New Zealand (NZ)

Must be valid for the duration of your visa and planned stay. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and banks will require scans or certified copies. Australian citizens and permanent residents can enter without a visa under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement.

Most New Zealand visas are electronic (no sticker in passport). Keep the visa approval letter confirming your visa type, conditions and work entitlements. The main work visa in 2026 is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), requiring an offer from an INZ-accredited employer.

Required for family visa applications, school enrolment, citizenship applications and some identity verification processes. New Zealand is a Hague Apostille member; foreign birth certificates from Hague member countries require apostille plus certified English translation for non-English originals.

Required for partner visa applications (Partnership-based visas), joint INZ applications, Working for Families tax credit claims and banking. Foreign certificates from Hague member countries require apostille; de facto relationships may be evidenced by shared financial records, correspondence or statutory declarations.

Required for many residence and longer temporary visa applications. INZ typically requires police certificates from all countries where you have lived for 5+ years (or 12 months for some visa types) since turning 17. Police certificates should be recent (usually within 6 months of application). NZ Police issue their own criminal history report separately.

Required when INZ requests an immigration medical examination. Must be completed by an INZ-approved panel physician (eMedical panel doctor); the panel doctor submits results directly to INZ electronically. A chest X-ray may also be required depending on nationality and time spent in high TB-risk countries.

Core document for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Skilled Migrant Category, Essential Skills and other work-related visas. Also required for bank account opening, tenancy applications and IRD number registration.

Required for visa applications, employer vetting, and NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority) overseas qualification assessment. Certified copies of degree certificates and official transcripts are expected. NZQA assessment results are used for the Skilled Migrant Category points system and regulated professions. Documents from Hague member countries: apostille required.

A valid overseas driving licence allows driving in New Zealand for up to 12 months from the date of arrival (or until the foreign licence expires, whichever is sooner). After 12 months, obtain a NZ licence through Waka Kotahi (NZTA). If your licence is not in English, carry a certified English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP) at all times.

An Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number is required for employment payroll, bank accounts, KiwiSaver enrolment and tax returns. Apply online via myIR or in person at an IRD office after arrival. Your passport and proof of address are required; processing takes 8–10 working days.

New Zealand has strict biosecurity requirements for pet imports. Dogs and cats must have an MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) import permit, rabies vaccination records, a microchip, and — depending on origin country — treatment for specified parasites and a blood titre test. High-risk countries require longer pre-export preparation. Start the process 6+ months before travel.

Required for residence and longer-term visa applications to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. INZ does not publish a fixed minimum amount; typically 3–6 months of bank statements from the home-country bank are expected. Also required for tenancy applications and school enrolment.