The first pink glow over the Hauraki Gulf, the hum of winches, and the faint scent of diesel on salt air—these aren’t postcard touches; they are a day’s work for a skilled crew. New Zealand’s Fishing Crew Work Visa lets qualified seafarers sign on with licensed vessels in local waters for up to twelve months. This guide—sets out each rule, cost, and safeguard so you can step aboard with confidence and a lawful contract in hand. Planning to join a fishing crew in New Zealand? Apply for the right visa and don’t forget your NZ eTA to enter the country legally and smoothly.
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Item |
Detail |
|
Maximum stay |
12 months |
|
Government fee |
NZD $1,355 (payable online) |
|
Processing time |
80 % of cases finished within 4 months |
|
Work scope |
One named vessel, one named employer, in NZ waters only |
|
Family |
No partner or children may join on this visa |
|
Off-vessel work |
Paid tasks on land void the visa; you must depart |
Download PDF: Supplementary Form for Foreign Crew of a Fishing Vessel INZ 1213
The Labour Inspectorate publishes employers barred from bringing in foreign staff. If the name sits on that list, visas linked to it are refused. Verify the list before signing any agreement.
Every deduction—food, gear, flights—must appear in writing. The contract must outline a clear pathway to resolve disagreements, including access to New Zealand’s mediation service—even if the ship is foreign-flagged.
Your employer, or their New Zealand agent, completes form INZ 1025 promising to cover housing, meals, and the ticket home should the contract end early. Keep a scan; airlines may ask for evidence before issuing your boarding pass to Auckland or Wellington.
Log in weekly. If INZ asks for extra papers, use the secure link provided (email attachments get rejected).
Work is limited to New Zealand waters on the named vessel. Shore leave for rest or supplies is fine, yet paid labour on land is forbidden. Short study (up to three months) is allowed—think advanced first-aid or safety courses. Anything longer needs a dedicated student visa.
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Issue |
Likely Cause |
Rapid Fix |
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Online upload fails |
File > 10 MB |
Compress or split the PDF |
|
INZ asks for “character waiver” |
Old minor offence |
Supply court record + honest letter |
|
Wage below threshold |
Exchange-rate swing |
Ask employer to lift NZD figure before you submit |
Every visa clause, from medical checks to minimum pay, aims to protect both crew and the industry. Prepare each document with care, keep copies dry and digital, and sail under contract rules you understand. When the lines splash in the Tasman and the gulls wheel overhead, you can focus on the haul—not on paperwork. New Zealand’s seas, and the strong crews who work them, depend on solid preparation. Now you have it.
How early should I apply?
File at least four months before your planned arrival to match current processing averages.
Can my spouse visit while I work?
Yes. They must lodge a separate visitor visa; your own visa does not cover family.
My contract may run longer than twelve months. What then?
You must leave New Zealand before the visa expires, then apply from offshore.
May I transfer to another vessel under the same company?
No. A fresh Fishing Crew Work Visa is required for every vessel change.
Do I pay New Zealand tax?
Usually yes. Register for an IRD number; your employer deducts PAYE from wages.
Content Disclaimer: This content was refreshed in April 2025. Please confirm all travel details with the New Zealand embassies, agencies, and airlines for complete accuracy.
