Hong Kong is included on the list of countries whose nationals do not need to apply for a visa for short-term stays. However, certain visa formalities have to be completed, in the sense that Hong Kong nationals must hold a valid electronic travel authority (ETA) in order to immigrate to New Zealand from Hong Kong.
The New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is not a visa, as it can be obtained online, following very simple steps, but it is a mandatory document for those who do not have to apply for a short-term stay visa. However, other basic requirements must be met even in the case of those who migrate to New Zealand visa free.
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Relocate to New Zealand from Hong Kong for short-term stays
Short-term stays are arrivals in the country that have a maximum duration of 90 days in a 180 days period. They impose simpler immigration formalities even in the case of those who need a short-term visa stay, as they do not include additional steps, such as is the application for residency in New Zealand (mandatory for stays longer than 90 days).
Persons who move to New Zealand from Hong Kong for short stays must apply for the NZeTA, as mentioned above and, besides this obligation, they need to make the proof of the following basic conditions, which are imposed in accordance with the rules for immigration in New Zealand:
- one can immigrate to New Zealand from Hong Kong when the passport validity is of 3 months beyond the date of departure from this country;
- it is also necessary to have sufficient financial resources – NZD 1,000 per month is the minimum requirement;
- the duration of the stay is maximum 3 months and it can’t be prolonged.
Because of this, the person who arrives here must also show the return ticket back to Hong Kong or to another travel destination where the foreigner intends to travel and has the right of entry. Please know that the application process, even for the NZeTA, must be initiated outside New Zealand, prior to the arrival.
If you need assistance on the processing of your application, our immigration lawyer in New Zealand can offer the necessary support. You can also rely on us for assistance on long-term stays visa application.
Visa for Hong Kong nationals
The only visa that is designed solely for the nationals of Hong Kong is the work holiday visa, known as the Hong Kong SAR Working Holiday Visa. The law on immigration to New Zealand provides for 45 different working holiday visas, for 45 nationalities.
The program offers similar conditions, but they can vary on case-to-case basis, on matters such as age, duration of the stay, nationality requirements, quota, etc. For instance, in the case of those who relocate to New Zealand from Hong Kong, it is allowed to participate in the program as a permanent resident of Hong Kong, not as a citizen, which is the standard requirement for the majority of the countries.
Citizenship requirements apply for those who immigrate from USA to New Zealand, to those from Sweden, Mexico, Korea, Portugal, etc. However, for Kong Kong, permanent residency requirements are the standard, because Hong Kong does not have its own citizenship, but it can issue its own passport (available only for permanent residents). Thus, permanent residents can immigrate to New Zealand under the following circumstances:
• age (18-30 years old);
• duration of stay (maximum 12 months);
• visa fee payment (NZD 420);
• quota (only 400 visas are awarded per year to those who move to New Zealand from Hong Kong).
The application for this visa is made online, and this rule applies to the majority of visas issued by the New Zealand officials. However, for most visas, the applications are initiated at the local embassies and consulates working in the country or in its vicinity. For Hong Kong, foreigners can address the Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai centers, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
For more information on how to migrate to New Zealand from Hong Kong, please contact our immigration lawyer. Our team has the necessary legal expertise to assist in business relocation, work, family reunification and any other reasons you may have for immigration to New Zealand.
