New Zealand visa fees and government costs in 2026

Understanding New Zealand Visa Fees

Visa costs in New Zealand vary widely depending on your visa type and personal situation. Whether you're visiting, working, or moving permanently, the government charges fees to process your application. These fees help cover the cost of reviewing your documents, background checks, and medical examinations. It's important to budget for these costs before you apply.

Types of Visas and Their Costs

New Zealand offers many visa categories, and each has different fee structures:

• Visitor visas – typically lower costs for short-term tourism or business visits
• Work visas – higher fees reflecting longer processing and more detailed checks
• Student visas – moderate fees for full-time study programs
• Residence visas – the most expensive option for permanent migration
• Essential skills or specialist visas – fees vary by skill level and employer sponsorship

Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Fee

The visa application fee is just one part of your total cost. You may also need to pay for:

• Health checks and medical exams – required for most longer-stay visas
• Character certificates – police clearances from your home country
• Translation and certification of documents in non-English languages
• Migration agent fees – if you hire a professional to help with your application
• Priority processing – optional add-ons if you need your decision faster

How to Find Current Fee Information

Visa fees change regularly, so you must check the official New Zealand Immigration website before applying. The government publishes a complete fee schedule showing exact costs for each visa type. Never rely on outdated information from blogs or forums.

Visit the official website to:

• Download the current fee schedule
• See if your visa category qualifies for any discounts
• Understand payment methods and currency options
• Check for fee waivers or reductions based on your situation

Payment Methods

New Zealand Immigration accepts several ways to pay your visa fee:

• Online credit and debit cards (most common)
• Bank transfers from overseas
• Payments through migration agents
• In-person payments at selected locations

Planning Your Budget

Before you apply, create a checklist of all costs:

1. Visa application fee

2. Health and medical tests

3. Police certificates and document verification

4. Translation services (if needed)

5. Any professional help you might need

Add a buffer for unexpected costs or additional information requests from the immigration department.

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