New Zealand
Korea Visa Guide
New Zealand is one of only 7 E-2 treaty countries — making it uniquely easy for New Zealanders to teach English in South Korea. NZ citizens also enjoy 90-day visa-free entry with K-ETA suspended through 2026, a Working Holiday programme, and a growing tech and creative sector presence in Seoul. This guide covers every visa option for New Zealanders.
No K-ETA required (suspended until 31 Dec 2026)
New Zealand passport holders can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is suspended through 31 December 2026. From 1 January 2027, K-ETA may be required again unless the exemption is extended.
Visa-free stay
90 days (tourism/business)
K-ETA required?
No — suspended until 31 Dec 2026
E-2 treaty country?
Yes — one of only 7
Working Holiday eligible?
Yes (age 18–30)
New Zealanders in Korea
~3,000 registered residents
Korean Embassy in NZ
Wellington + Consulate in Auckland
English Teacher
PopularNZ is one of only 7 E-2 treaty countries. New Zealanders can teach English at public schools (EPIK), hagwons, universities, and language centres. Bachelor's degree required; no TEFL mandatory but preferred by employers.
Working Holiday
PopularNZ citizens aged 18–30 can apply for Korea's Working Holiday visa for 1 year. One of the most active working holiday partnerships — experience Korean life while earning income.
Skilled Worker
PopularNew Zealand professionals in IT, engineering, marketing, and creative industries are actively recruited by Korean companies, particularly in tech startups and gaming.
Digital Nomad
NZ remote workers earning $84,000+/year can live in Korea for up to 2 years on the F-1-D Digital Nomad visa while working for NZ-based employers.
Student
Study at Korean universities. Many Korean universities have exchange agreements with NZ institutions. Korean language and K-pop culture programs are popular.
Marriage Migrant
NZ spouses of Korean nationals can live and work in Korea on F-6, leading to F-5 permanent residency after 2 years.
Do New Zealand citizens need a visa to visit Korea?
No. NZ passport holders can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K-ETA is suspended through 31 December 2026, so no pre-travel application is required.
What makes the E-2 visa special for New Zealanders?
New Zealand is one of only 7 countries whose citizens can apply for the E-2 English Teacher visa (along with USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa). E-2 is employer-sponsored and requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited NZ university plus a criminal background check from the NZ Ministry of Justice (apostilled by MFAT).
How do I apostille documents in New Zealand for a Korean visa?
New Zealand is a Hague Convention member. Documents are apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). For a criminal background check, request a Police Certificate from the NZ Police, then apostille it through MFAT. Degree certificates from NZ universities should be apostilled directly by MFAT or the relevant issuing body. Processing is typically 5–10 business days.
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