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New Zealand Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens need a New Zealand Visitor visa (subclass 600) for tourism or visiting family; apply online via https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas; typical processing 20–35 working days; visa fee around NZD 245.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from New Zealand.
  • Specific forms: Online visa application via MyImmiAccount (no DS-160 or VAF1A for NZ).
  • Financial proof: Bank statements for last 3 months showing funds to cover your stay; recommended funds: NZD 4,000–5,000 per month of stay plus return airfare.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Evidence of confirmed accommodation for the duration of your stay or an invitation letter; a travel itinerary; return or onward travel tickets.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport photos sized 35x45 mm with a plain white background; for digital submissions, a jpeg photo meeting the same specs (600x600 px minimum).
  • Biometrics: Yes. Biometrics are required and will be collected at a New Zealand Visa Application Centre in China (eg Beijing or Shanghai) or at an authorised partner.
  • Travel health insurance: Not required to grant the visa but highly recommended.

Visa types

  • Visitor visa (subclass 600) — Tourism or Visiting family; official name: Visitor visa (subclass 600);
  • Validity: Up to 12 months from grant; length of stay per visit typically up to 9 months; entry: usually multiple entries but some cases single entry; approximate fee: NZD 245.
  • Business Visitor (within subclass 600) — Business activities during a short stay; same visa subclass; same entry pattern; approximate fee: NZD 245.
  • Student visa (subclass 500) — For full-time study; validity: course length plus allowances for early arrival and slight extension; entry: single or multiple depending on approval; approximate fee: NZD 490.
  • Essential Skills Work visa — For temporary work; validity: up to 3 years depending on job offer; entry: multiple entries; approximate fee: NZD 540.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Start at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas; create a MyImmiAccount; complete the online application form; upload required documents; pay the visa application fee; submit biometrics if required; wait for a decision; an electronic visa (eVisa) will be issued linked to your passport if approved.
  • Processing time: Typical processing is 20–35 working days after submission; decisions may take longer during peak periods; you can check status in MyImmiAccount.
  • How approval arrives: You will receive a visa grant notice electronically; there is no passport sticker for NZ visas, the status is recorded electronically.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee (NZD): Visitor visa NZD 245; Student visa NZD 490; Essential Skills Work visa NZD 540; approximate USD equivalents: ~USD 150, 310, 340 respectively.
  • Other charges: Some local visa application centres may levy service fees; check the local centre page for exact service charges.
  • Total cost estimate: Visa fee plus any biometrics and courier costs if applicable; estimate: NZD 245–540 depending on visa type.
  • Standard processing time: 20–35 working days for most Visitor visa cases; longer for Student or Work visas depending on documents.
  • Express/priority option: Some visa types may offer priority processing for an additional fee where available.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: Start the application at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date; allow extra time during peak seasons.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: Insufficient funds or unstable financial ties; lack of strong ties to return home; inadequate or inconsistent travel itinerary; missing or unclear documentation; misrepresentation or errors in the application.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: NZ visa applications for China are typically processed online via MyImmiAccount; biometrics may be collected at a NZ VAC in China as required; there is no standard face-to-face embassy interview for all cases.
  • Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the NZ government travel advisories and your own airline/border updates prior to travel; ensure you are aware of any visa policy changes.
  • Extension options inside New Zealand: If you are in NZ on a visa and wish to stay longer, you may apply for a visa extension or switch to another visa category from within NZ if you meet criteria.
  • For consular assistance and country-specific inquiries, see the New Zealand Embassy/Consulate information page at https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.