Immigration in the Cook Islands
Depending on the visa you are applying for or how long you plan to stay in the Cook Islands, you may need to provide a police certificate as evidence of your good character.
A police certificate is a document that is issued by the police or a government agency that:
- provides information about any criminal record you may have
- are based on official records and checks
- may be called a criminal check or police clearance
If you are required to provide a police certificate, it must be;
- issued by a national or federal police department
- no older than 6 months old, when you submit your visa application
- must be in English, or accompanied by an official English translation.
For more information on how to obtain a police clearance from a specific country, Immigration New Zealand have a user friendly search filter.
To find out more information, click here How to get a police certificate
Click here to apply for a Visa and Permit
Click here to find out more about Visa and Permits
See our FAQS for more information on visa and permits or email the team [email protected]
Immigration is important to the:
- success of the Cook Islands, as immigration supports investment and business development, and appropriate access to skilled and needed workers.
- safety of the Cook Islands, as immigration legislation prevents the travel, entry and stay of persons without continuing rights whose characters are not conducive to the safety of the Cook Islands, or who are not of an acceptable standard of health.
- security of the Cook Islands, by ensuring that there are provisions to remove or deport persons without continuing rights who do not abide by Cook Islands law, or who are considered a threat or risk to security.
The principles for the Cook Islands Immigration Act are:
- balance – between security and economic development
- fairness – burden placed on legitimate travel to be minimised
- security – checks and processes for a high level of security and penalties sufficient to deter violations
- implementation – ensure legislation can be implemented
- technology – allow for maximum use of technology
- clarity and openness – readily understood by both public officials and the Public
- consistency – with relevant international instruments and best practice
The immigration legislation and regulations manage the travel, entry, stay and departure of all persons to support the success, safety and security of the Cook Islands.
IMMIGRATION INFORMATION
VISA & PERMIT CRITERIA
View detailed criteria information for each application type:
Frequently Asked Questions
See answers for popular questions:
PERMANENT RESIDENT CRITERIA
View detailed criteria information for each application type:
Recipients of Permanent Resident Status
View Permanent Resident status recipients by type:
- In Own Right
- Spouse of a CI or PR
- By Discretion
- Honorary Residence