We work with entertainment promoters to simplify the visa application process. Performers and direct support staff of short-term live entertainment acts promoted by an ‘approved promoter’ can enter New Zealand as visitors.
4 years
NZD $0
The process for Entertainment Promoters Approval.
To become approved, the entertainment promoters must submit a formal proposal to us.
Once we have given you approval, you can support the visitor visa applications of your performers and immediate support staff for entertainment acts.
You can reapply after 4 years to maintain your approval status and continue to be on the INZ approved promoters list.
To become an ‘approved’ entertainment promoter, promoters must submit a proposal demonstrating that they meet the following requirements.
Your proposal should include the following evidence:
An example of evidence could be company office registration documentation.
Examples can include:
You may refer to the Checklist for Approved Music Promoter List PDF 160KB
The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for the approval, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete proposal.
Your written proposal should be scanned and emailed to us.
Application cost – There is no application cost for this employer option.
When we assess your proposal we look at all the information you have provided from the criteria above.
We may ask you for more information, if It is needed to make a decision about your proposal.
If granted, approval will be valid for 4 years. INZ will revoke approval where it considers that promoter’s conduct has created an unacceptable risk to the integrity of New Zealand's immigration or employment laws or policies.
80% of applications are currently completed within this time.
Once you have been granted approval you need to support your performers and immediate support staff visa applications by providing applicants with a letter of support.
We process their visa applications as soon as we can. Please ensure that they take the current processing timeframes above into account when submitting their visa applications. We recommend your candidates apply at least 4 weeks in advance of their intended travel date. Find out how long these visas usually take to decide, on our Fees, decision times and where to apply page.
Your performer and immediate support staff will need to complete a ‘Visitor Visa’ application unless they are from a visa waiver country in which case they may be granted a visitor visa and entry permission on arrival.
Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor visa
You must advise us of your upcoming event and of the performers and support staff who are coming to New Zealand under your approval.
Email us at least 4 weeks in advance of their intended travel, and provide the following information:
festivalsandpromoters@mbie.govt.nz
Once we have given you approval, you can support the visitor visa applications of your performers and immediate support staff. Staff will need to apply for a Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor visa.
To become approved, the promoter must submit a proposal to INZ. If granted, approval will be valid for 4 years. See the criteria and approval process.
INZ will revoke approval where it considers that promoters or organisers’ conduct has created an unacceptable risk to the integrity of New Zealand's immigration or employment laws or policies.
You must provide applicants with a letter containing relevant information.
The letter must include:
A copy of this letter should also be scanned and emailed to us at:
festivalsandpromoters@mbie.govt.nz
We recommend that you send us your support letter to us one month prior to the performance.
You may need to provide sponsorship for applicants.
Applicants under this visa must either have sufficient funds to support themselves while in New Zealand or have an acceptable sponsor. Sufficient funds are considered to be NZD $1000 per month or NZD $400 per month if accommodation is paid for.
If you sponsor an applicant, you will need to complete a sponsorship form and provide evidence that show you are an acceptable sponsor.
Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) PDF 414KB
You will need to provide applicants with a copy of the letter confirming your status as an approved promoter and a letter of invitation or support to provide with their application.
Your performers and their immediate support crew will need to apply for a Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor visa unless they are from a visa waiver country in which case they may be granted a visitor visa and entry permission on arrival in New Zealand.
If they are from Visa waiver countries and territories, they will need to show a copy of the letter confirming your status as an approved promoter and a letter of invitation or support from you confirming their performance. They must also meet standard entry requirements.
We recommend they apply online.
Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor visa
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA)
Visa waiver countries and territories
Visitor Visa Guide - A guide to applying for a visitor visa (INZ 1018) PDF 423KB
We make a decision about your candidate’s visa application as soon as we can. Find out how long these visas usually take to decide, in our Fees & decision times tool.
As soon as your visa applicants have been given a Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa, or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority, they can undertake their performance.
Approval may be renewed, upon request, where Immigration New Zealand is satisfied that the festival organiser still meets the requirements for approval set out below.
Provide a cover letter requesting for your approval status to be renewed.
Your cover letter should include:
Follow these steps to reapply for approval.
Your cover letter should be scanned and emailed to us.
Application cost – There is no application cost for this employer option.
When we assess your request We look at all the information you have provided from the criteria above.
We may ask you for more information, if It is needed to make a decision about your request.
If granted, approval will be valid for another 4 years. INZ will revoke a promoter's approval where it considers that promoters conduct has created an unacceptable risk to the integrity of New Zealand's immigration or employment laws or policies.
80% of applications are currently completed within this time.
Once you have been granted renewed you can continue to support your performers and their immediate support crew as you have done previously.
We process their visa applications as soon as we can.Please ensure that they take the current processing timeframes above into account when submitting their visa applications. We recommend your candidates apply at least 4 weeks in advance of their intended travel date. Find out how long these visas usually take to decide, on our Fees, decision times and where to apply page.