New Zealand has a thriving music, arts and culture scene and regularly hosts international artists big and small in cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Its broad range of stunning natural landscapes also make it a popular filming destination for television and film. As such, entertainment industry professionals are well-catered for when it comes to their visa options for performing and working in New Zealand.
Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa
Entertainers travelling to New Zealand for a particular event or events (e.g. a concert or tour) can often benefit from this inexpensive, short-stay visa, providing that the event is being promoted by an Approved Promoter. They will also be able to include their partner and children in their application. This visa is valid for up to three months.
Applications must include a letter from the Approved Promoter with details of the performance, the role the applicant will be playing in that performance, and timing and location of the relevant event/s.
The application fee for a Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa ranges from NZD $100 to NZD $341, depending on the nationality of the applicant. Around 80% of applications for this visa receive a decision within six weeks.
Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa
If you are travelling to New Zealand specifically to perform in or support an established festival, the Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visa may be an alternative short-term visitor visa option.
Applications for this visa are only permitted if the festival has been held for at least three years and will involve at least 10 staff or performers from overseas. The festival must also be put on by an Approved Promoter.
Similar to the Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa, applicants are permitted to include their partner and/or children in their application for this visa. The application fee ranges from NZD $100 to NZD $341 and most applications for this visa receive a decision within four weeks.
Entertainers Work Visa
Entertainers or support staff intending to travel to New Zealand to work on a specific production and for a specific employer may find an Entertainers Work Visa to be their most appropriate option. This visa allows holders the right to stay and work in New Zealand for as long as their work in film, television, music or entertainment will last.
Applications must be supplemented by a statement from the applicant’s prospective employer which details the work they are being recruited for, how long it will last, and a valid reason for not hiring a citizen or resident of New Zealand to fill the role.
The application fee for an Entertainers Work Visa ranges from NZD $100 to NZD $1455. Around 80% of applications for this visa receive a decision within two weeks.
Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa
This visa is intended for individuals with exceptional artistic or cultural talent who can provide proof of a sponsor, as well as written support from a suitable organisation of national repute in New Zealand.
A Talent Work Visa is usually issued for up to 30 months. It is also recognised by New Zealand authorities as a potential pathway to permanent residence after two years of being ‘actively engaged in your field of art or culture in New Zealand’.
To be eligible for this visa, you must have an international reputation in your field, a written endorsement from a relevant national body in New Zealand, and a sponsor who can commit to providing you with accommodation and financial support.
Exact fees can vary from zero to NZD $1630. Most applications for this visa receive a decision within seven weeks.
Visitor Visas (Amateur Performers)
If you are intending to visit New Zealand and undertake amateur and unpaid entertainment activity, you may be able to do so as a standard visitor. Visitor Visas permit an individual to visit New Zealand for up to 6 months in a single 12 month period (multiple entry) or up to 9 months in a single visit.
Application fees depend on your nationality and range from NZD $100 to NZD $341, with an additional NZD $100 charge for each individual included in an application. 80% of applications for Visitor Visas receive a decision within four weeks.
Visa Waivers for Entertainers
Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), which allows you to travel to New Zealand as a visitor without needing to apply for a visa in advance. You can check your eligibility for an NZeTA here.
Entertainers who need a visitor visa rather than a work visa to attend an event in New Zealand should check if they are eligible for an NZeTA before submitting a visa application.
Mohamed Anas Sirajur Raheem
BA (Political Studies), LLB (VUW)
Mohamed is an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, specializing in immigration law.
He is a former New Zealand Immigration Officer (Visa Services) and Border Officer at Auckland International Airport. He has several years of experience working in various Government Departments in New Zealand and has also worked as a Licensed Immigration Adviser at a prominent New Zealand Immigration firm.
His areas of expertise and interest are in the fields of General Skilled Migration, Temporary Work (Long and Short Stay), Business visas, Partner, Parent and Child Visa streams.
Mohamed was inspired to pursue a career in immigration by his own migration experiences. Over the years he has assisted individuals, families, large corporations, professional sportspeople, and Entertainers (singers, speakers, and actors) to come to New Zealand.