If you're an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, you get an Australian Resident Visa when you arrive in New Zealand. It's free, granted at the border, and lets you live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. You can't apply for it before you travel.
If you're in Australia on a temporary visa, it doesn't apply to you: you need a New Zealand visa like anyone else.
Checked on immigration.govt.nz on 28 October 2026.
Who gets a resident visa on arrival
| You are | What you get | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Australian citizen | Australian Resident Visa on arrival | A valid Australian passport, or a foreign passport endorsed with an Australian Declaratory Visa |
| Australian permanent resident | Australian Resident Visa on arrival | A valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa linked to your passport, and an NZeTA before you travel (no tourism levy) |
| Australian temporary resident (student, temporary skill shortage, bridging, working holiday…) | Not eligible | A New Zealand visa, such as an AEWV or a partnership visa |
You also have to meet INZ's character requirements: you answer character questions on your arrival card. A criminal conviction, a deportation or removal from another country, or being a security risk (including registered sex offenders and gang associates) can mean you're refused.
Where an adviser helps: if you have a criminal conviction, have been deported from anywhere, or your Australian visa was cancelled, don't assume the border visa will be granted. A licensed adviser or immigration lawyer can tell you whether to apply for a character waiver or a visa in advance, rather than risk being refused entry.
Travelling after you arrive
The Australian Resident Visa has travel conditions: if you leave New Zealand, it expires. Each time you come back as an Australian citizen or PR, you get a new one at the border.
That matters if you want to build towards permanent residence or citizenship, or to sponsor family. You can apply for a variation of travel conditions that lets you travel for up to 24 months without affecting your New Zealand residence, and after 2 years on a resident visa you may qualify for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Partners and family
- Your partner isn't covered by your Australian status unless they're an Australian citizen or PR themselves. They can apply for a partnership visa as the partner of a New Zealand resident. If your residence comes from being Australian, INZ needs you to be living in New Zealand for your partner's residence application. See partnership residence visa.
- Children who are Australian citizens or PRs get their own resident visa on arrival. Others need a dependent child visa.
Documents from Australia
If you, a partner or a family member applies for a New Zealand visa that needs police certificates, Australia's is the Australian Federal Police Police Certificate and Fingerprint Check, applied for through the AFP. See police certificates for a NZ visa. Australian birth, marriage and death certificates come from the registry in the state or territory where the event happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australian citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
You get an Australian Resident Visa at the New Zealand border. You don't apply in advance, and it's free.
Can Australian permanent residents live in New Zealand?
Yes. With a valid Australian Permanent Resident Visa or Resident Return Visa and an NZeTA, you get a resident visa on arrival that lets you live, work and study in New Zealand.
What happens to my New Zealand resident visa when I leave?
It expires when you leave, unless you've varied your travel conditions or hold a Permanent Resident Visa. As an Australian citizen or PR you get a new one when you come back.
I'm on an Australian temporary visa. Can I move to New Zealand?
Only with a New Zealand visa, for example an AEWV if you have a job offer from an accredited employer.
Can my non-Australian partner come with me?
Yes, through a New Zealand partnership visa, as the partner of a New Zealand resident. You'll need to show you live in New Zealand.
Getting help
Most Australians moving to New Zealand don't need an adviser. A licensed immigration adviser helps if you're on an Australian temporary visa, your partner needs a visa, you want to plan towards permanent residence or citizenship, or you have a character issue. If you've been refused entry or have a conviction, talk to an immigration lawyer or adviser before you travel.
Tell us your situation and we'll connect you with a licensed adviser or immigration lawyer. It's free to ask.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand, "Australian Resident Visa" and "Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa" (immigration.govt.nz), read 28 October 2026.