Indian professionals, we come bearing good news for you all! India and New Zealand are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement on April 27, introducing dedicated visa provisions that offer structured access for Indians to work, study, and travel in New Zealand. The agreement was already finalised in December 2025, and here’s everything you need to know.
India-New Zealand FTA to Unlock Visa Opportunities
Under the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a dedicated quota of Temporary Employment Entry visas for 5,000 Indian professionals, along with 1,000 Work and Holiday visas, will be introduced. According to Business Today, professionals will be allowed to work in New Zealand for up to three years under this framework.
The initiative will span a wide range of sectors, including IT, engineering, healthcare, education, and construction, as well as specialised roles such as AYUSH practitioners, yoga instructors, chefs, and music teachers. Under the Working Holiday Visa programme, 1,000 young Indians each year will be eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for 12 months, enabling short-term work and travel opportunities.
Experts say the agreement creates “a future-ready and facilitative mobility framework,” with improved provisions for entry and stay for professionals, students, and young people.
The FTA is also expected to boost student mobility. As per the official press release, “Students can convert global learning to global experience with post-study work rights of up to three years for STEM Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates, and up to four years for doctoral scholars.”
Also Read: Air New Zealand Becomes World’s First Airline To Offer Bunk Beds On 17-Hour Flights
All You Need To Know About This
Beyond visa benefits for professionals and students, the India-New Zealand FTA will grant duty-free access to all Indian exports to New Zealand. According to News18, all 8,284 Indian export products will enjoy zero tariffs from day one of the agreement’s implementation. Previously, Indian goods faced an average tariff of 2.2%, with duties as high as 10% on items such as textiles, ceramics, and automobiles.
The deal is expected to benefit a wide range of sectors, including textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, chemicals, electronics, and agricultural products like spices, coffee, and cereals.
It also includes an investment commitment of US $20 billion over 15 years, along with agricultural cooperation through centres of excellence focused on apples, kiwifruit, and honey.
Also Read: New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa: Who Can Apply, How It Works & What It Means For Indians
We hope this information was helpful to you all!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/huafires & Canva Pro/annastills (representative image)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: April 27, 2026 12:40 PMFAQs
What are the key visa benefits for Indians under India-New Zealand FTA?
The agreement introduces 5,000 Temporary Employment Entry visas for Indian professionals and 1,000 Work and Holiday visas annually for young Indians.
How long can Indian professionals work in New Zealand under new FTA?
Eligible professionals can work in New Zealand for up to three years under the Temporary Employment Entry visa framework.
Which sectors will benefit from these visas?
A wide range, including IT, engineering, healthcare, education, construction, as well as specialised roles like chefs, yoga instructors, and music teachers.