Turkish citizens moving to New Zealand
Turkish nationals typically move to New Zealand through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), so check each route below for its primary source.
We cover 7 New Zealand routes — 5 can be started without a job offer, and 3 lead to permanent residence.
Tourist entry
No. Turkish nationals require a visa to enter New Zealand, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Treaty & bilateral memberships
No nationality-specific treaty routes apply.
Consular processing: a New Zealand consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
What this means for Turkish citizens
Of the 7 New Zealand routes we cover, 5 can be started without an employer sponsor and 3 can lead to permanent residence. Expect a language test or qualification-recognition step, since language alignment is only partial.
All New Zealand routes open to Turkish applicants
General routes available to all nationalities. Click any to read the full guide.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Points-based residence visa for skilled workers — New Zealand's primary pathway to permanent residence for skilled migrants.
No job offer needed · Leads to permanent residence
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa — New Zealand's main route for skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited employer.
Job offer required · Temporary
Working Holiday Visa
Temporary visa for young people (18–30 or 18–35) from partner countries to work, travel, and study in New Zealand.
No job offer needed · Temporary
Post-Study Work Visa
Open work visa for international graduates of eligible New Zealand qualifications — 1 to 3 years depending on qualification level and location.
No job offer needed · Temporary
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Residence visa for partners (married, civil union, or de facto) of New Zealand citizens or residents.
No job offer needed · Leads to permanent residence
Active Investor Plus Visa
Residence visa for investors committing at least NZD 5 million in acceptable NZ investments over 4 years.
No job offer needed · Leads to permanent residence
Student Visa
Visa for international students studying full-time at approved New Zealand education providers.
Job offer required · Temporary
Frequently asked questions
Can Turkish citizens enter New Zealand without a visa?+
No. Turkish nationals require a visa to enter New Zealand, even for short tourism. A separate residence or work route is required for long-term stay.
Which New Zealand visa routes are best suited to Turkish applicants?+
Turkish nationals typically move to New Zealand through its standard work, study, family, and skilled-migration routes rather than through a dedicated bilateral scheme. Eligibility and processing times are set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), so check each route below for its primary source.
Where do Turkish applicants typically apply for a New Zealand visa?+
Applications are typically processed at a New Zealand consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Some digital and in-country applications can be filed directly with New Zealand's immigration authority without a consular visit.
Do Turkish citizens need a job offer to move to New Zealand?+
Not necessarily. 5 of the 7 New Zealand routes we cover can be started without an employer sponsor, while the rest need a sponsoring employer or job offer. If you do not have an offer yet, the no-sponsor routes are the place to start.
Can Turkish citizens get permanent residence in New Zealand?+
Yes. 3 of the 7 New Zealand routes we cover lead toward settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Timelines vary by route, so check the settlement detail on each visa page.