New Zealanders can travel visa-free to Philippines if their stay does not exceed 30 days. However, if you wish to immigrate to Philippines from New Zealand for a longer period, you need to apply for a visa that accommodates your traveling purpose. This includes traveling for studies, work, family reunification, marriage, or cultural activities. Our team can help you immigrate to Philippines based on your needs and circumstances and will assist you through the entire process.
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Visas for immigrating to Philippines from New Zealand
The visa categories needed to immigrate to Philippines from New Zealand are the immigrant visa, the non-immigrant visa, and the special visa. The immigrant visa category includes those who:
- Are children born abroad, while their mother was a temporary Filipino resident or held an immigrant visa;
- Move to Philippines to marry a Filipino citizen;
- Renounced their citizenship, but wish to require permanent residency;
- Are from countries with diplomatic relations with the Philippines, New Zealand included (available only for 50 applicants).
The non-immigrant visa category is available to citizens who wish to relocate to Philippines from New Zealand for:
- Studying at an accredited Filipino university, seminary, or college;
- Working in commercial or non-commercial activities;
The special visa category includes the following:
- Visa Upon Arrival (SEVUA) – for athletes participating in sports events, conference participants, government-endorsed investors, and other approved foreigners;
- Special Visa for Employment Generation (SVEG) – for foreigners who intend to employ at least ten Filipinos in a legal company. This can be suitable for foreigners who wish to open a company in Philippines;
- Special visas are also granted to employees of multinational companies.
The country also has a special program for retirees (SRRV) that provides several benefits for those looking to retire here. Please note that SRRV is a special non-immigrant visa. There are different SRRV options based on the applicant’s age, financial capability, or property investments. Our team specializes in moving to Philippines and can explain more about SRRV.
The Pre-arranged Employment Visa
If you are relocating to Philippines from New Zealand for work, you need to apply for the Pre-arranged Employment Visa. You must also obtain the Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The following steps are required in order to apply for the visa:
- Complete the visa application form;
- Submit the application form and other relevant documents (employment contract, details of employee company, the AEP, passport, etc.);
- Pay the required fees;
- Attend formal interview or discussion (if applicable).
The work visa and permit are available for 1-3 years, depending on the employment contract, but can be renewed.
If your employment is of a short duration, of a maximum of 6 months, you will need to obtain a Special Work Permit (SWP). However, you do not need the Pre-arranged Employment Visa. During this period, your status in the Philippines remains as that of a tourist. You must extend your tourist visa to align with the duration of your work assignment. Our team can offer more details if you relocate to Philippines from New Zealand for work.
Statistics about the Filipino community in New Zealand
New Zealand has a strong Filipino community within the country, as demonstrated by these interesting statistics:
- Approximately 25,200 Filipino citizens immigrated to New Zealand in the June 2023 year;
- 72,612 Filipino ethnic group people were residing in New Zealand in 2018;
- 34,770 people were males.
Aside from our immigration services, we also offer company formation in Philippines.
If you require more information and assistance with immigrating to Philippines from New Zealand, please contact our team.