🇳🇿 New Zealand
Thai visas & work permits for New Zealand citizens
New Zealanders can visit Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism from 15 September 2026. Retirement, marriage, DTV and Non-B work visas are the main options for longer stays. New Zealand is an Apostille Convention party.
Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
Can New Zealand citizens enter Thailand without a visa?
30-day visa exemption (tourism)
From 15 September 2026 the 60-day scheme was revoked; this passport is on the 30-day tourism list. Visa-exempt entries over land are limited to twice per calendar year. Work, study and long stays need the proper visa.
Which Thai visa is best for New Zealand citizens?
- Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O / O-A)
For NZ Super recipients.
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
For remote workers.
- Marriage & Dependent Visa (Non-O)
For spouses of Thai nationals.
- Work Permit Eligibility: Reserved Jobs, Capital & Thai Staff Ratio
Check roles in tourism and diving.
Work permits for New Zealand nationals
Diving and tourism jobs often fall close to reserved occupations; check eligibility first.
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Get a Free Preliminary Eligibility Review from our licensed team.
Do documents from New Zealand need an apostille or legalisation?
New Zealand is a party to the Apostille Convention. Thailand acceded on 30 June 2026 and the Convention enters into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027; until then documents from New Zealand still need Thai embassy legalisation, and from that date an apostille is expected to suffice.
Read our apostille guideCommon mistakes we see
- Working in tourism without a permit.
- NZ Super statements not matched to deposits.
- Overstaying after an extension refusal.
Counsel's note
We confirm job eligibility before you sign a contract.
Service languages: English.
Frequently asked
Can I use NZ Super as income?
What if my extension is refused?
Why clients choose us
Six licensed Thai attorneys
Including Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
77 provinces covered
Offices in Bangkok and Khon Kaen with field representatives nationwide.
Your passport stays with you
We work from copies and only handle originals for filings you approve.
Honest assessment first
A Free Preliminary Eligibility Review tells you your options before any engagement.
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Sources & references
- Revision of Thailand's Visa Exemption and VoA Schemes (Government PR Dept., 4 Sep 2026) — checked 2026-11-03
- MFA summary chart – visa exemption & VoA, effective 15 Sep 2026 — checked 2026-11-03
- Thai e-Visa official portal — checked 2026-11-03
- HCCH Apostille Convention status table — checked 2026-11-03
General information only, not legal advice. Entry rules change; always confirm with the official sources above. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities.
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