TaxGov Services » New Zealand

Moving to New Zealand?
We’ll help you get everything ready

Prepare your essential documents with clear guidance from licensed immigration advisers and registered immigration consultants

  • Licensed Immigration Advisers (Registered Consultants)
  • Verified administrative support – TaxGov Services®

How to get started

Getting your paperwork ready before arriving in New Zealand makes everything smoother, from starting your job to opening a bank account. Here’s what to focus on first:

1

Check your visa options

Make sure you apply for the right visa based on your purpose, whether you’re visiting, studying, working or joining a partner

2

Apply for your IRD Number or NZBN

Your tax and business registrations are essential for working or freelancing in New Zealand. We’ll help you understand which one applies to your situation

3

Prepare your key documents

Gather the certificates and identification documents required for your visa and arrival, including birth, marriage or partnership certificates

Find the right visa for your stay

Whether you’re travelling, studying or planning to work in New Zealand, having the right visa is essential.
We help you understand which visa fits your situation and what documents you’ll need to apply

Visitor Visa

For short trips, tourism, or visiting friends and family. Requirements vary by nationality, so it’s important to check how long you’re allowed to stay

Student Visa

For full-time study at a New Zealand institution. You’ll need proof of enrolment and evidence that you can support yourself while studying

Working Holiday Visa

For young travellers who want to work while exploring New Zealand. Age limits and eligible countries apply, and spots can be competitive

Accredited Employer
Work Visa

For skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited NZ employer. Often requires evidence of qualifications or experience

Partner or
Family Visa

For joining a partner or family member already living in New Zealand. Proof of relationship are essential

Resident Visa
Pathways

For applicants looking to settle long-term, including skilled residence, partnership residence, or other eligibility streams

Pathways to New Zealand Citizenship

If you’re planning to make New Zealand your long-term home, understanding the citizenship process is an important step. We help you prepare the right application and ensure your documents are complete before you apply:

Adult Citizenship Application

For adults who want to become New Zealand citizens. Usually requires residency history, identity documents, good character checks, and proof of time spent in New Zealand.

Child Citizenship Application

For children who may be eligible through a parent’s citizenship or residency status. Requirements depend on the child’s age and immigration background.

Citizenship for People from Samoa

New Zealand has a specific pathway for applicants from Samoa. We help you understand if this category applies to you and what documents you’ll need.

How the citizenship process works

We’ll guide you through the required certificates, identity evidence, supporting documents and eligibility criteria so your application is clear, correct and ready for submission.

1

Fill the online form

Select the correct New Zealand citizenship application form: Adult, Child or Samoan.
You can save your progress at any time and purchase your application filing package when you’re ready.

2

Send your documents

We’ll provide your completed PDF application form along with a clear step-by-step guide to finalise everything.
Print, sign and post your application together with all required documents.

3

Find out about your application

Around 7 to 14 months after sending your application, the Citizenship Office will contact you with a decision.
We monitor your case and work to help speed up the process wherever possible.

Your tax and business registrations

If you’re planning to work or freelance in New Zealand, there are two key registrations to sort out. Getting them early helps you start your job, get paid correctly and avoid delays once you arrive

IRD Number

Your IRD Number is essential for working in New Zealand.

You’ll need it to get paid, pay the correct tax rate, open a bank account and access services like KiwiSaver.

We help you understand how to apply and what documents Immigration New Zealand typically expects.

NZBN (New Zealand Business Number)

If you plan to freelance, contract or run a small business, you may need an NZBN.

It links your business details with government agencies, making it easier to invoice and receive payments.

We’ll show you whether you need one and how to set it up correctly.

Official certificates you may need in New Zealand

Some New Zealand authorities may ask for certified documents such as your birth, marriage or death certificates especially when applying for visas, proving relationships, enrolling in study, or managing family matters

Birth Certificate

Proof of identity or family connection

Marriage Certificate

Relationship or partner visa applications

Death Certificate

Legal or family record requirements

We guide you through how to request, replace or verify your BDM certificates through the correct registry. If your documents were issued outside New Zealand, we’ll help you understand when translations or apostilles may be required.

  • Avoid last-minute paperwork issues
  • Know exactly what you’ll need on arrival
  • Save time and reduce stress

Common questions about moving to New Zealand

Here are some of the most frequent questions people ask when preparing to move to New Zealand.
If you’re unsure about anything, our team is always here to help

In many cases, yes, especially for partner, work or student visas. Having your documents ready avoids delays when Immigration New Zealand asks for proof.

Yes. Most international documents are accepted, but some may require translation or an Apostille depending on the country where they were issued.

You can apply after arriving in New Zealand, but preparing your supporting documents early makes the process much faster.

Processing times vary depending on the issuing country or registry. We’ll help you understand timelines so you can plan ahead.

Yes, we provide clear, step-by-step guidance from licensed immigration advisers to help you identify the right pathway.

Disclaimer: TaxGov Services is an independent administrative provider offering guidance through licensed immigration advisers and registered immigration consultants. We assist clients in managing applications for official documents from the relevant government authorities. TaxGov Services is a registered trademark.