How to bring your children to New Zealand

Understanding Child Visa Options in New Zealand

When you want to bring your children to New Zealand, they typically need their own visa. Children cannot automatically be included on a parent's visa application. The type of visa your children need depends on why you're moving and what visa you're getting.

If you're moving to New Zealand on a work visa, student visa, or residence visa, your children will need to apply for dependent child visas. These visas allow children to join parents who are already in New Zealand or arriving together.

Who Counts as a Dependent Child

Generally, dependent children in New Zealand are:

• Under 24 years old
• Living with and primarily dependent on you
• Not married or in a civil partnership
• Not supporting their own children

Some children over 24 may qualify if they have disabilities or special circumstances, but this is less common. Each case is assessed individually.

How to Apply for Your Children's Visas

The process usually works like this:

• You apply for your own visa first (work, student, residence, or partnership visa)
• Once approved, you can include your children in your application or have them apply separately
• Children need their own complete visa applications with supporting documents
• Processing times vary depending on your location and visa type

Your children will need birth certificates, passports, school records, and police clearances (for older children). Each child must have a valid passport before they can get a New Zealand visa.

Meeting Health and Character Requirements

New Zealand has strict health and character requirements for all visa applicants, including children. Your children will likely need:

• Medical examinations from approved doctors
• Chest X-rays (depending on age and country of origin)
• Police certificates or character references
• Proof of vaccinations in some cases

Babies and very young children may have reduced health requirements, but this varies.

Important Considerations Before Moving

Think about these practical points:

• Your children's education—research schools in your area before arriving
• Whether they can join immediately or need to stay behind temporarily
• Costs for visa applications, medical exams, and travel
• Support networks and family arrangements
• Your children's age and how the move will affect them

Where to Get Help

Check the official New Zealand Immigration website (immigration.govt.nz) for current requirements, forms, and fees. Processing times and requirements change frequently, so always verify information directly from the government source.

Consider hiring a licensed immigration adviser if your situation is complex—for example, if children have different parents or if there are custody arrangements to manage.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.