
- Show a valid Australian passport on arrival to New Zealand ; or
- Hold a foreign passport endorsed with an Australian declaratory visa as evidence of your Australian citizenship.
If you are an Australian permanent resident entering New Zealand, you will normally be granted a residence class visa on arrival. This will allow you to enter and stay, work and study in New Zealand, provided you have completed your arrival card correctly and truthfully.
In most cases Immigration New Zealand systems will recognise Australian permanent resident visas automatically, however there may be times that your Australian visa is not picked up. We advise for you to carry a print-out of your Australian visa if possible.
You can still be refused residence however if you are not of good character. You will be required to make a character declaration by completing the character section of your arrival card.
Good character for residence visas
On your arrival – New Zealand Customs Service Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa
If you hold an Australian permanent resident visa, you will need to hold an NZeTA before you travel to New Zealand.
Can I get a New Zealand permanent resident visa issued in my passport?
Please consult the visa factsheet for information on the visa application process and requirements.
An additional fee is payable if you wish to have a physical visa label rather than an eVisa.
What if I hold a temporary Australian resident visa?
If you are a temporary Australian resident, you may need a visa to visit New Zealand. You will need to assess your ability to travel without a visa.
Explore visa options for visiting
If you wish to study, work or live in New Zealand, you will need to hold an appropriate visa before you travel to New Zealand.
Explore visa options for living permanently
How do I make sure I am granted a New Zealand resident visa when I enter New Zealand?
If you hold an Australian permanent resident visa, to ensure that you are granted a New Zealand resident visa when you arrive you will need to follow the steps below.
- correctly complete the relevant question in section 7 on your arrival declaration card;
- carry a print-out of your Australian permanent resident visa with you;
- go to the primary line when you arrive in New Zealand (not the e-Gate or SmartGate);
- explain to the Customs/Immigration Officer that you are applying for a resident visa.
This process is especially important if you already hold a temporary visa (e.g. visitor, student or work visa) for New Zealand.
What about other government services (like healthcare, pensions, and so on) that may be available to Australian citizens/residents?
As we are only able to advise you on matters concerning immigration, we recommend that you contact the relevant government organisation for information on any services they may provide to Australian citizens/residents.