New Zealand•OceaniaSuper Yachts Visitor Visa
At a Glance
1 month
NZD $441
6 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Multiple-entry visitor visa for owners and crew of privately owned super yachts (20m+) cruising or refitting in New Zealand for up to 6 months.
Issued by Immigration New Zealand under the Immigration Act 2009, the Super Yachts Visitor Visa is for owners and crew travelling to New Zealand on a privately owned super yacht over 20 metres. It recognises that yacht crew are not undertaking employment in New Zealand and supports the country's marine refit, services, and tourism sectors.
Costing NZD $441 with 80% decided within 5 weeks, it grants multiple-entry stays of up to 6 months, extendable via further visitor visas to a 12-month total. Partners and dependent children aged 19 or younger may be included. Applicants must show NZD $400 per person per month if living on board or with prepaid accommodation, or NZD $1,000 otherwise, plus onward travel.
This visa is ideal for super yacht owners, captains, engineers, and crew whose vessel is cruising or undergoing refit in New Zealand waters and who need flexible multi-entry visitor status tied to the yacht's itinerary.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 6 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be an owner or crew member visiting New Zealand on a privately owned super yacht over 20 metres powered by motor, sail, or both.
Must agree to pay any health care costs incurred while in New Zealand.
Must have sufficient funds: NZD $400 per person per month if living on board or with prepaid accommodation, otherwise NZD $1,000 per person per month.
Must have a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended date of departure from New Zealand.
Must have onward travel arrangements (yacht departure, commercial ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one).
Must meet New Zealand's health and character requirements; chest X-ray may be required for stays over 6 months and a medical certificate for stays over 12 months.
Police certificates required if total time in New Zealand across all visits will be 24 months or more (not required for applicants 16 or younger).
Must have a genuine intention to meet the conditions of the visa.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Savings
4,800 NZD
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport or certificate of identity.
Recent passport-sized photograph.
Evidence of funds (bank statements, credit card statements, or sponsorship form).
Evidence of onward travel (ticket or funds to purchase one).
Letter from the yacht's owner or captain confirming employment/ownership and departure plans.
Police certificates (if staying for 24 months or longer).
Medical/Chest X-ray certificates (if required based on duration or country of origin).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Multiple-entry visa allowing travel in and out of New Zealand for up to 6 months.
- Extendable via further visitor visas to a total stay of up to 12 months.
- Partner and dependent children aged 19 or younger can be included in the same application.
- Low NZD $400/month funds threshold when living on board or with prepaid accommodation.
- Decided within 5 weeks for 80% of applicants and lodged fully online.
- Yacht work on board is not treated as employment, so no NZ work visa is required for crew duties.
- Streamlined alternative to general visitor or work visas for the global super yacht industry.
Worth Knowing
- Visa is tied to a qualifying super yacht (over 20 metres, privately owned); status ends if the link to the vessel ends.
- Does not grant general New Zealand work rights outside of crewing/operating the yacht.
- Funds threshold rises to NZD $1,000 per person per month if not living on board or without prepaid accommodation.
- Chest X-ray may be required for stays over 6 months and a medical certificate for stays over 12 months.
- Separate New Zealand Customs clearance is required on arrival by sea.
- Vessel does not meet the super yacht definition (privately owned and over 20 metres in length).
- Applicant cannot show the required funds (NZD $400 or $1,000 per person per month) or onward travel arrangements.
- Fails INZ health or character checks, or cannot provide police certificates for cumulative NZ stays of 24+ months.
Application Process
Check qualification
Confirm the yacht is privately owned and over 20 metres, and gather identity, funds, and onward travel evidence.
Create a RealMe account
Required to lodge the application through the Immigration New Zealand online portal.
Complete the online application
Apply via https://apply.immigration.govt.nz/, including partner and dependent children if relevant.
Upload supporting documents
Passport copy, photo, evidence of funds, and any required health or police certificates.
Pay the NZD $441 application fee online and submit.
Await decision
80% of applications are processed within 5 weeks; respond to any INZ requests for further information.
Contact New Zealand Customs before arrival by sea for vessel clearance and biosecurity requirements.
Application Forms
Go to application portal| Online visa application (Apply online via RealMe) | Fill online |
| INZ 1027 - Supplementary form for Chinese applicantsOptional | Fill online |
| INZ 1220 - Supplementary form for Hong Kong / Macao applicantsOptional | Fill online |
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