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Visa guide · Indian passport holders

New Zealand visa for Indian citizens

Applies via: VFS Global + embassySources checked on

Indian citizens apply for a New Zealand visa through VFS Global and the embassy. The published fee for Visitor Visa (nationality India, applying from India) is NZD 441. Processing time (Visitor Visa (India)): 80% within 2 weeks. Application locations listed include New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai. Sources checked on October 15, 2026.

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New Zealand visa for Indians — key facts

Visa fee
NZD 441Visitor Visa (nationality India, applying from India)
Processing time
80% within 2 weeksVisitor Visa (India)
Where to apply
3 locations listedNew Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai
Insurance required
No

Overview

How do Indian citizens apply for a New Zealand visa?

Applies via: VFS Global + embassy

Who handles applications in India

Indian citizens must apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa; applications are made online to Immigration New Zealand (from 1 October 2026 visitor and selected transit visa applications must be made online via Immigration Online). VFS Global is INZ's official partner in India and runs Visa Application Centres in New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai, which handle passport submission for online applications (only if INZ asks for the passport) and paper/postal applications; VAC appointments are required. The New Zealand diplomatic mission does not assist with visa enquiries. A Visitor Visa allows up to 9 months in an 18-month period: INZ issues either a multiple-entry visa (up to 6 months in each 12-month period) or a single-entry visa (one stay of up to 9 months).

Visa on arrival, eVisa or visa-free for Indians?

Visa on arrival
Not available: India is not on New Zealand's visa-waiver list (Schedule 2 of the immigration regulations), so Indian passport holders must get a visa before travelling.
eVisa / online visa
Available: Indians apply online through Immigration New Zealand's Immigration Online (required for selected visitor and transit visas from 1 October 2026). INZ emails the decision, and the passport goes to a VFS centre only if INZ asks for it.
Visa-free entry
Not available for Indian passport holders in general: India is not on New Zealand's visa-waiver list, so a visa is needed before travel. Exception: holders of a current Australian permanent resident visa or resident return visa travel on an NZeTA instead of a visa and are normally given a visa at the border.

How to apply from India — step by step

  1. 1

    Complete the application form

    Fill in the New Zealand visa application form linked from the official pages below.

  2. 2

    Prepare your documents

    Gather the documents listed in the "Documents required" section — the common list plus the checklist for your visa category.

  3. 3

    Book an appointment

    Book an appointment as described on the VFS Global / embassy pages linked below.

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit at a VFS Global centre or other listed location: New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai.

  5. 5

    Give biometrics

    Attend in person for biometrics where the official pages require it.

  6. 6

    Pay the fees

    Pay the visa fee shown in the "Visa fees" section, plus the service fee.

Steps follow the official pages in the Sources section; always follow the latest instructions there.

Before you apply

Visa fees

How much is the New Zealand visa fee for Indian citizens?

  • Visitor Visa (nationality India, applying from India)

    NZD 441

    Online; includes non-refundable immigration levy and the NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL); not refunded if declined; pay by Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay

  • Business Visitor Visa

    NZD 341

    Application fee NZD 300 + immigration levy NZD 41; business visitor visas are exempt from the NZD 100 IVL. Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand ('Rest of world' fee column); computed from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, Schedule 4 fee + Schedule 6 immigration levy + reg 26AAD IVL, version as at 1 June 2026; the same NZD 341 is shown as the 'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 10 Sep 2026)

  • Group Visitor Visa (per person)

    NZD 271

    Application fee NZD 86 + immigration levy NZD 85 + IVL NZD 100. Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand ('Rest of world' fee column); computed from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, Schedule 4 fee + Schedule 6 immigration levy + reg 26AAD IVL, version as at 1 June 2026; the same NZD 271 is shown as the 'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 27 Aug 2026)

  • Parent Boost Visitor Visa

    NZD 3,100

    Application fee NZD 1,940 + immigration levy NZD 1,060 + IVL NZD 100. Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand ('Rest of world' fee column); computed from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, Schedule 4 fee + Schedule 6 immigration levy + reg 26AAD IVL, version as at 1 June 2026; the same NZD 3,100 is shown as the 'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 27 Aug 2026)

  • Student Visa (Fee Paying Student Visa)

    NZD 850

    Application fee NZD 485 + immigration levy NZD 265 + IVL NZD 100 (IVL not charged for MFAT-scholarship students). Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand ('Rest of world' fee column); computed from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, Schedule 4 fee + Schedule 6 immigration levy + reg 26AAD IVL, version as at 1 June 2026; the same NZD 850 is shown as the 'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 4 Oct 2026)

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

    NZD 1,540

    Application fee NZD 480 + immigration levy NZD 1,060; Accredited Employer work visas are exempt from the IVL. Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand ('Rest of world' fee column); computed from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, Schedule 4 fee + Schedule 6 immigration levy + reg 26AAD IVL, version as at 1 June 2026; the same NZD 1,540 is shown as the 'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 4 Oct 2026)

  • Post-study work visa

    NZD 1,670

    Application fee NZD 320 + immigration levy NZD 1,350; post-study work visas are exempt from the IVL. Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand ('Rest of world' fee column); computed from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, Schedule 4 fee + Schedule 6 immigration levy + reg 26AAD IVL, version as at 1 June 2026; the same NZD 1,670 is shown as the 'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 4 Oct 2026)

  • Transit visa

    NZD 235

    Application fee per Schedule 4; Schedule 6 lists no immigration levy for transit visas. Indian citizen applying from outside New Zealand ('Rest of world' fee column); computed from the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010, Schedule 4 fee + Schedule 6 immigration levy + reg 26AAD IVL, version as at 1 June 2026; the same NZD 235 is shown as the 'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 27 Aug 2026)

  • International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)

    NZD 100

    Charged on temporary entry visa applications (not those made at the border) and included in the visitor, group visitor, Parent Boost and student totals above. Exempt: business visitor, Accredited Employer and post-study work visas, separate applications as the partner or dependent child of a NZ citizen or visa holder/applicant, visits for medical treatment, and holders of a current Australian permanent residence visa; India Iconic Work and India Skilled Work visas exempt from 20 October 2026 (fee regulations).

  • Partner of a Worker Work Visa / Partner of a Student Work Visa

    NZD 1,630

    'From' cost shown on each INZ visa page (web.archive.org captures of 4 Oct 2026); not split into fee and levy on the page

  • Global Workforce Seasonal Visa / Peak Seasonal Visa (work)

    NZD 1,540

    'From' cost shown on each INZ visa page (web.archive.org captures of 27 Aug 2026)

  • Skilled Migrant Category / Straight to Residence Resident Visa

    NZD 6,450

    'From' cost shown on both INZ visa pages (web.archive.org captures of 4-5 Oct 2026)

  • Permanent Resident Visa

    NZD 315

    'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 28 Sep 2026)

  • Active Investor Plus Visa (residence)

    NZD 27,470

    'From' cost on the INZ visa page (web.archive.org capture of 11 Oct 2026); separate from the minimum investment

  • Reconsideration of a declined temporary visa

    NZD 220

    Only available if you applied while in New Zealand and are still there on a valid visa (see processingTime); applicants refused from India must make a new application (INZ, web.archive.org capture of 27 Aug 2026)

Service fee: VFS (India): Passport (online applications) Handling fee INR 1,460.00 (USD 24.00); Physical (paper applications) fee INR 2,085.00 (USD 34.00); includes courier to the lodging country; non-refundable

Checklist

What documents are required for a New Zealand visa from India?

All applicants

9 items
  • Copy of your passport (valid at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand)
  • 1 acceptable photo
  • Proof you have enough money to live on: at least NZD 1,000 a month, or NZD 400 a month if accommodation is prepaid (bank/credit card statements, prepaid hotel vouchers, traveller's cheques) – or a sponsor
  • Proof of your plans in New Zealand showing you are a genuine visitor
  • Proof you can leave New Zealand: onward ticket or funds to buy one (in addition to living funds) or sponsor's agreement
  • Police certificates if required (total time in NZ 24 months or longer)
  • Chest X-ray if staying more than 6 months (India not low-TB) / medical examination if required – less than 3 months old
  • Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) and sponsor's sharing ID, if sponsored
  • Partner/dependent children: relationship and identity evidence, photos; Additional Dependants for a Visitor Visa form (INZ 1205) if required

Passport handling at VFS (online applications)

2 items
  • Original passport only if instructed on the INZ 'Thank You' page / application PDF
  • Passport handling fee paid by demand draft to VFS GLOBAL SERVICES PVT LTD

Paper/postal applications at VFS

4 items
  • Completed visa application form and document checklist
  • Original passport(s) or certified copies, plus photocopies of all pages of current and old passports
  • Contact information and return courier address
  • Two demand drafts in INR: visa fee to 'Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment' and VAC service fee to VFS GLOBAL SERVICES PVT LTD

INZ Visitor Visa checklist for India (INZ 11223, July 2024, intended stay under 6 months; linked from the Visitor Visa page in October 2026)

6 items
  • Evidence of funds for the stay and onward travel, such as: Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025); bank deposit books showing a saving history; bank statements or payslips for the previous 3 months showing salary credits; credit card statements and limits; income tax returns for the last two years; any other evidence of funds
  • Evidence of relationship for an included partner or dependent child (marriage certificate, child's birth certificate showing parents' names)
  • Letter of consent from a non-travelling parent if a dependent child is included
  • Evidence of home-country circumstances: employer letter approving leave and confirming return, business registration/licence and business tax returns, school or education ID card, relationships with close relatives in India, assets such as a home or business, retirement certificate or pension evidence
  • Optional ('You may also want to include'): a cover letter covering when you intend to travel, the reasons for your stay and who you are travelling with (on business letterhead for business travellers); a day-to-day itinerary; visas from previously travelled countries; Aadhaar card
  • The checklist predates online-only lodgement: it still mentions the paper form INZ 1017 and two photographs, whereas from 1 October 2026 visitor applications are made online with 1 acceptable photo

Business Visitor Visa

5 items
  • For short visits for specific business reasons such as meetings, exploring business opportunities or negotiating contracts; up to 3 months in 1 year
  • Letter from your employer or the New Zealand company you are doing business with, confirming your employment and the business reasons for the visit
  • Funds of at least NZD 1,000 a month (NZD 400 a month if accommodation is prepaid), or a letter from your employer or government confirming financial support, or a sponsor (INZ 1025)
  • Ticket out of New Zealand or funds to buy one, in addition to living funds
  • Working, training, performing or taking part in events may need a work visa or a general Visitor Visa instead

Transit Visa (Auckland International Airport)

5 items
  • Indian passport holders need a Transit Visa to pass through Auckland Airport unless they hold a valid New Zealand visa, are an Australian permanent resident or are travelling to or from Australia (an NZeTA is then used instead); India is not on the visa waiver or transit visa waiver lists
  • Stay in the airport transit area for up to 24 hours; transit is possible only at Auckland, not other New Zealand airports
  • Itinerary confirming arrival and departure times, and a statement explaining why you are travelling to your destination country
  • Tickets showing onward travel to a country you have the right to enter (a valid Australian visa if travelling to Australia)
  • Partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger can be included

Group Visitor Visa

4 items
  • For a group arriving in and visiting New Zealand together for the same purpose; one group administrator submits and pays, with an individual Visitor Visa application for each member
  • Group travel itinerary (arrival date, anyone else involved such as a tour escort, each place and length of stay) and a signed declaration that members will travel and arrive together for the same purpose
  • A group contact for INZ and a group leader responsible for the group in New Zealand
  • Each member must meet Visitor Visa requirements, have funds or a sponsor and show they can leave; stay normally up to 1 month

On arrival in New Zealand

4 items
  • Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD); by air it can be submitted from 24 hours before the journey begins
  • Carry a ticket to leave New Zealand (or proof of money to buy one, or sponsor's agreement) and proof of money to live on
  • Entry can be refused if you are not a genuine visitor, do not meet character requirements, your circumstances have changed since the visa was issued, you refuse photo/fingerprints/iris scan, or you cannot show onward travel or the money to leave
  • AEWV holders may need to show evidence of their job offer

Photo

What are the New Zealand visa photo specifications?

Size
Online: JPG/JPEG file of 512 KB to 3.14 MB, portrait with 3:4 aspect ratio, face covering 70-80% of the image; paper applications: 35 mm wide x 45 mm high
Background
Neutral and plain, showing only you, with good contrast and no shadows
  • Taken within the last 6 months and must look like you
  • No editing, filters, beautification or AI tools; not a photo of a photo
  • Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open; ears visible unless a scarf is worn for religious or medical reasons
  • Clear prescription glasses only (no tinted lenses, heavy frames or glare); head coverings only for religious or medical reasons and not covering the mouth or sides of the face
  • Selfies are accepted only for NZeTA requests in the mobile app

Insurance

Is travel medical insurance required for a New Zealand visa?

Not required

Not mandatory; INZ recommends full medical insurance for your stay as you or your sponsor must pay for any health care.

Processing

How long does New Zealand visa processing take?

Visitor Visa (India)
80% within 2 weeks
Visitor Visa - peak season
INZ says Visitor Visa processing is busiest between September and March and that it receives a high number of applications over summer, especially for Christmas, so apply early (INZ Visitor Visa page, web.archive.org capture of 6 Oct 2026)
Fee Paying Student Visa
80% within 8 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, web.archive.org capture of 4 Oct 2026); INZ asks students to apply at least 3 months before travel and says student visa processing is busiest between October and March
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
80% within 5.5 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 4 Oct 2026); AEWV applications for Green List roles are prioritised without an escalation request
Post-Study Work Visa
80% within 5.5 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 4 Oct 2026)
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
80% within 6 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 4 Oct 2026)
Partner of a Student Work Visa
80% within 5 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 4 Oct 2026)
Business Visitor Visa
80% within 4 days (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 10 Sep 2026)
Group Visitor Visa
80% within 2 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 27 Aug 2026)
Transit Visa
80% within 4 days (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 27 Aug 2026)
Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Expected to be around 4 months (INZ visa page, capture of 27 Aug 2026)
Straight to Residence Visa
80% within 3.5 months (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 4 Oct 2026)
Permanent Resident Visa
80% within 2 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 28 Sep 2026)
Active Investor Plus Visa (approval in principle)
80% within 11 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, capture of 11 Oct 2026)
Reconsideration of a declined temporary visa
80% within 5 weeks. Only possible if you applied while in New Zealand, are still there on a valid (or interim) visa and ask within 14 calendar days of the decline; otherwise submit a new application. You cannot ask for a second reconsideration (INZ, capture of 27 Aug 2026)
Urgent requests (escalation)
Applications are usually allocated in the order received. INZ considers an escalation request only for a compelling or very important reason (compelling personal or business circumstances, humanitarian factors, national interest); visitor visa applicants outside the Pacific must call the Immigration Call Centre. Escalation affects only when the application is allocated (INZ, capture of 27 Aug 2026)

Visa types

Which New Zealand visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Visit

  • Visitor Visa
  • Business Visitor Visa
  • Group Visitor Visa
  • Transit visa

Other (INZ)

  • Study
  • Work
  • Live/Residence

Study, work and residence (long stay)

  • Fee Paying Student Visa
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
  • Post-Study Work Visa
  • Partner of a Worker / Partner of a Student Work Visa
  • Global Workforce Seasonal Visa / Peak Seasonal Visa
  • Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
  • Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
  • Active Investor Plus Visa
  • Permanent Resident Visa

Long stay

New Zealand study and work visas for Indians

Fee Paying Student Visa

Study

For Indians paying international tuition fees (themselves, with family support, a loan or a partial scholarship) who have an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider. Apply online with Immigration New Zealand at least 3 months before travel; the visa can be issued for up to 4 years.

  • Offer of place from an approved education provider that is a signatory to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021; applicants outside New Zealand can apply with a conditional offer and get approval in principle
  • Tuition fees paid for 1 course or 1 year of study, whichever is shorter (or exemption/scholarship evidence); from outside New Zealand you can pay after approval in principle
  • Living funds if paying for yourself: NZD 20,000 for each year of tertiary, English-language or other non-compulsory study of 1 year or more, or NZD 1,667 a month for shorter study; NZD 17,000 a year (NZD 1,417 a month) for school Years 1-13
  • Or an acceptable sponsor or a guarantor (Financial Undertaking for a Student, INZ 1014); when applying in South Asia only immediate family (partner, parents, siblings, grandparents, parents-in-law) can sponsor or give a financial undertaking
  • Indian citizens may be able to use the Funds Transfer Scheme to show they can access their funds in New Zealand; education loan evidence must include the loan sanction letter and how the loan will be repaid
  • Insurance acceptable to the education provider for travel and health care for the whole visa (a visa condition)
  • Good health: chest X-ray if staying more than 6 months (India is not a low-TB country); medical certificate not normally needed for stays under 12 months
  • Good character: police certificates if aged 17 or older and total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer
  • Genuine intention to study; English test results such as IELTS are not mandatory but can help
  • Work rights: up to 25 hours a week during study and full-time in scheduled holidays depending on visa conditions; students aged 16-17 need written permission from a parent and the provider; students aged 15 or younger cannot work
  • Students under 10 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian unless living in an NZQA-approved hostel
  • Partner and dependent children cannot be included; they apply for their own visas
Official page

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Work

The main employer-sponsored work visa: an INZ-accredited employer with an approved job check offers you a full-time job and sends you a link to apply online. It can last up to 5 years depending on the job, and can lead to residence.

  • Job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer with an approved job check, for at least 30 hours a week, paid at least the market rate
  • At least 2 years of relevant work experience or a qualification at NZQCF level 4 or higher in the same field (a bachelor's degree or higher can be in any field); not needed if the job is on the Green List, you hold the required occupational registration or you are paid at least NZD 67.12 an hour
  • International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from NZQA if your overseas qualification is below a bachelor's degree
  • Work-experience evidence from third parties (employment certificates, payslips, tax certificates); a CV alone is not enough
  • Occupational registration if the job requires it in New Zealand
  • English for jobs at ANZSCO/NOL skill level 3 to 5 (citizenship/study evidence or a test result no more than 2 years old); skill level 1-2 jobs exempt
  • Maximum continuous stay on AEWVs: 5 years for most jobs, 3 years for skill level 4-5 jobs; then normally 12 months outside New Zealand
  • Police certificates (aged 17+, 24 months or longer in New Zealand) and chest X-ray for stays over 6 months
  • Not available for horticulture or viticulture crop work, fishing crew or self-employment
  • Employers or agents cannot charge you for a job or recruitment costs; INZ declines applications where money was offered for a job offer and warns that job offer scams are common in India and South Asia
  • Partner and children cannot be included but may get visitor, work or student visas depending on your pay and skill level
Official page

Post-Study Work Visa

Work

For Indians who have recently completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand; it allows open work for up to 3 years depending on the qualification and can be held only once.

  • A degree at level 7 or higher (studied full-time in New Zealand for at least 30 weeks), or a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification on INZ's eligible list with a job related to the study
  • Apply no later than 3 months after the student visa for the qualification expires (6 months for a doctorate; 12 months in the specific case of a first eligible qualification followed by a shorter higher qualification)
  • At least NZD 5,000 in total for living expenses, shown with documents such as bank statements in your name
  • Copy of passport, 1 acceptable photo (2 on paper), proof of the New Zealand qualification, police certificates if required
  • Partner can apply for a work visa and children for student visas as domestic students
  • From 16 November 2026 INZ extends eligibility to holders of an NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand who also have a bachelor's degree (from New Zealand or overseas)
Official page

Partner of a Worker / Partner of a Student Work Visa

Family

Lets the partner of an eligible work or student visa holder live and work in New Zealand for the same duration as the supporting partner's visa; no job offer is needed. Dependent children cannot be included and apply for their own visitor or student visas.

  • Both partners at least 18, living together in a genuine and stable relationship (evidence from after both turned 18); supporting partner completes form INZ 1146
  • Partner of a worker: AEWV holder in an ANZSCO level 1-3 job must earn at least NZD 28 an hour (80% of the median wage); level 4-5 job not in a sector agreement: at least NZD 52.50 an hour (150% of the median wage), or at least NZD 35 an hour in a Green List job
  • Visas that cannot support a partner include visas of 6 months or less (except Migrant Exploitation Protection), Working Holiday, Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited, Supplementary Seasonal Employment and Fishing Crew work visas
  • Partner of a student: student partner studying a level 9-10 qualification, or a level 7-8 qualification on the Green List or PSWV-eligible list; at least NZD 4,200 for the stay
  • Can apply at the same time as the supporting partner; granted only after the partner's visa is approved
  • Good health and character; police certificates and chest X-ray rules as for other temporary visas
Official page

Seasonal work: Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa

Work

Employer-led seasonal visas for jobs on INZ's seasonal job lists, offered by AEWV-accredited employers with an approved seasonal job check. Partner and children are not eligible for visas based on these visas.

  • Full-time (30+ hours) offer at or near an industry seasonal peak, paid at least the market rate, for a job on the relevant seasonal job list
  • Global Workforce Seasonal Visa: at least 3 seasons in the same or a similar job in the last 6 years; visa valid 3 years, up to 9 months' work each year with at least 3 months outside New Zealand in any 12 months
  • Peak Seasonal Visa: at least 1 season in the same or a similar job in the last 3 years; stay up to 7 months, then at least 4 months outside New Zealand before another; acceptable medical insurance if the job offer is over 3 months
  • Meet the job's ANZSCO/NOL skill level, good health and character
Official page

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

Residence

Points-tested residence for skilled workers already working for, or offered a job by, an accredited employer: you submit an expression of interest (EOI) and apply only if invited.

  • Aged 55 or younger; full-time job or job offer with an accredited employer; speak and understand English
  • Points-based pathway: 6 skilled resident points from one of qualification, income or New Zealand occupational registration, plus up to 3 points for skilled work experience in New Zealand
  • International qualifications (with an NZQA IQA unless exempt): doctorate 6 points, master's 5, honours/postgraduate diploma or certificate 4, bachelor's 4; New Zealand master's with 30 weeks' full-time study 6
  • Skilled Work Experience pathway: at least 5 years of directly relevant experience including 2 years of skilled work in New Zealand
  • Trades and Technician pathway: relevant qualification and at least 4 years of post-qualification experience including 18 months of skilled work in New Zealand
  • Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included
Official page

Straight to Residence Visa

Residence

Direct residence for people working in, or offered, a full-time Tier 1 Green List job with an accredited employer.

  • Aged 55 or younger; Green List Tier 1 job, full-time, with an accredited employer; speak and understand English
  • Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included
  • After holding the visa for 2 years in a row you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa
Official page

Permanent Resident Visa

Residence

The step after a resident visa: it allows you to live in New Zealand permanently and to travel in and out indefinitely.

  • Held a resident visa for at least 2 years in a row, and hold a current one (or one that expired 90 days ago or less)
  • Met the conditions of the resident visa and shown commitment to New Zealand in 1 of the 5 ways INZ accepts
  • Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included
Official page

Active Investor Plus Visa (investor residence)

Residence

Residence for investors who place large sums in acceptable New Zealand investments; INZ approves in principle first, then the funds must be transferred and invested.

  • Invest at least NZD 5 million under the Growth category or at least NZD 10 million under the Balanced category in acceptable investments, with lawfully acquired funds transferred to New Zealand
  • 6 months to transfer and invest after approval in principle (a work visa can be used to come and arrange it)
  • Fit and proper person; chest X-ray and medical examination; police certificates for those aged 17+ from countries of citizenship and any country lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years
  • Partner (living together at least 12 months) and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included
  • Permanent residence after keeping the funds invested for 3 years (Growth) or 5 years (Balanced)
Official page

Working holiday visa

Other

Not available to Indian citizens as at October 2026: India is not on INZ's list of countries with a working holiday agreement, and INZ states it cannot give a working holiday visa to citizens of unlisted countries. The NZ-India FTA, due to enter into force on 20 October 2026, commits New Zealand to a working holiday scheme for up to 1,000 Indians a year, but no opening date or criteria had been published.

  • Working holiday visas are only for citizens of countries with an agreement with New Zealand (normally aged 18-30, 18-35 for a few countries)
  • India's FTA scheme: up to 1,000 places a year (MFAT); application details not yet published by INZ
Official page

Fees and processing times for these routes are listed in the Visa fees and Processing sections above.

Where to apply

Where do Indian citizens apply for a New Zealand visa?

  • New Delhi
  • Chandigarh
  • Mumbai

Which office covers your state

New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi (Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021; tel +91 11 46883170; nzhcindia@mfat.govt.nz; Mon-Fri 9.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm-5.00pm)
India and Nepal (countries accredited to the High Commission, per MFAT). MFAT also lists a New Zealand Consulate-General in Mumbai and Honorary Consuls in Chennai and Kolkata, without a state-wise split. Visa applications go to Immigration New Zealand (online, or via the VFS centres), not the mission.

Statistics & changes

New Zealand visa statistics and recent rule changes

Student visa decline rate, Indian nationals applying from outside New Zealand (fee paying, pathway, English language, scholarship and exchange student visas) · Calendar year 2025 (INZ data as of 16 Feb 2026)
39% declined (2,838 of 7,235 decided applications); 59% approved (4,276). All nationalities: 83% approved, 15% declined
Official data
Student visa decline rate, Indian nationals applying from outside New Zealand (fee paying, pathway, English language, scholarship and exchange student visas) · Calendar year 2024
50% declined (5,698 of 11,338 decided applications); 48% approved (5,452); withdrawals not included. All nationalities: 75% approved, 24% declined
Official data

Recent rule changes

  • Post-Study Work Visa eligibility extended to applicants with an NZQCF level 7 graduate diploma studied full-time in New Zealand who also hold a bachelor's degree from New Zealand or overseas.

    Official notice

  • Regulations in force from 20 October 2026 exempt two new India-specific visas, the India Iconic Work visa and India Skilled Work visa (created under the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement signed in New Delhi on 27 April 2026), from the NZD 100 IVL.

    Official notice

  • The NZ-India Free Trade Agreement enters into force. New Zealand's commitments include the equivalent of 1,667 three-year temporary employment entry visas a year (no more than 5,000 at any time; 1,467 for 13 skilled Green List occupations and 200 for iconic Indian occupations such as yoga, music, chefs and ayurvedic practitioners) and a working holiday scheme of up to 1,000 places a year; INZ had not published application details.

    Official notice

  • Applications for selected visitor and transit visas must be submitted through Immigration New Zealand's enhanced Immigration Online system.

    Official notice

  • VFS India NZ centres return passports by courier with a maximum of two passports per courier bag; pre-paid self-addressed envelopes are not accepted.

    Official notice

  • AEWV minimum English requirement (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent) extended from skill level 4-5 to ANZSCO/NOL skill level 3 roles, for applications made on or after 1 June 2026 and for current AEWV holders whose visa expires after 1 December 2026 applying for a further skill level 3 AEWV; earlier accepted English evidence still counts, and Job Change, Global Workforce Seasonal and Peak Seasonal AEWV applications are not covered.

    Official notice

FAQ

New Zealand visa for Indians — frequently asked questions

Answers built only from the VFS Global and embassy pages listed in the Sources section.

How much is the New Zealand visa fee for Indian citizens?

Visitor Visa (nationality India, applying from India): NZD 441; Business Visitor Visa: NZD 341; Group Visitor Visa (per person): NZD 271. 12 more fee rows are listed on this page. Service fee: VFS (India): Passport (online applications) Handling fee INR 1,460.00 (USD 24.00); Physical (paper applications) fee INR 2,085.00 (USD 34.00); includes courier to the lodging country; non-refundable.

What documents are required for a New Zealand visa from India?

Copy of your passport (valid at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand); 1 acceptable photo; Proof you have enough money to live on: at least NZD 1,000 a month, or NZD 400 a month if accommodation is prepaid (bank/credit card statements, prepaid hotel vouchers, traveller's cheques) – or a sponsor; Proof of your plans in New Zealand showing you are a genuine visitor; Proof you can leave New Zealand: onward ticket or funds to buy one (in addition to living funds) or sponsor's agreement; Police certificates if required (total time in NZ 24 months or longer). Plus 3 more items listed on this page. Category-specific checklists are listed for 7 visa categories.

How long does New Zealand visa processing take for Indians?

Visitor Visa (India): 80% within 2 weeks; Visitor Visa - peak season: INZ says Visitor Visa processing is busiest between September and March and that it receives a high number of applications over summer, especially for Christmas, so apply early (INZ Visitor Visa page, web.archive.org capture of 6 Oct 2026); Fee Paying Student Visa: 80% within 8 weeks (INZ headline timeframe shown on the visa page for all applicants, web.archive.org capture of 4 Oct 2026); INZ asks students to apply at least 3 months before travel and says student visa processing is busiest between October and March.

Where do Indian citizens apply for a New Zealand visa?

Applications go via VFS Global + embassy. Locations listed: New Delhi, Chandigarh, Mumbai.

Can Indians get a New Zealand visa on arrival or an eVisa?

Visa on arrival — Not available: India is not on New Zealand's visa-waiver list (Schedule 2 of the immigration regulations), so Indian passport holders must get a visa before travelling. eVisa — Available: Indians apply online through Immigration New Zealand's Immigration Online (required for selected visitor and transit visas from 1 October 2026). INZ emails the decision, and the passport goes to a VFS centre only if INZ asks for it. Visa-free entry — Not available for Indian passport holders in general: India is not on New Zealand's visa-waiver list, so a visa is needed before travel. Exception: holders of a current Australian permanent resident visa or resident return visa travel on an NZeTA instead of a visa and are normally given a visa at the border.

What photo size is required for a New Zealand visa?

Size: Online: JPG/JPEG file of 512 KB to 3.14 MB, portrait with 3:4 aspect ratio, face covering 70-80% of the image; paper applications: 35 mm wide x 45 mm high. Background: Neutral and plain, showing only you, with good contrast and no shadows.

Is travel medical insurance required for a New Zealand visa?

No. Not mandatory; INZ recommends full medical insurance for your stay as you or your sponsor must pay for any health care.

Which New Zealand visa types can Indian citizens apply for?

Visit, Other (INZ) and Study, work and residence (long stay). 16 visa types are listed on this page.

Sources

Sources

Machine-readable version: /visa/india/new-zealand/markdown

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