This process is designed for people who have recently arrived in New Zealand. If you currently reside overseas please use the process for people living overseas.
Living overseas - IRD number application
Save time by using your visa to get an IRD number
If you've arrived in New Zealand, use this process to give us permission to check your identity with Immigration New Zealand (NZ). Applying for an IRD number as a 'new arrival' saves you from sending the same identification documents to us.
Time limit on applications
If you have an Australian passport:
You won't have a visa from Immigration NZ, but you'll have around 1 month after arriving in New Zealand to use this process.
If you hold a visa from Immigration NZ:
With your visa from Immigration NZ, there will be wording around an arrival time. There will be a final date by which you must arrive in New Zealand. It's also the date you must apply for an IRD number if you want to use this process. If you wait until after this date, you'll need to apply for an IRD number as 'living in New Zealand and not a new arrival'.
Living and New Zealand and not a new arrival – IRD number application
Wanting or needing to apply for an IRD number using another way
If we cannot verify your identity using your visa, you'll need to apply for an IRD number in a different way. Depending on your situation, you'll need to apply either as:
Gather your identification documents
If you have an Australian passport, you'll need:
- your passport details.
If you have a resident visa, you'll need:
- your passport details
- your Immigration New Zealand application number.
If you have a student visa or a work visa, you'll need:
- your passport details
- your Immigration New Zealand application number
- your most recent overseas tax number (if you have one)
If applying for your child's IRD number
You can apply for an IRD number for your child if:
- you hold a residency visa that includes your child
- your child has a student visa and you have a guardianship visa for that child.
If you're a New Zealand citizen applying for your child's IRD number, you'll need to use the process for living in New Zealand and not a new arrival.
Apply online
You'll need to apply for an IRD number as 'living in New Zealand and not a new arrival' if:
- you're applying in New Zealand after your visa travel date
- you're a New Zealand citizen applying for your child's IRD number
- you prefer using the paper forms, which are an option for that process.
Apply for an IRD number - living in New Zealand and not a new arrival
If you want to get your IRD number before arriving in New Zealand, you can do this by applying as 'living overseas'.
What happens next
If approved, you'll receive your IRD number by:
- text or email in 2 working days
- post within 10 working days.
We'll contact you if we need more information to complete your registration.
My responsibilities
- Keep your IRD number where you can easily find it. You'll need it for tax-related events in your life.
- You can start using myIR once you get your IRD number.
- Tell us about any changes. The easiest way to update your details is in myIR.