Identity
You must provide proof of your identity
We use your passport details to check your identity.
Australian Resident Visa
Visa details
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.
Length of stay
Indefinite
Cost
NZD $0
Processing time
Visa granted at
New Zealand border
With this visa you can
- Visit, live, work, and study in New Zealand.
- Travel to New Zealand without first applying for a visa as long as you meet the character and entry permission requirements.
Things to note
- Australian temporary residents are not eligible for this visa.
- You can only apply for this visa when you arrive in New Zealand – you can’t apply for it before you travel.
- If you leave New Zealand your resident visa will expire — you can apply for a variation of travel conditions to allow you travel without affecting your New Zealand residence status.
- If you are an Australian permanent resident you must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before you travel. You do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
Information about NZeTA
Provide your details to make the experience more relevant to you.
Who can apply
The criteria and evidence below will provide you with the information you need to meet the requirements of this visa.
View All Evidence
Australian immigration status
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:
- a valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa
- a valid Australian Resident Return Visa.
Tips
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.
Character
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:
- you have a criminal conviction,
- you have been deported, removed or excluded from another country.
- we have reason to believe you may be a risk to New Zealand’s security, public order or public interest.
Tips
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’re 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 aren’t sure you’ll meet our requirements for good character, you should apply for a visa before coming to New Zealand.
Process and cost
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.
1
Check you meet the requirements for visa waiver travel
To be granted a visa when you arrive in New Zealand you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and be of good character.
Alert
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.
2
Check if you need to request an NZeTA
If 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.
3
Apply for a resident visa on arrival
On 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.
Immigration costs
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.
Timeframes - Processing
Visa granted at New Zealand border
Your visa is granted when you arrive in New Zealand.
Conditions
These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.
Entry permission
You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a paper arrival card or a digital traveller declaration. If you are completing a paper arrival card you will be given this on the way to New Zealand.
New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.
Notes
You can be refused entry permission if:
- you don’t meet our character requirements
- you refuse to let us to take your photo or to provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan, if asked for them.
- You provide false or misleading information in a visa application, to an immigration officer or on any part of your arrival card
Travel
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.
Notes
You can apply for a resident visa each time you arrive in New Zealand, but your New Zealand residence won’t be considered continuous.
This can be important if you later want to:
- apply for a Permanent Resident Visa
- apply for New Zealand Citizenship
- sponsor a resident visa application for a parent who is not an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
If you want your New Zealand residence to be considered continuous, you can apply for a variation of travel conditions before you leave New Zealand. This will allow you to travel to and from New Zealand without affecting your New Zealand residence status.
Work
You can work in any occupation for any employer in New Zealand.
Study
You can study in New Zealand.