👤 Step 4: Immigrant’s Exemption (Only For Non-Compliant Vehicles)

If your vehicle does not meet New Zealand’s safety and emissions standards, you may still be able to import it under the Immigrants Exemption, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

If you’ve already confirmed that your vehicle can be complied and registered for use on NZ roads, you can skip this step.

👉 Click here to continue to the next step: NZ Import Taxes →

When It's Required:

• Vehicle is missing Electronic Stability Control
• Vehicles manufactured between 2005 and 2016
• No ADR plate or compliance label

What It Does:

• Lets you register the vehicle under exemption rules
• Required by the compliance workshop
• Adds approx. $200 to compliance costs

What You'll Need:

• The completed exemption form - Click Here to access the form
• Australian or New Zealand Passport, or a valid NZ Visa.

✅ Immigrant’s Exemption Criteria

You may be granted this exemption if:

1. ✅ You’re a first-time immigrant or a returning NZ citizen/permanent resident
2. ✅ You’ve lived outside New Zealand for at least 21 consecutive months
3. ✅ You are moving to NZ to live (not just visiting)
4. ✅ You’ve personally owned and used the vehicle overseas for at least 12 months
5. ✅ The vehicle was registered in your name during that 12-month period
6. ✅ You’re importing the vehicle as part of your personal effects
7. ✅ The vehicle will not be sold or disposed of within 2 years after import
8. ✅ You apply for the exemption before or at the time of importation

➡️ Next Step → Step 5: NZ Import Taxes & GST

⬅️ Back to Step 3: Vehicle Compliance & Eligibility

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