New Zealand•OceaniaDomestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa
At a Glance
1 month
NZD $1,355
Same duration as your employer's diplomatic, consular or official visa
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Work visa for private domestic staff of diplomatic, consular or official personnel posted to New Zealand, requiring MFAT support.
The Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa lets private household workers — cooks, nannies, drivers, gardeners — accompany a diplomatic, consular, or official staff member posted to New Zealand. It is administered by Immigration New Zealand under Work Instructions WI4 and requires Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) support.
Applicants must be 18 or older and employed solely for domestic work. The employer signs a Statement of Undertaking covering accommodation, living costs, and return travel. The fee is NZD $1,355; processing takes around 9.5 weeks for 80% of applications. The visa is granted for the same duration as the employer's posting, and partners or dependent children cannot be included.
This visa is ideal for a long-serving private household employee — nanny, cook, driver — recruited directly by a diplomat posted to New Zealand.
Cost Breakdown
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Aged 18 or older
Employed only for domestic work (e.g. cook, nanny, driver, gardener)
Employer signs a Statement of Undertaking covering accommodation, living costs and return travel
Applicant signs a Declaration of Acceptance acknowledging employment conditions
MFAT Protocol Division must not object to the visa
Passport valid at least 3 months beyond planned departure from New Zealand
Police certificates required if total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits
Cannot be in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa when applying
If previously held this visa with a different diplomatic employer, must wait 3 years before re-applying
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Passport (valid at least 3 months after planned departure)
Two acceptable photos (head and shoulders)
Statement of Undertaking signed by the employer
Declaration of Acceptance signed by the applicant
MFAT Protocol Division non-objection / support
Police certificates (if total NZ stay will be 24+ months across all visits, or if requested)
Chest X-ray or medical certificate (if stay exceeds 6 or 12 months respectively, or if required)
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Legal pathway to live and work in New Zealand alongside a diplomatic employer
- Employer is contractually obligated to cover accommodation, living costs and return travel
- Visa duration matches the employer's posting — no separate renewal needed during the tour
- No English-language test, formal qualification or salary threshold required
- Multiple entry travel allowed during the visa period, subject to conditions
Worth Knowing
- Restricted to one specific diplomatic, consular or official employer in the location on the visa
- Limited to domestic work only — no administrative, technical or other employment permitted
- MFAT Protocol Division non-objection is required and outside the applicant's control
- Processing takes around 9.5 weeks (80th percentile), so plan well ahead of the posting start
- Partners and dependent children cannot be included on the visa or obtain dependant visas
- Must wait 3 years before applying again to work for a different diplomatic employer
- Cannot apply if already in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa
Application Process
Be recruited by a diplomatic, consular or official staff member posted in New Zealand
Obtain a signed Statement of Undertaking from your employer
Sign the Declaration of Acceptance after your employer explains the employment conditions in your own language
Obtain MFAT Protocol Division support (your employer arranges this)
Gather identity documents (passport, 2 photos), health evidence if required, and police certificates if your NZ stay will total 24+ months
Submit your visa application to Immigration New Zealand with the application fee of NZD $1,355
Related visas
More visas in New Zealand
Work visas in other countries
- Residence Permit for Startup (Start-up)
Netherlands
- Artist (芸術)
Japan
- Yacht Person Visa
Papua New Guinea
Ready to see if the Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery