1. Main Visa and Work Permit Types

The table covers the principal types discussed in this guide and is not an exhaustive list of all New Zealand visa categories.

1. Short-Term Tourism and Business Visits

Business visitors may generally visit for a cumulative maximum of three months in a year and must limit their activities to permitted business purposes. Special rules allow visitors to perform certain remote work for an overseas employer or client, but these do not replace authorization to work for a New Zealand employer, serve local clients, or perform work that requires physical presence.

Whether an activity qualifies as a visit depends on the actual work performed, not merely the itinerary name or where salary is paid. Equipment installation, repairs, training, and on-site client services require particular confirmation as to whether work authorization or a specific exemption applies.

2. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV applies to foreign employees recruited by an accredited employer through an approved job check to work in a New Zealand position.

The applicant must have at least 30 hours of work per week from an accredited employer under an approved job check and must receive the market rate and statutory minimum wage. The applicant generally needs at least two years of relevant experience or an NZQCF Level 4 or higher qualification, unless a statutory exemption applies. ANZSCO or recognized NOL Level 3–5 roles must also meet the English-language requirement; Level 3 becomes subject to this requirement from June 1, 2026, with a transitional exemption for certain existing holders.

Most roles allow a maximum continuous stay of five years, while Level 4 or 5 roles generally allow three years, subject to skill, salary, application timing, and other conditions. After reaching the cumulative maximum, the person generally must remain outside New Zealand for 12 consecutive months before applying again. A change of employer, occupation, or location requires a Job Change, variation of conditions, or a new visa. Ending employment does not automatically convert the visa into an open work visa.

3. Specific Purpose Work Visa

This visa applies to a project with a defined purpose and end point, equipment installation or servicing, sports or entertainment, business activities, or another officially listed purpose.

The applicant must demonstrate the specific purpose or activity, the necessary skills or experience, the contract or invitation, and departure arrangements. The inviting party must describe the project, location, duration, and why the individual is needed. Some categories have additional experience, remuneration, or industry conditions.

The initial visa period is determined by the time needed to complete the purpose. Certain specific business activities may qualify for up to 12 months, and installation or servicing of specialized equipment supplied from overseas may qualify for up to three months; other categories follow their specific rules. After entry, the holder must not go beyond the approved purpose. An extension or a change of project, inviting party, or location generally requires reassessment or a new visa application. When the purpose ends, employment ends, or the visa expires, the holder should depart or first obtain a new status if eligible.

2. Entry, Dependants, and Other Arrangements

Visas, work approvals, and residence documents should correspond to the actual activities and to one another’s validity periods. Whether an AEWV holder’s partner and children can obtain corresponding visas depends on the role, salary, skill level, and family policy in force at the time; a family member’s visa eligibility and work rights must be assessed separately.

A Specific Purpose Work Visa does not automatically grant work rights to family members, who must apply according to their own visa eligibility. Study, transit, and other personal statuses must also satisfy their respective conditions. The principal applicant’s permit cannot be used directly as a family member’s entry or employment document.

3. Renewals, Changes, Termination, and Status Maintenance

4. How sailglobal Can Support You

If a company plans to send personnel to New Zealand for a business visit, local employment, a short-term project, or accompanying-family arrangements, sailglobal can help clarify the applicable pathway and application requirements based on the individual’s status, job duties, and travel arrangements.

Visa, work permit, and residence applications are independently reviewed by the relevant competent authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee an approval outcome or a fixed issuance date.