New Zealand
Korea Visa Guide
Korean Visa Guide for New Zealand Citizens
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.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Immigration consulting & visa services · Reviewed July 2026
Review & source basis
Reviewed against
James Chae, 행정사 (Korean Licensed Administrative Attorney). License No. 220-06-06463 · 대한행정사회 (Korean Administrative Agents Association). Reviewed against the HiKorea 사증·체류업무 자격별 안내 매뉴얼 and cross-checked with Ministry of Justice issuances.
Last reviewed
July 14, 2026
Source references
Nationality-table sections covering New Zealand's visa-exempt entry treatment, K-ETA suspension handling, and consular routing notes.
Visa-type issuance sections supporting the main New Zealand-facing pathways, especially H-1, E-2, D-2, and F-6 routes.
Filing caution
Requirements can change by nationality, local immigration office, and filing channel. Confirm exact requirements with HiKorea, the responsible Korean consulate, or a licensed immigration specialist before filing.
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.
Key Facts for New Zealand Citizens
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
Best next steps
Based on common visa paths for citizens of New Zealand, here are the most useful next steps.
E-2 Visa — Document Checklist
Complete printable document checklist for the South Korea E-2 visa. Check off items as you prepare your application.
Countries with Korean Visa Exemption
Check whether your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry to South Korea and how long you can stay. Full list of visa-exempt countries by region — Asia, Europe, Americas, Africa, and Oceania — with stay durations and passport type eligibility based on South Korea's Ministry of Justice immigration agreements.
Korean Visa Fee Guide 2026
Official fees charged by the Korea Immigration Service for visa issuance, extension, and status change. All amounts are in Korean Won (KRW).
Korea Visa Processing Times 2025 — How Long Does Each Visa Type Take?
Real-world Korean visa processing times by visa type — D-4, E-7, F-5, E-9 and more. Compare official estimates vs. practical wait times, understand document bottlenecks, and learn how to avoid delays.
Korean Visa Options for New Zealand Citizens
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 meeting the F-1-D income threshold (tiered by age/region, roughly $42,000–$84,000+/year) can live in Korea for up to 3 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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