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NZ Entertainers Work Visa, Approved Promoters and Festival Visas

Updated October 2026. Immigration New Zealand lists the Entertainers Work Visa from NZD $1,455 (80% of applications decided within 2 weeks) and the Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa from NZD $441 (80% within 4.5 weeks). Entertainment Industry accreditation costs NZD $2,310. Approved promoter status is free.

New Zealand gives performers and crew several ways in, and the right one depends less on who you are and more on who is bringing you. A short show by an approved promoter can often be done as a visitor. A role on a film, series or stage production usually needs the Entertainers Work Visa. Festivals have their own route.

This page goes deeper than our New Zealand entertainment visas overview. It covers the Entertainers Work Visa, the Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa, approved festivals, the approved promoter scheme and Entertainment Industry accreditation for employers.

Compare the main options

Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa Arts and Music Festival route Entertainers Work Visa
Best for Concerts and short live acts Performers and crew at an approved festival Film, TV, theatre, music or entertainment work for a specific employer
Who supports you An INZ approved promoter An INZ approved festival Your NZ employer (promoter, producer or production company)
Length of stay As long as the event needs For the festival For the work, plus time to leave
Family Partner and dependent children can be included Partner and children can usually be included Family apply for their own visas
Industry consultation No No Yes, unless an exception applies
Cost (INZ) From NZD $441 Visitor visa fee; check the current amount before applying From NZD $1,455

Visa waiver nationals supported by an approved promoter or festival can often use an NZeTA instead of applying for a visa in advance, as long as they have no criminal convictions.

The routes in detail

For performers and support crew of a short-term live entertainment act promoted by an Immigration New Zealand approved promoter.

  • The promoter gives you a letter with your name, the name of the performance, your role and the dates or how long you need to be in New Zealand.
  • You need enough money for living expenses (NZD $1,000 a month, or $400 a month if accommodation is prepaid) or an acceptable sponsor, plus an onward ticket or funds for one.
  • You can include your partner and dependent children aged 19 and under.
  • You may only take part in that event, although you may also work remotely for an employer or client based outside New Zealand.

If the gig is not organised by an approved promoter and you are paid or receive benefits such as board, lodging or transport, you need a work visa.

Industry consultation for work visas

Before deciding an Entertainers Work Visa, Immigration New Zealand consults the relevant New Zealand entertainment industry organisation about whether it supports the application. This step is skipped when:

  • the work lasts 14 days or less
  • the production is an officially certified New Zealand Film Commission co-production
  • the employer holds Entertainment Industry accreditation

Employers should be ready to explain why the overseas worker is essential to the production, the wider benefits to New Zealand and any steps taken to consider New Zealanders first.

For NZ employers and promoters: getting approved

  • Approved promoter status

    Available to promoters established for at least three years who have promoted international acts in New Zealand in that time and have a good compliance history. There is no fee, 80% of applications are decided within 3 weeks and approval lasts 4 years.

  • Notify INZ before each act

    Email Immigration New Zealand at least 4 weeks before travel with event details, the invitation and approval letters, the list of travellers and their visa or NZeTA status, and a contact person.

  • Entertainment Industry accreditation

    For New Zealand employers who regularly hire overseas entertainment workers. You show sound finances, an industry track record, commitment to training and employing New Zealanders and good workplace practices, using form INZ 1197. The fee is NZD $2,310.

  • Renew on time

    Apply to renew accreditation about 3 months before it expires. Late applications are treated as new applications.

Frequently asked questions

Only if the act is organised by an approved promoter or approved festival and you meet the conditions. Otherwise a paid gig, or one where you receive benefits like board, lodging or transport, needs a work visa.

Ask the promoter for their Immigration New Zealand approval letter. You will need a copy of it, plus their support letter naming you, for your application or when you arrive.

Family cannot be included in the Entertainers Work Visa application, but your partner and children can apply for their own visas based on their relationship to you.

You must apply for a visitor visa even if you are supported by an approved promoter or festival, and it may take longer. A police certificate or special direction may be needed in some cases, so apply early.

Immigration New Zealand recommends applying at least 4 weeks before travel for visitor visas, and asks approved promoters to notify it at least 4 weeks ahead. NZeTAs should be requested at least 72 hours before travel.

You can apply for another work visa while in New Zealand before your current visa expires. Your employer should provide an updated schedule.

Related entertainment visa guides

Keep reading to plan your visa with the rest of our entertainment visa guides:

Talk to our New Zealand team