New Zealand Visa for China Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to New Zealand as a Chinese citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Visitor Visa: required documents, NZD 441 fee, average processing time of 5 working days, and strategies for success. With an excellent 95% approval rate for Chinese applicants and over 240,000 visas issued in 2024, thorough preparation ensures a smooth application process.

Visa Application process

Chinese citizens must apply for the Visitor Visa online through Immigration New Zealand’s portal.1 There is no option to apply directly at an embassy or consulate.

Gather Your Documents

Before starting your application, collect all required documents. Chinese applicants have specific requirements including the supplementary INZ 1220 form.2 • Valid passport with 3+ months validity • Chinese ID card copy (front and back) • Household registration (hukou) copy • Recent passport photo • Financial evidence showing NZD 1,000+ per month • Employment or education letter • Travel itinerary and accommodation details • Evidence of ties to China • INZ 1220 Supplementary Form

Prepare English Translations

All documents in Chinese must be accompanied by English translations.2 As of 2025, certified translations are no longer required for Chinese visitor visa applicants, simplifying the process.4

Create an Account and Apply Online

Register at apply.immigration.govt.nz to create your account.1 Complete the Visitor Visa application form, entering your identity details exactly as they appear in your passport.

Upload Supporting Documents

Attach all required documents as clear digital scans or photographs. Documents must be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format. Include both original Chinese documents and their English translations.

Pay the Application Fee

The fee of NZD 441 is payable online via credit card, debit card, or other accepted methods.1 This fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Wait for Processing

You will receive a confirmation of your application submission. Processing typically takes 5 working days for Chinese applicants, with 80% of applications decided within 2 weeks.25

Receive Decision

If approved, you will receive an eVisa linked to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker. Print a copy of your eVisa to carry while traveling.

Visa Application Steps

1. Gather Your Documents
2. Prepare English Translations
3. Create an Account and Apply Online
4. Upload Supporting Documents
5. Pay the Application Fee
6. Wait for Processing
7. Receive Decision
Steps after refusal:

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	Visitor Visa application: NZD 441	International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD 100	Chest X-ray (if required): Varies by clinic	Police clearance (if required): Varies	Document translation: Varies	The NZD 441 fee applies whether you receive a 6-month or 9-month visa.1 Payment is non-refundable even if your application is declined. The IVL is typically included in your application fee.

What you need to prove

Immigration New Zealand assesses whether you are a genuine temporary visitor, known as a “bona fide” applicant. Case officers must be satisfied that you:

Have genuine reasons: Your purpose for visiting is legitimate tourism, visiting family, or attending events
Will leave New Zealand: You have strong reasons to return to China and will not overstay
Have adequate funds: You can support yourself without working, with at least NZD 1,000 per month
Meet character requirements: You have no serious criminal history
Meet health requirements: You do not pose a health risk

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Application
Supplementary Form for Chinese Applicants
Passport-Sized Photograph
Financial Evidence
Travel Plans
Employment Evidence
Household Registration (Hukou)
Chinese ID Card
Ties to Home Country

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure from New Zealand • At least 3 months validity beyond your intended departure date; • At least one blank page for visa purposes; • Must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Apply for passport renewal if validity is close to expiringInclude copies of old passports showing previous travel history)

Online Application

Complete the visa application online through Immigration New Zealand's portal • Create an account at apply.immigration.govt.nz; • Select Visitor Visa; • Complete all sections accurately; • Upload supporting documents; • Pay the application fee online] (Tip: Save your application and complete it in multiple sessions if neededEnter identity details exactly as they appear in your passport)

Supplementary Form for Chinese Applicants

Additional form required specifically for applicants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau • INZ 1220 Supplementary Form; • Provides additional background information; • Must be completed in addition to main application] (Tip: Download from the Immigration New Zealand websiteComplete all sections thoroughly and honestly)

Passport-Sized Photograph

Recent passport-sized photograph meeting New Zealand specifications • Taken within the last 6 months; • White background; • Face clearly visible without shadows; • Digital upload required for online applications] (Tip: Ensure photo meets exact specifications to avoid delaysNo glasses in the photograph)

Financial Evidence

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in New Zealand: at least NZD 1,000 per month, or NZD 400 per month if accommodation is prepaid • Recent bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Account holder name must match passport; • Include savings accounts and fixed deposits] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateNZD 1,000 per month minimum, plus return flight fundsIf accommodation is prepaid, provide proof and NZD 400 per month is acceptable)

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities, accommodation, and travel within New Zealand • Day-by-day itinerary of planned activities; • Accommodation bookings or arrangements; • Return or onward flight details] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHotel reservations with free cancellation are sufficientBe realistic about travel distances in New Zealand)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status, income, and approved leave • Letter from employer on company letterhead with official stamp; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Company registration details and contact information] (Tip: Self-employed applicants should provide business registration and recent tax documentsStudents should get a letter from their institution confirming enrollmentRetirees should provide pension certificate)

Household Registration (Hukou)

Copy of your household registration booklet • All pages including your personal information page; • Must show current registration status; • Clear, legible photocopy of all relevant pages] (Tip: If your hukou is not in your current city of residence, explain in your applicationEnglish translation required)

Chinese ID Card

Copy of your Chinese resident identity card • Copy of both front and back; • Must be valid and not expired] (Tip: Ensure the copy is clear and all information is readable)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to China after your visit • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing dependents; • Ongoing business or employment commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: Stronger ties significantly reduce refusal riskInclude evidence of family members staying in China)

Optional documents

Cover Letter

A personal statement explaining your visit purpose, itinerary, and ties to China • State the purpose of your visit clearly; • Outline your travel itinerary; • Explain your ties to China; • Mention who is funding your trip] (Tip: Keep it concise: 1 to 2 pages maximumAddress any potential concerns proactively)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay • Coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation; • Valid for entire duration of stay] (Tip: While not mandatory, Immigration New Zealand recommends full medical insuranceNew Zealand healthcare is expensive for visitors)

Invitation Letter

Letter from your host in New Zealand inviting you to stay with them • Host's full name and address in New Zealand; • Their relationship to you; • Their New Zealand visa status or citizenship; • Details of accommodation being provided] (Tip: Include a copy of the host's New Zealand visa or passportHost may need to provide their sharing ID for online applications)

Sponsorship Form

Completed Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry if you have a sponsor • Form INZ 1025; • Sponsor's recent bank statements; • Sponsor's employment agreement or pay slips; • Proof of sponsor's accommodation ownership or rental] (Tip: Sponsor must show sufficient funds to support you during your staySponsor is responsible for you while in New Zealand)

Chest X-Ray Certificate

Chest X-ray certificate from an approved panel physician • Must be from an Immigration New Zealand approved physician; • Certificate must be less than 3 months old; • Required for stays over 6 months] (Tip: Immigration New Zealand will notify you if requiredFind approved physicians on the INZ website)

Police Clearance Certificate

Police certificate from China and any other country you have lived in for 5+ years since age 17 • Must be less than 6 months old when submitted; • From each country you are a citizen of; • From countries where you lived 5+ years since age 17] (Tip: Not typically required for short tourist visitsImmigration will request if needed during processing)

Alternative visa options

From November 2025, Chinese passport holders traveling from Australia can enter New Zealand without a Visitor Visa if they hold a valid Australian visa.34
Requirements:
Valid Chinese passport
Valid Australian visa (not bridging visa)
Flying directly from Australia to New Zealand
Stay of up to 3 months
How it works:
Apply for an NZeTA online (NZD 17)
Processing typically takes 24-72 hours
Valid for multiple entries over 2 years
Each stay limited to 3 months
This is a 12-month trial program designed to boost tourism and simplify travel between Australia and New Zealand for Chinese visitors.3 If you are not traveling from Australia or do not hold a valid Australian visa, you must still apply for a Visitor Visa.

Comparison

Service	Cost
Visitor Visa application	NZD 441
International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)	NZD 100
Chest X-ray (if required)	Varies by clinic
Police clearance (if required)	Varies
Document translation	Varies

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
30%	Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
25%	Weak Financial Evidence
20%	Insufficient Ties to Home Country
15%	Unclear Travel Intentions
5%	False or Misleading Information
5%	Health or Character Concerns

30% - Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all documents against the official INZ checklist for China. Ensure names, dates, and amounts match across all documents. Submit certified English translations of all Chinese documents.

25% - Weak Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 3 to 6 months of bank statements with consistent income and stable balance. Minimum NZD 1,000 per month of stay plus return flight costs. Avoid large unexplained deposits before applying.

20% - Insufficient Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Provide employment letters showing tenure, property ownership documents, family certificates showing dependents in China, or enrollment in ongoing education. Demonstrate clear reasons to return home.

15% - Unclear Travel Intentions

How to avoid: Provide a detailed day-by-day itinerary with specific destinations. Include hotel bookings (refundable is fine) and return flight reservations. Write a clear cover letter explaining your trip purpose.

5% - False or Misleading Information

How to avoid: Be completely honest in all aspects of your application. Declare previous visa refusals to any country. Submit only genuine documents with accurate information.

5% - Health or Character Concerns

How to avoid: Disclose any criminal history honestly. Provide court documents showing charges were resolved. For health concerns, get medical clearance before applying if you have pre-existing conditions.

Frequently asked questions

Do Chinese citizens need a visa to visit New Zealand?

Yes. Chinese passport holders must apply for a Visitor Visa before traveling to New Zealand. However, from November 2026, Chinese citizens with a valid Australian visa can enter New Zealand from Australia using an NZeTA instead.

How long can I stay in New Zealand on a tourist visa?

You can stay for up to 6 months on a multiple-entry visa, or up to 9 months on a single-entry visa. The multiple-entry visa is valid for up to 5 years, allowing visits totaling 6 months per year.

What is the New Zealand tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens?

The application fee for the Visitor Visa is NZD 441 (approximately CNY 1,950 or USD 254). This fee is non-refundable even if your application is declined.

How long does New Zealand visa processing take from China?

50% of applications are processed within about 1 week, and 80% within about 2 weeks. The average processing time for Chinese applicants is currently 5 working days.

What is the approval rate for Chinese applicants?

Approximately 95% of Chinese visitor visa applications are approved, with a rejection rate of only 3-5%. Over 240,000 visitor visas were issued to Chinese nationals in 2024.

How much money do I need in my bank account?

You must show at least NZD 1,000 per month of intended stay, or NZD 400 per month if you have prepaid accommodation. This is in addition to funds for return flights.

Can I work on a New Zealand tourist visa?

No. You cannot work in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa. However, you may work remotely for an employer or client based outside New Zealand. If you want to work locally, you need a separate work visa.

Can I study on a New Zealand tourist visa?

You can study for up to 3 months on a Visitor Visa. For longer courses, you need to apply for a Student Visa.

What is the NZeTA option for Chinese travelers?

From November 2026, Chinese passport holders traveling from Australia with a valid Australian visa can enter New Zealand for up to 3 months using an NZeTA (NZD 17, 24-72 hours processing) instead of a Visitor Visa. This is a 12-month trial program.

Do I need English translations of my documents?

Yes. All documents not in English must be accompanied by English translations. As of 2026, Immigration New Zealand has removed the requirement for certified translations for visitor visa applicants from China, making the process simpler.

What happens if my New Zealand visa is refused?

You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns in your refusal letter. There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure your circumstances or documentation have improved. Some decisions may be reconsidered within 14 days of the decision.

Can I extend my New Zealand tourist visa?

You can apply for a new Visitor Visa while in New Zealand before your current visa expires. Extensions are not automatic and you must continue to meet all requirements. The maximum stay is 9 months in any 18-month period.

Apply for New Zealand tourist visa online

Sources

Immigration New Zealand - Visitor Visa

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/visitor-visa

Immigration New Zealand - Visitor Visa Guide for Chinese Citizens

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-help-to-applicants/visitor-visa-application-guide-for-citizens-of-china

New Zealand Government - Welcoming More Visitors from China

https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/welcoming-more-visitors-china

Immigration New Zealand - Changes to Welcome Visitors from China

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/changes-to-welcome-visitors-from-china

BYATA Immigration Tourism Update - Visa Statistics

http://www.byata.org.nz/assets/_site_/downloads/Immigration_Tourism_Update

At a glance