# New Zealand visa for Nepali citizens

> New Zealand visa for Nepali citizens. · Processing: 2–3 weeks (Immigration NZ publishes 80% within 14 days for Nepal lodgements). · Stay: 6 months per visi…

Canonical page: https://yatraforfun.com/visa/new-zealand
Last updated: 2026-05-04

## Embassy / mission

- **Mission:** New Zealand High Commission — New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal)
- **Address:** Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India
- **Phone:** +91 11 4688 3170
- **Email:** nzhcdelhi@mfat.govt.nz
- **Hours:** Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00 (visa enquiries via Immigration NZ contact form only).
- **Application centre:** VFS Global New Zealand Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu — Chhaya Devi Complex, 1st floor, Thamel, Kathmandu (biometric collection + paper-application drop only — primary lodgement is online via Immigration NZ portal). Book at vfsglobal.com/newzealand/nepal.
- **Online portal:** https://www.immigration.govt.nz/account/login (Immigration NZ portal — universal online lodgement) · https://www.immigration.govt.nz (Immigration New Zealand) · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/nzl (VFS Global NZ Nepal — paper applications + biometrics)
- **Payment:** Visa, MasterCard, AmEx online via Immigration NZ portal; cash NPR / card at VFS Thamel for paper submissions and biometric service fee.

## Visa categories

### Tourist — Visitor Visa — Tourist

**Purpose:** Tourism, sightseeing, holiday, visiting family / friends.
**Stay duration:** 6 months per visit (multiple-entry: 6 months in any 12-month period); single-entry up to 9 months over 18 months on case-officer discretion.
**Validity:** Up to 3 years multi-entry for repeat travellers with clean immigration history.
**Entries:** Single or Multiple.
**Processing time:** 2–3 weeks (Immigration NZ publishes 80% within 14 days for Nepal lodgements).
**How to apply:** Apply online via Immigration NZ portal (immigration.govt.nz/account/login); biometrics at VFS Kathmandu (Thamel) within 15 days of online lodgement.
**Financial requirement:** NZD 1,000 per month of stay (or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid). Bank statements 3–6 months. Plus property / business / employment ties demonstrating intent to return to Nepal.

**Required documents:**

- Nepali passport bio-page (3+ months validity beyond intended stay)
- Recent passport-size photo (45×35 mm, white background)
- Online Visitor Visa application (INZ 1188 equivalent) + form fees paid
- Bank statements (last 6 months, NZD-equivalent of 1,000/month minimum)
- Confirmed return ticket (or funds to purchase one)
- Hotel bookings / accommodation proof for full stay
- Travel insurance covering full trip (recommended, occasionally requested) *(conditional)*
- Family ties evidence (marriage cert, children's birth certs — notarised English translations + MoFA Nepal apostille) *(conditional)*
- Invitation letter from NZ host (if any) + sponsor passport / PR / citizenship copy *(conditional)*
- Nepal Police Clearance (often requested for >3-month stays) *(conditional)*
- Chest X-ray at IOM / Norvic / CIWEC (mandatory for 6+ month stays — Nepal is TB-higher-incidence) *(conditional)* — eMedical referral generated by Immigration NZ portal.
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed) — See per-bundle breakdown below — submit the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
- Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable) *(conditional)* — Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
- Latest Audit Report — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
- 2. Salary-Based Income *(conditional)* — Applicants who are employed must provide:
- Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
- Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements — Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
- 3. Pension Income *(conditional)* — Applicants receiving pension must submit:
- Pension Certificate (Pension Patta) — Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
- Company ID Card (if available) *(conditional)* — Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
- Recent Pension Bank Statement — Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
- Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank — On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
- 4. Rental Income *(conditional)* — Applicants earning rental income must provide:
- Land Ownership Certificate — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Common refusal patterns for Nepal: weak ties (insufficient property / business / family in Nepal), low bank balance, vague itinerary, undisclosed prior refusals (UK / Schengen / US / Australia), young single applicant without dependants.
- Section 49(1)(a) condition (no further onshore application) frequently imposed on first-time tourist visas — cannot extend or change visa class while in NZ.
- For visiting children studying in NZ, include CoE + student visa grant copy of the child + relationship certificate translated to English.

### Business — Business Visitor Visa

**Purpose:** Business meetings, negotiations, conferences, exhibitions, trade missions — no employment in NZ.
**Stay duration:** 3 months per visit; up to 9 months in any 18-month period on multi-entry profile.
**Validity:** Up to 3 years multi-entry for established business profiles.
**Entries:** Single or Multiple.
**Processing time:** 2–4 weeks.
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal; biometrics at VFS Kathmandu.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo, online application
- Invitation letter from NZ company (host details, purpose, duration, who covers costs)
- NZ inviter NZBN (NZ Business Number) / company registration
- Cover letter from Nepali employer / company
- Conference / event registration (where applicable) *(conditional)*
- Confirmed return ticket
- Hotel booking
- ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental — For business travellers, the Business bundle below is the most relevant.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
- Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable) *(conditional)* — Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
- Latest Audit Report — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.

### Transit — Transit Visa

**Purpose:** Transit through Auckland / Wellington / Christchurch airport en route to a third country.
**Stay duration:** Up to 24 hours airside; up to 96 hours if leaving the airport with a hotel arrangement.
**Validity:** Single transit only.
**Entries:** Single.
**Processing time:** 1–2 weeks (often 3–7 working days).
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal; biometrics at VFS Kathmandu if first NZ application.

**Required documents:**

- Passport (3+ months validity beyond transit)
- Confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours of arrival (or 96 hrs with hotel)
- Visa for next destination (e.g. AU / Pacific Islands)
- Brief travel itinerary
- Photo

**Notes:**
- No transit-without-visa privilege for Nepali ordinary passports.
- If layover required >24 hours airside, apply for Visitor Visa instead.

### Medical — Visitor Visa — Medical Treatment

**Purpose:** Receive medical treatment / consultation in NZ, or accompany a patient as medical-support escort.
**Stay duration:** Per treatment plan; typically 3 / 6 / 12-month tranches.
**Validity:** Per treatment plan; renewable onshore via further application.
**Entries:** Single or Multiple.
**Processing time:** Variable; urgent cases expedited (1–3 weeks); non-urgent 4–8 weeks.
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal; biometrics at VFS Kathmandu; eMedical exam.

**Required documents:**

- Letter from NZ treating doctor / hospital with treatment plan + estimated costs + duration
- Financial undertaking (bank statements showing NZD-equivalent of treatment cost + living costs)
- Nepali medical reports (notarised English translations)
- Referral letter from Nepali doctor
- Passport, photo, online application
- Nepal Police Clearance (for stays of 3+ months)
- Health insurance policy
- Accommodation arrangements in NZ
- Return ticket
- Escort relationship proof (if accompanying patient) *(conditional)*
- ANY ONE income bundle (only one needed)
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
- Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable) *(conditional)* — Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
- Latest Audit Report — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
- 2. Salary-Based Income *(conditional)* — Applicants who are employed must provide:
- Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
- Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements — Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
- 3. Pension Income *(conditional)* — Applicants receiving pension must submit:
- Pension Certificate (Pension Patta) — Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
- Company ID Card (if available) *(conditional)* — Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
- Recent Pension Bank Statement — Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
- Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank — On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
- 4. Rental Income *(conditional)* — Applicants earning rental income must provide:
- Land Ownership Certificate — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Applicant must sign undertaking NOT to access NZ's public health system (no reciprocal agreement with Nepal).
- Hospital admission letter must be specific (not generic) — vague treatment plan is a common refusal cause.

### Student — Fee-Paying Student Visa

**Purpose:** Full-time study at an NZQA-approved institution (University / Te Pūkenga / Private Training Establishment / School).
**Stay duration:** Duration of course + up to 3 months buffer.
**Validity:** Up to 4 years; aligned to course end date.
**Entries:** Multiple.
**Processing time:** Higher Ed 4–6 weeks · School / PTE 4–8 weeks. Recent grant rate for Nepali higher-ed applicants ~70–80%.
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal; biometrics at VFS Kathmandu; eMedical exam.
**Financial requirement:** NZD 20,000 living costs per year (raised from NZD 17,000 effective 1 May 2024) + tuition + return airfare. Bank statements 6+ months OR NRB-licensed bank education-loan sanction OR sponsor affidavit + sponsor income proof.

**Required documents:**

- Offer of Place from NZQA-approved institution (full course details + tuition breakdown)
- Receipt for tuition (or first-instalment payment) OR FTS guarantee from institution
- Health insurance policy for full visa duration (Studentsafe / Uni-Care or equivalent)
- Passport, photo, online application
- Genuine Intent statement (covers ties to Nepal, study rationale, post-study intent, course-job alignment)
- Academic transcripts (SLC/SEE + 10+2 + Bachelor's) with notarised English translations + character certificates
- English test report (IELTS 5.5+ Higher Ed / 6.0+ postgrad / 4.5+ pathway)
- Evidence of funds (bank statements 6+ months, fixed deposits, education-loan sanction letter from NRB-licensed bank, sponsor affidavit + sponsor income proof)
- Source-of-funds explanation (property valuation, business income tax returns, salary slips of sponsor)
- Nepal Police Clearance (apostilled by MoFA Nepal)
- Health examination via eMedical at panel doctor (IOM / Norvic / CIWEC)
- Statement of purpose / CV
- Work experience letters (if any) *(conditional)*
- Gap-year explanation (if applicable) *(conditional)*
- Spouse / dependants docs (marriage cert + birth certs translated) *(conditional)*
- ANY ONE income bundle for sponsor (only one needed)
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
- Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable) *(conditional)* — Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
- Latest Audit Report — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
- 2. Salary-Based Income *(conditional)* — Applicants who are employed must provide:
- Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
- Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements — Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
- 3. Pension Income *(conditional)* — Applicants receiving pension must submit:
- Pension Certificate (Pension Patta) — Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
- Company ID Card (if available) *(conditional)* — Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
- Recent Pension Bank Statement — Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
- Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank — On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
- 4. Rental Income *(conditional)* — Applicants earning rental income must provide:
- Land Ownership Certificate — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Genuine Intent assessment under section 49 of the Immigration Act 2009 — be specific and consistent across SOP, sponsor letter, and interview.
- Common refusal patterns: study gap inconsistency, weak sponsor income vs. course cost, course not aligned with prior study/work, low IELTS, agent-template statements.
- Work rights: 20 hours/week during term, unrestricted during scheduled breaks. Master's by research / PhD students have unrestricted work rights throughout.
- Education agents in Kathmandu (NZQA-recognised): IDP Nepal, AECC, NZ Education Consultants, Edwise.

### studentTrainee — Post-Study Work Visa

**Purpose:** Open work rights for graduates of NZ qualifications — any employer, any job, anywhere in NZ.
**Stay duration:** Level 4–6 non-degree: 1 year (only if Level 5 nursing or qualification on Green List). Level 7–10 degree: 3 years (Bachelor / Master's) or 3 years (PhD). One-time grant per qualification level.
**Validity:** Single grant per qualification level (limited replacement re-grant possible).
**Entries:** Multiple.
**Processing time:** 4–8 weeks.
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal (typically applied onshore from NZ within 3 months of course completion).
**Eligibility:** Held a Student Visa within last 3 months (offshore application from Nepal allowed only for select qualifications); completed NZQF Level 7+ qualification (or specific Level 4–6 in shortage areas); IELTS 6.0+ no band <5.5; police clearance; medical insurance for full visa period.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo
- Completion letter from institution + transcripts + testamur
- Police clearance from each country lived 12+ months in last 10 years (NZ + Nepal at minimum)
- Health insurance evidence
- English test (IELTS 6.0+ valid <2 years) — waived if studied at NZ Level 7+ in English *(conditional)*
- Evidence of NZ residential address
- CV

**Notes:**
- Only one Post-Study Work Visa per qualification level — second PSWV at higher level (e.g. PhD after Master's) is allowed.
- Common pathway: FPSV (Student) -> PSWV (Post-Study) -> AEWV (Accredited Employer Work) -> SMC Resident.
- Critical: post 27 June 2024, only NZQF Level 7+ degrees grant a 3-year PSWV; sub-degree courses (Levels 4–6) lost most PSWV access except for Green-List-aligned occupations.

### Work — Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

**Purpose:** Employer-sponsored skilled / semi-skilled work for an Immigration NZ–accredited employer in NZ. Replaced the old Essential Skills + Work-to-Residence + Talent (Accredited Employer) visas in July 2022.
**Stay duration:** ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 (Median Wage NZD 31.61/hr+): up to 5 years. Level 4–5 below-median-wage: up to 3 years with mandatory 90-day stand-down between consecutive grants.
**Validity:** Per employment agreement; renewable.
**Entries:** Multiple.
**Processing time:** 4–10 weeks (Job Check 10 working days + Migrant Check 4–8 weeks).
**How to apply:** Three-step: (1) Employer Accreditation, (2) Job Check, (3) Migrant Check — all via Immigration NZ portal. Migrant submits step 3 from Nepal with employer-issued JCN (Job Check Number).
**Eligibility:** Job offer from accredited employer (employer Job Check passed); ANZSCO-coded role at or above Median Wage (NZD 31.61/hr from 28 Feb 2025) OR Sector Agreement / Green List role; English (IELTS 4.0 / 5.0 / 6.5 depending on skill level); character (no convictions); health (chest X-ray + medical for 12+ month stays); 90-day stand-down rule for low-skill renewals.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo
- Job Check Number (JCN) from accredited employer
- Employment agreement signed by both parties (NZ Employment Agreements Act 2000–compliant)
- CV + qualifications (notarised English translations + WES / NZQA equivalency for non-NZ degrees)
- English test (IELTS 4.0 ANZSCO Level 4–5 / 5.0 Level 1–3 / 6.5 for some Green List)
- Skills/work-experience evidence (3+ years in role for ANZSCO Level 1–3, 2+ years for Level 4–5)
- Nepal Police Clearance + every country lived 12+ months in last 10 years
- eMedical at panel doctor (chest X-ray + full medical for 12+ month stays)
- Skills assessment for licensed occupations (NZRN nursing / NZTC teaching / engineer registration etc.) *(conditional)*
- Family declaration if including partner / dependent children *(conditional)*
- ANY ONE income bundle (for the migrant's settlement-funds proof)
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
- Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable) *(conditional)* — Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
- Latest Audit Report — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
- 2. Salary-Based Income *(conditional)* — Applicants who are employed must provide:
- Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
- Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements — Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
- 3. Pension Income *(conditional)* — Applicants receiving pension must submit:
- Pension Certificate (Pension Patta) — Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
- Company ID Card (if available) *(conditional)* — Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
- Recent Pension Bank Statement — Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
- Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank — On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
- 4. Rental Income *(conditional)* — Applicants earning rental income must provide:
- Land Ownership Certificate — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Working Holiday is unavailable for Nepalis — AEWV is the primary employer-sponsored work entry.
- Sector Agreements (care, construction, hospitality, meat-processing, seafood, seasonal-snow-and-adventure, tourism, transport) cap below-median-wage hires per industry.
- AEWV => Skilled Migrant Resident pathway: 24+ months on AEWV at median-wage level + 6 SMC points typically yields residence eligibility from late 2026 onward (post-Aug-2026 SMC reform).

### Multi-Entry — Specific Purpose Work Visa

**Purpose:** Short-term, narrowly-scoped work in NZ for a specific event, project, contract, or installation — without going through the full AEWV accreditation chain.
**Stay duration:** Up to 3 years (most grants 3–18 months tied to the project / event).
**Validity:** Single or multi-entry per project scope.
**Entries:** Single or Multiple.
**Processing time:** 4–8 weeks.
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal.
**Eligibility:** Sponsor letter from NZ host explaining specific purpose, duration, why the role cannot be filled by an NZ resident; relevant qualifications / experience; character + health; sufficient funds / employer-paid arrangement.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photo
- Sponsor / host letter from NZ entity (specific purpose + duration + funding)
- Project / event / contract documentation
- CV + qualifications
- Evidence why the role cannot be filled locally (Labour Market Test exemption justification)
- Police clearance + medical (if 12+ months)
- ANY ONE income bundle
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
- Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable) *(conditional)* — Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
- Latest Audit Report — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
- 2. Salary-Based Income *(conditional)* — Applicants who are employed must provide:
- Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
- Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements — Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
- 3. Pension Income *(conditional)* — Applicants receiving pension must submit:
- Pension Certificate (Pension Patta) — Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
- Company ID Card (if available) *(conditional)* — Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
- Recent Pension Bank Statement — Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
- Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank — On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
- 4. Rental Income *(conditional)* — Applicants earning rental income must provide:
- Land Ownership Certificate — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Useful for: NZ-based film / theatre productions, sports events, business installations, religious workers, chef-of-cuisine deployments, NGO postings.
- Religious-worker variant: requires sponsorship from registered NZ charity / church + stipend coverage.

### Family Visit — Partnership-Based Visa (Visitor / Work / Resident)

**Purpose:** Join a NZ-citizen / NZ-resident partner in NZ — visitor, work, or residence stream depending on relationship duration.
**Stay duration:** Visitor partnership: 6 months / 1 year. Work partnership: 1–3 years. Resident: indefinite (after 12 months living-together-stably).
**Validity:** Per stream; resident visa is permanent after Permanent Resident Visa upgrade (24 months).
**Entries:** Multiple.
**Processing time:** Visitor / Work 4–8 weeks; Resident 6–12 months.
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal; sponsor co-signs sponsorship form (INZ 1146).
**Eligibility:** Genuine + stable + exclusive partnership with NZ-citizen / NZ-resident sponsor; lived together 12+ months for resident stream (visitor / work streams have lower thresholds with proof); sponsor income / accommodation proof; sponsor undertaking; both parties' character and health.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photos (both partners)
- Marriage / civil-union certificate OR de-facto evidence (joint lease, joint bank account, joint utilities, photos, communication logs)
- Sponsor's NZ passport / PR / citizenship copy
- Sponsor income proof (last 3 payslips + tax return / IR3)
- Sponsor accommodation proof (lease / mortgage)
- Sponsorship Form (INZ 1146) signed by sponsor
- Statements describing relationship history (both parties)
- Evidence of co-habitation (12+ months for resident)
- Police clearance from each country lived 12+ months in last 10 years
- Medical (eMedical) + chest X-ray

**Notes:**
- Common refusal patterns: short relationship duration without strong evidence, large age gap without explanation, no co-habitation proof, sponsor on benefit / low income.
- Section 50 character provisions: prior visa refusal / overstayer history of either party is a major risk factor.

### Retirement — Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC)

**Purpose:** Permanent residence pathway for skilled workers — NZ's flagship economic-stream Resident Visa. Six-points framework since October 2023; further reforms August 2026.
**Stay duration:** Indefinite (Resident Visa); Permanent Resident Visa available after 24 months meeting commitment criteria.
**Validity:** Resident: 5 years travel conditions; PRV: lifetime travel rights.
**Entries:** Multiple.
**Processing time:** 6–12 months (priority for Green-List Tier-1 occupations: 4–6 months).
**How to apply:** Online via Immigration NZ portal — Expression of Interest (EOI) -> Invitation to Apply (ITA) -> Full application. Green-List Tier-1 (immediate residence) and Tier-2 (Work-to-Residence after 24 months) are direct pathways without EOI.
**Eligibility:** Score 6+ points from: NZ-recognised qualification (Level 7 = 3 / Level 8 = 4 / Level 9–10 = 5), NZ skilled work experience (1–3 yrs = 1–3 pts), professional registration (1 pt), income at 1.5×–3× median wage (2–6 pts). Aged 55 or younger. IELTS 6.5+ overall. Character + health.

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photos (principal + dependants)
- NZQA equivalency assessment (IQA) for qualifications obtained outside NZ
- Academic transcripts + degrees (notarised English translations + apostille)
- IELTS 6.5+ (no band <6.0) — valid <2 years
- Employment evidence (NZ + offshore work experience letters with role / dates / hours / pay)
- Professional registration (where applicable: NZRN nursing / NZTC teaching / engineer / etc.) *(conditional)*
- Skills / occupation match to ANZSCO code at correct skill level
- Police clearance from each country lived 12+ months in last 10 years
- eMedical (full medical + chest X-ray) for principal + each dependant
- Marriage cert + dependants' birth certs (translated + apostilled) *(conditional)*
- CV + Statement of Intent
- ANY ONE income bundle (settlement-funds proof, where Green-List Tier-1 not applicable) *(conditional)*
- Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application) — Important Notes: (1) All documents issued in Nepali language must be translated into English and notarised (certified by a notary public). (2) The applicant is required to provide documents for any ONE source of income only from the categories listed below.
- 1. Business Income *(conditional)* — Applicants involved in business must submit the following:
- PAN Certificate — Permanent Account Number certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Business Registration Certificate — Submit ONE of: (a) Company Registrar Certificate (for private/public limited companies), (b) Cottage / Small Industry (Gharelu) Registration, OR (c) Municipality / Ward (Wada) Registration Certificate.
- Additional Registration Certificates (if applicable) *(conditional)* — Sector-specific endorsements: (a) Tourism Board Registration for travel-related businesses, (b) Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) Registration for financial institutions, (c) Contractor License from Municipality / Ward Office.
- Latest Audit Report — Signed by a Nepal Chartered Accountants Institute (ICAN)–registered auditor, with company stamp.
- Tax Clearance Certificate — Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the latest fiscal year.
- 2. Salary-Based Income *(conditional)* — Applicants who are employed must provide:
- Salary Certificate / Salary Letter — On employer letterhead, signed and stamped — stating designation, joining date, monthly gross / net salary, and tenure.
- Leave Approval Letter — Confirming sanctioned leave dates covering the full trip plus a buffer; signed by HR / authorised signatory.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer — Confirming the employer has no objection to the trip and the applicant will return to duty after the leave window.
- Tax Clearance Certificate from IRD OR Tax Submission Letter from employer with tax statements — Either personal tax clearance from the Inland Revenue Department for the latest year, OR an employer letter confirming TDS deduction + remittance with attached employee tax statement.
- 3. Pension Income *(conditional)* — Applicants receiving pension must submit:
- Pension Certificate (Pension Patta) — Original Nijamati / armed-forces pension book issued by the Pension Management Office, plus copies of all entries.
- Company ID Card (if available) *(conditional)* — Photocopy of the former government / public-sector service ID card (front + back).
- Recent Pension Bank Statement — Last 3–6 months of pension-account transactions showing regular monthly pension credits — original, signed and stamped on every page.
- Pension Receiving Confirmation Letter from Bank — On bank letterhead, confirming the applicant's pension account, monthly credit amount, and account holder details.
- 4. Rental Income *(conditional)* — Applicants earning rental income must provide:
- Land Ownership Certificate — Original + copy of the Lalpurja (land title deed) for the rental-yielding land / property.
- Building Completion Certificate — Issued by the Municipality / Nagarpalika engineering office confirming the building is completed and fit for occupancy.
- Land and Building Tax Payment Certificate — Latest fiscal-year payment receipts from Municipality (Nagarpalika) and Ward (Wada) office (malpot / bhumi-ghar tax).

**Notes:**
- Green List Tier-1 occupations (e.g. ICT-Security-Specialist, Civil-Engineer, Specialist-Doctor) skip the EOI queue and go straight to residence — fastest pathway from Nepal.
- Green List Tier-2 (e.g. Registered-Nurse, Teachers, Construction-Project-Manager) require 24 months on AEWV first, then auto-eligibility.
- August 2026 reforms: the 6-points threshold tightens further; pre-Aug-2026 ITAs are processed under current rules.
- Must commit to NZ as primary place of residence — Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) granted after 24 months meeting either tax-residence, investment, business, or ongoing-employment commitment threshold.

### Diplomatic — Parent Resident Visa (Tier-1 Parent Category)

**Purpose:** Permanent residence for parents of NZ citizens / residents — Tier-1 priority queue (sponsor income above threshold) and Tier-2 ballot (lower income).
**Stay duration:** Indefinite (Resident Visa).
**Validity:** Resident: 5 years travel; PRV after 24 months committed-to-NZ.
**Entries:** Multiple.
**Processing time:** 12–24 months for Tier-1 selected EOIs; Tier-2 ballot draws every 6 months.
**How to apply:** EOI lodged online via Immigration NZ portal; Tier-1 by income -> ITA; Tier-2 by ballot -> ITA.
**Eligibility:** NZ-citizen / NZ-resident sponsor child meets income threshold (Tier-1: NZD 65,776/yr single sponsor, NZD 98,664 jointly; Tier-2: lower threshold + ballot luck); parent meets character + health (no chronic high-cost conditions).

**Required documents:**

- Passport, photos (parent + spouse if joint)
- Sponsor child's NZ passport / PR / citizenship copy
- Sponsor child's last 3 years income evidence (IR-3, employment letters, tax records)
- Birth certificate proving parent-child relationship (translated + apostilled)
- Marriage cert (parent + spouse) translated + apostilled *(conditional)*
- Sponsorship Form (INZ 1175) signed by sponsor
- Police clearance from each country lived 12+ months in last 10 years
- eMedical (full medical + chest X-ray)
- Acceptable Standard of Health threshold proof (no condition with NZD 41,000+ lifetime cost)

**Notes:**
- Income threshold revised annually each July — figures here reflect July-2025 schedule.
- Health screening is the most common refusal factor — high-cost conditions (cancer, advanced kidney disease, severe diabetes complications) frequently fail the Acceptable Standard of Health.
- Permanent Resident Visa upgrade after 24 months meeting commitment criteria.

## Important general notes

- Every Nepali-language document MUST be accompanied by a notary-certified English translation — embassies will reject untranslated originals. Use a Nepal Bar Council–registered translator and have each translation notarised by a Notary Public.
- Income proof for NZ visas: ANY ONE of the four Nepal-side income bundles is sufficient (Business OR Salary OR Pension OR Rental) — no need to submit all four. Pick the bundle that matches your active income source.
- Nepali ordinary passport holders MUST apply for a New Zealand visa. NZeTA (Electronic Travel Authority) is NOT available for Nepal — Nepal is not on the visa-waiver list of 60+ countries.
- All applications default to online via the Immigration NZ portal (immigration.govt.nz/account/login); biometrics and paper drop-offs at VFS Global NZ Kathmandu (Thamel).
- There is NO New Zealand embassy or consulate in Kathmandu. All Nepal-origin applications are adjudicated by the NZ High Commission in New Delhi (Chanakyapuri) — VFS Kathmandu is a logistics partner only.
- Health requirements: Nepal is on Immigration NZ's Tuberculosis-Higher-Incidence list — chest X-ray mandatory for any stay of 6+ months. Full medical (eMedical via NZ panel physicians) for stays of 12+ months. NZ panel doctors in Kathmandu: IOM Migration Health Assessment Centre (Baluwatar), Norvic International Hospital, CIWEC Clinic.
- English-language tests accepted: IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English C1/C2 Advanced, OET (health professions). Test centres in Kathmandu (Putalisadak, Maitighar, Kupondole) and Pokhara.
- International Visitor Levy (IVL) of NZD 100 is added on top of the visa fee for most Visitor / Student / Working visas — auto-charged at portal checkout. Used to fund tourism + conservation infrastructure.
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass equivalents 18–30 / 18–35) is NOT available for Nepalis — no bilateral arrangement with New Zealand. Pursue Student Visa -> Post-Study Work Visa -> AEWV -> Skilled Migrant Resident pathway instead.
- From 27 June 2024: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) tightened — minimum English requirement (IELTS 4.0 or 6 months equivalent skilled-work experience) for ANZSCO Level 4–5 roles, plus 90-day stand-down on consecutive low-skill renewals.
- From 26 August 2024: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 6-points framework — automatic-selection threshold raised to 6 points (was 4); Green List occupations gain Tier-1 (straight-to-residence) and Tier-2 (work-to-residence after 24 months) status.
- Always disclose prior visa refusals (any country) — non-disclosure constitutes character risk under section 16 of the Immigration Act 2009 and triggers a likely refusal + future-application flag.
- Nepal joined the Hague Apostille Convention on 14 March 2024 — Nepal-issued public documents apostilled by Nepal MoFA on/after that date are accepted by Immigration NZ without further legalisation.

## How to apply (4 steps)

1. **Confirm New Zealand visa eligibility** — Check that your Nepali passport qualifies for the visa type you need (tourist, business, transit, medical). Diplomatic / official passport holders may have different rules.
2. **Gather supporting documents** — Prepare: Nepali passport bio-page (3+ months validity beyond intended stay); Recent passport-size photo (45×35 mm, white background); Online Visitor Visa application (INZ 1188 equivalent) + form fees paid; Bank statements (last 6 months, NZD-equivalent of 1,000/month minimum); Confirmed return ticket (or funds to purchase one); Hotel bookings / accommodation proof for full stay.
3. **Submit at VFS Global New Zealand Visa Application Centre — Kathmandu** — Apply online via Immigration NZ portal (immigration.govt.nz/account/login); biometrics at VFS Kathmandu (Thamel) within 15 days of online lodgement.
4. **Track and collect** — Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks (Immigration NZ publishes 80% within 14 days for Nepal lodgements).. Yatra's concierge tracks your application and notifies you on each status change.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does a New Zealand tourist visa take to process for Nepali citizens?

2–3 weeks (Immigration NZ publishes 80% within 14 days for Nepal lodgements).

### What bank balance is required for a New Zealand visa?

NZD 1,000 per month of stay (or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid). Bank statements 3–6 months. Plus property / business / employment ties demonstrating intent to return to Nepal.

### How many days can Nepali citizens stay in New Zealand on a tourist visa?

6 months per visit (multiple-entry: 6 months in any 12-month period); single-entry up to 9 months over 18 months on case-officer discretion. (Visitor Visa — Tourist).

### Where do Nepali citizens apply for a New Zealand tourist visa?

Apply online via Immigration NZ portal (immigration.govt.nz/account/login); biometrics at VFS Kathmandu (Thamel) within 15 days of online lodgement.

### What documents are required for a New Zealand tourist visa from Nepal?

Required documents include: Nepali passport bio-page (3+ months validity beyond intended stay); Recent passport-size photo (45×35 mm, white background); Online Visitor Visa application (INZ 1188 equivalent) + form fees paid; Bank statements (last 6 months, NZD-equivalent of 1,000/month minimum); Confirmed return ticket (or funds to purchase one); Hotel bookings / accommodation proof for full stay; ANY ONE income bundle — Business / Salary / Pension / Rental (only one needed); Income Details & Supporting Documents (For Visa Application).

### Where is the New Zealand embassy in Nepal?

New Zealand High Commission — New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal) — Sir Edmund Hillary Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, India. Phone: +91 11 4688 3170.

### Can Nepali citizens apply for a New Zealand business visa?

Yes — Business Visitor Visa. Business meetings, negotiations, conferences, exhibitions, trade missions — no employment in NZ. Processing: 2–4 weeks..

### Is there an online portal to apply for a New Zealand visa?

Yes — apply online at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/account/login (Immigration NZ portal — universal online lodgement) · https://www.immigration.govt.nz (Immigration New Zealand) · https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/nzl (VFS Global NZ Nepal — paper applications + biometrics).

### How is the New Zealand visa fee paid?

Visa, MasterCard, AmEx online via Immigration NZ portal; cash NPR / card at VFS Thamel for paper submissions and biometric service fee.

### Can Yatra help with a New Zealand visa application?

Yes — Yatra provides end-to-end visa assistance for New Zealand including document preparation, appointment booking, application review, and a PNR-backed dummy ticket (NPR 999) when the embassy requires proof of onward travel.

## Sources

- https://www.immigration.govt.nz — Immigration New Zealand (official portal, all visa categories, online lodgement)
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/account/login — Immigration NZ application portal (universal online lodgement for Nepal applicants since 2018)
- https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/embassies/india — NZ High Commission New Delhi (consular jurisdiction over Nepal — there is no NZ embassy in Kathmandu)
- https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/south-asia/nepal — NZ MFAT Nepal country page
- https://visa.vfsglobal.com/npl/en/nzl — VFS Global New Zealand Visa Application Centre Kathmandu (Thamel, biometric collection + paper drop)
- NZ Immigration Act 2009 (consolidated 2024) + Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 — primary legislation
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework launched 4 July 2022 — replaced Essential Skills, Work-to-Residence, Talent (Accredited Employer)
- Skilled Migrant Category 6-points framework effective 9 October 2023; further August 2026 reforms (income-points re-weighting + Green-List Tier expansion)
- Median wage threshold NZD 31.61/hr effective 28 February 2025 (updated annually each February)
- International Visitor Levy (IVL) NZD 100 effective 1 October 2024 (raised from NZD 35) — applies on top of visa fee for most Visitor / Student / Working classes
- Nepal-NZ bilateral: no Working Holiday agreement; standard Visitor / Student / AEWV / SMC pathways apply
- Nepal joined the Hague Apostille Convention 14 March 2024 — Nepal-issued public documents apostilled by Nepal MoFA on/after that date are accepted by Immigration NZ

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*Yatra (https://yatraforfun.com) provides end-to-end visa assistance for Nepali citizens — document review, embassy submission, dummy ticket (NPR 999) when proof of onward travel is required.*