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Why do I need to apply for a visa?

In most cases, a visa is required if you wish to work, study or permanently live in New Zealand. You may need to apply for a visitor visa if you intend to stay temporarily in New Zealand, but you don't intend to study or work.

If your home country is on our visa-waiver list, you can enter New Zealand as a visitor without a visa, depending on how long you want to stay. If you are not from a visa-waiver country you will need a visa.

There are a number of visa options available for people who wish to enter New Zealand. For more information about what visa would best suit your individual circumstances please refer to Visa Options.

This answer was last updated on 11 July, 2012.

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