Immigration
For all visa requirements contact your local branch of the New Zealand Immigration Service. Its website lists all of its overseas offices and contains information on visa requirements.
Film New Zealand is currently working with the New Zealand Immigration Service and other parties to streamline the immigration approvals process for film crews.
Your New Zealand line producer or production servicing company can facilitate the immigration process directly from New Zealand. This includes obtaining any non-objection letter that may be required from the relevant guilds.
Work Visas
Cast and crew who do not hold New Zealand and Australian passports require a work permit.
Location scouting requires only a tourist visa as applicable to your nationality.
How to Obtain
Apply at your nearest NZ Immigration Service office, Embassy, Consulate office or High Commission. Application forms are available on the Immigration Service website.
Overseas crew must obtain a letter of non-objection from the New Zealand Film and Video Technicians' Guild.
Overseas actors must obtain a letter of non-objection from Actors' Equity (teresa.brown@alliance.net.nz).
Overseas directors must obtain a letter of non-objection from the Screen Directors' Guild of New Zealand.
Overseas producers must obtain a letter of non-objection from the Screen Production and Development Association.
Your New Zealand line producer or production support person will be experienced in work visa applications.
Visitor Visas
Many countries have visa waiver agreements for visits of up to three months. These are essentially tourist visas suitable for tasks such as location scouting.
