Travelling to New Zealand on business
Knowledge base articles
- Providing full birth certificates with applications
- I'm coming to New Zealand to participate in a sports event. What visa do I need?
- Are there any special rules for Australian citizens and residents?
- Travelling to New Zealand on business
- I am visiting New Zealand but would like to do some fruit picking - is this allowed?
- Can I come to New Zealand to volunteer or volunteer once I am in New Zealand?
- Skilled Migrant Category - removal of section 49(1) conditions
- What is an 'open work visa', and how do I get one?
- How can I report someone to the immigration authorities?
- Can I apply for a Working Holiday visa while in New Zealand?
- Do I need to submit any documents with my Expression of Interest?
- Do we have to be married to qualify under the partnership instructions?
- Who can apply for a visa using Immigration Online?
- My country is not on the list of working holiday schemes
- How do I apply online for a Working Holiday?
- What information can the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) release to an LIA or a lawyer?
- If I get a resident visa, how long do I have to move to New Zealand?
- What can be used as evidence of residence status?
- Will I be eligible for a further student visa if I was absent from class due to illness?
- What is the visa status of a child born in New Zealand?
- Can I add my newborn child to my existing visa application?
- What can be used as evidence of work experience?
- How long will my student visa be valid for, if granted?
- I filled out my working holiday visa application a while ago, but now the form has disappeared. What should I do?
- Will I lose my New Zealand residence status if I travel abroad?
- What Fiji travel documents will Immigration New Zealand Suva Branch accept?
- How do I start an online Expression of Interest and submit it?
- I can't save details into my Expression of Interest
- Can a visa be prioritised?
- Information for visitors travelling without a visa
- I hold two passports. Which one should I travel on?
- Can I use an old application form?
- How do I obtain a New Zealand passport or citizenship?
- Can I enter New Zealand on a one-way ticket?
- How do I get a New Zealand passport?
- Information on DNA testing
- Options for Religious Workers
- I am a Tour Guide coming to New Zealand with a Tour Group
- My resident visa application is still in process but my temporary visa will expire soon.
- Can I travel to New Zealand as a visitor, and apply for residence from there?
- Can I look after a child in New Zealand who has a student visa?
Check if you need a Business Visitor Visa
Visitors coming to New Zealand for less than 3 months may be granted a Business Visitor Visa for any of the following reasons:
- to carry out an official trade mission recognised by the New Zealand government
- to sell goods and services in New Zealand
- to buy New Zealand goods and services
- to negotiate or discuss the set-up, expansion or wind-up of a business in New Zealand
- to carry out any business with the authorised representatives of an overseas company, body or person
Check if you apply for a Business Visitor Visa before you travel to New Zealand
You do not need to apply for a Business Visitor Visa before you travel if:
- You have not already exceeded the maximum stay as a business visitor of 3 months in a calendar year (looking at the 12 months immediately before your planned travel to New Zealand), and
- You are a citizen of one of the countries listed on our visa waiver list.
You will still need to meet the requirements for visitors from visa waiver countries, including holding an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
If you do not meet the above visa waiver conditions to enter visa-free, you will need to apply for a Business Visitor Visa before you travel.
If your proposed trip means you will exceed the 3-month stay allowed on a Business Visitor Visa, you can consider the Specific Purpose Work Visa instead.
APEC Business Card
If you are a national of an APEC country, travelling on business, you may be able to access streamlined travel processes.
APEC Business Travel Card to visit New Zealand
Attending a conference in New Zealand
Conference organisers may be able to advise delegates on the application process and any required supporting information.
When applying online for your visitor visa you must select the correct purpose of your visit on the online form to ensure you apply for the appropriate visa.
If you are:
- attending a conference in New Zealand, select the purpose 'To attend a conference or convention'
- organising or presenting at a conference in New Zealand, select the purpose 'As a participant in a conference or convention'.
You should include the conference invitation to support your application, or carry it with you if you are eligible for visa waiver travel.
To see whether you are eligible to travel to New Zealand under the visa waiver programme, check the factsheet:
If you are eligible for visa waiver travel, you will also need an NZeTA to travel to New Zealand.
You must apply for a visa before you travel if you are not eligible under the visa waiver programme to travel to New Zealand. Check the visa factsheet for information on the Business Visitor Visa application process and requirements: