Character and identity
There's information here about identity, bona fide, and what good character means for temporary and resident visas.
Bona fide
Bona fide
'Genuine intent'
We assess if you’re bona fide when you apply for any kind of temporary visa, including if you travel to New Zealand visa waiver to visit. This means we look into your reasons for coming to New Zealand and whether you intend to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.
Good character for residence visas
Good character for residence visas
Find out the character requirements you need to meet to apply for a resident or permanent resident visa - if you don't meet these requirements your visa application can be declined.
Good character for temporary visas
Good character for temporary visas
Find out the character requirements that you need to meet to apply for a work, student or visitor visa - if you don't meet these requirements your visa application can be declined.
When you need to provide a police certificate
When you need to provide a police certificate
To show you are of good character, you may need to provide us with police certificates. Whether you need to provide police certificates depends on the visa you apply for and how long you will spend in New Zealand.
How to obtain a police certificate
How to obtain a police certificate
You may have to supply a police certificate (or similar) as evidence of good character, depending on which visa category you apply under. INZ provides a searchable list of countries and what you will need to do.
Supporting partner character requirements
Supporting partner character requirements
If you apply for a visa as the partner of a New Zealand citizen or a New Zealand visa holder, your partner must be of good character.