New Zealand has its own immigration system comprised of various rules and requirements for those wishing to travel to and stay in New Zealand.

Currently, Australian citizens travelling on Australian passports, and those who hold Australian permanent resident visas with valid Resident Return Visas, can travel to New Zealand and be granted residence visas on arrival. People travelling on non-Australian passports, including Australian citizens with dual nationality, must apply for and be granted a visa to be permitted to enter and remain in New Zealand for a specific purpose.

From 1 July 2019 (and compulsory from 01 October 2019), all passport holders will require an NZeTA prior to travel, with the exception of Australian citizens (travelling on an Australian passport) or those who are already holding a valid visa for New Zealand.

This is a significant change for Australian permanent resident visa holders, who will still have the right to reside permanently and unconditionally in New Zealand, however will have to apply for an NZeTA prior to travel. This has been introduced by the New Zealand Government as an additional form of security checking.

Some interesting facts and figures about New Zealand immigration that you may not have known….

·         1 in 4 people in New Zealand were born overseas;

·         New Zealand comes in second only to Ireland in terms of the number of citizens (relative to overall population) who are residing outside of New Zealand;

·         New Zealand has the largest temporary labour migration flows in the OECD, relative to population size.

Our adviser in New Zealand, Karen Justice, is happy to assist with any New Zealand visa query.

DISCLAIMER This information is current as of 27 June 2019 and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.