Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa

New Zealand•Oceania

Open

Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa

Work Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month

Estimated Cost

$441 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Duration determined by performance schedule and event dates

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Visitor visa for performers and crew taking part in a short-term New Zealand live entertainment act run by an INZ-approved promoter.

The Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa is issued by Immigration New Zealand for performers and support crew taking part in a short-term live entertainment act or tour. The act must be promoted by an Immigration New Zealand approved promoter, and applicants must supply a letter confirming their name, role, and performance dates.

The fee is NZD $441 and 80% of applications are decided within 5 weeks. Stay length matches the event. Applicants need NZD $1,000 per month (or NZD $400 with pre-paid accommodation), must cover their healthcare costs, and meet standard health and character rules. Partner and dependent children 19 or younger can be included; remote work for an overseas employer is permitted.

This visa is ideal for touring musicians, performers, and production crew engaged by a registered New Zealand promoter for a defined short-term run.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Performer or crew member for approved entertainment act

Letter from approved promoter confirming role and performance dates

Sufficient funds (minimum NZD $1,000/month or NZD $400 with prepaid accommodation)

Valid passport and travel documents

Character and health requirements met

Agreement to pay own healthcare costs

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Savings

12,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Letter of invitation from an Immigration New Zealand approved promoter, including the applicant's name, the name of the performance, and the applicant's role.

Evidence of financial support (bank statements, etc.) or a completed 'Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry'.

Evidence of onward travel (booked ticket or funds to purchase one).

Medical and character documentation if requested.

Certified English translations for any documents not in English.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Single NZD $441 application fee covers the performer plus partner and dependent children 19 or younger.
80% of applications decided within 5 weeks per Immigration New Zealand published times.
Visa length flexibly matches the duration of the live entertainment act or tour.
Remote work for an employer or client based outside New Zealand is explicitly allowed.
No job offer or NZ work visa required when the act is run by an INZ-approved promoter.
Family can be included on a single application without separate visa fees.

Worth Knowing

Requires an invitation letter from an Immigration New Zealand approved promoter for a specific act.
Funds requirement of NZD $1,000 per month (NZD $400 if accommodation is pre-paid) plus onward travel.
Applicants cover their own healthcare costs in New Zealand; insurance strongly recommended.
Police certificates needed if total NZ stay across visits reaches 24 months or if INZ requests them.
Work permitted is limited to the named entertainment act plus remote work for overseas employers.
Act must be run by a promoter on the Immigration New Zealand Approved Promoters List; otherwise a work visa is required.
Performers receiving gain or reward for a gig not organised by an approved promoter must apply for a work visa instead.

Application Process

Secure an invitation letter from an Immigration New Zealand approved promoter detailing your role, the performance, and dates.

Prepare supporting documents: valid passport, photo(s), evidence of funds (or sponsorship form), evidence of onward travel, and any health or character documents if requested.

Submit your application online via the Immigration NZ portal (or by paper) and pay the NZD $441 application fee.

Provide any additional health (chest X-ray/medical) or character (police certificate) evidence if Immigration NZ requests it.

Await the decision; 80% of applications are processed within 5 weeks.

Application Forms

Go to application portal

Online visa application (Immigration Online)

Fill online

Verified Claims (13)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Secure an invitation letter from an Immigration New Zealand approved promoter detailing your role, t…

immigration.govt.nz

Ready to see if the Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery