Evidence of New Zealand residence
The best way to prove that you have residence in New Zealand is to show an endorsement in your passport. If you do not have this information, you can ask for a letter from Immigration New Zealand.
At times, you will need to prove that you are a resident of New Zealand. For example, if you have travelled and are returning to New Zealand, you will be asked to show that you can legally return to the country.
The best proof is an endorsement in your passport
The best way to prove your residence is by showing an endorsement in your passport. Depending on when you became a resident in New Zealand you would have been issued with one of the following:
Before 29 November 2010
If you became a resident before 29 November 2010, you would have been issued:
- a residence permit and
- a Returning Residents' Visa.
After 29 November 2010
- a resident visa, which may be subject to conditions, or
- a Permanent Resident Visa, which has no conditions.
Your passport may have these visas and permits in the form of:
- a stamp issued by the New Zealand Customs Service
- a label issued by Immigration New Zealand, or
- an electronic Visa (an eVisa).
Ask us for a letter if you no longer have your visa or permit
If you no longer have your visa or permit, or you were granted a resident visa a long time ago, you can ask Immigration New Zealand to send you an official letter confirming your current status in New Zealand.
Request or change your personal information
Immigration New Zealand has no record of your immigration status, you will need to apply for a confirmation of visa and pay the appropriate fee.