There are lots of different visa options for New Zealand for expats planning on moving to the country. Application processes and requirements vary depending on the type of visa that is being applied for. The immigration authorities provide detailed information on the documents required for each type of visa.
Visas for New Zealand: Work and Resident Visas
Understanding the fundamentals of visas for New Zealand
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Visitor visas for New Zealand
Travellers from certain countries don’t need a visitor visa for New Zealand and can stay for up to three months (or up to six months for UK passport holders), although most must obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling. Even those on the visa-waiver list will need to supply evidence of funds and proof of onward travel.
Those not on the visa-waiver list will need to apply for a visitor visa. They will be required to provide proof that they have plans to leave the country, such as an onward ticket, and that they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay.
Applicants need a certain amount of money per month for their visit, and a passport that is valid for at least three months after their scheduled date of departure from New Zealand. Visitor visas can be granted for between three and nine months.
Work visas for New Zealand
There are a number of visa options available for those wanting to live and work in New Zealand. When applying for a work visa for New Zealand, expats should ensure that they choose the correct visa for their situation. There are different visas for expats wanting to work in the country temporarily and for those taking up permanent employment.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa for New Zealand, available to expats with a job offer from an employer that is accredited by Immigration New Zealand. The maximum stay is up to five years for higher-skilled roles, or three years for lower-skilled positions. AEWV holders may qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, which is a pathway to permanent residence.
The New Zealand employer drives the application through a three-step process: accreditation, a job check, and the visa application itself. For roles on the Green List or those that pay well above the median wage, no labour market test is required. For other positions, the employer must demonstrate a genuine attempt to find a New Zealand citizen or resident to fill the role.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
This Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is a points-based visa for those wanting to live and work permanently in New Zealand. Applicants must accumulate at least six points to be eligible.
Points are awarded for skilled employment in New Zealand, recognised qualifications, occupational registration, income level, and skilled work experience. Applicants must be under the age of 55 and hold a job offer from an accredited employer.
Points can be claimed from different categories (for example, income alone or a qualification paired with work experience), but all applicants must have either current skilled employment or a job offer from an accredited employer.
- Working Holiday Visa
Nationals of more than 45 countries, including the UK, Canada and the USA, are able to apply for a Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand. The Working Holiday Visa allows expats to stay and work in the country for one year, although applicants from Canada can stay for up to 23 months, and those from the UK for up to 36 months. This visa is aimed at young travellers wanting to fund their travels around New Zealand.
Working Holiday Visa applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 for expats from some countries). They must submit proof that they have sufficient funds to support themselves as well as proof of onward travel. Expats will also need medical insurance to cover their stay in New Zealand, as well as evidence that the main reason for their visit is a holiday, with work being secondary.
Work to Residence visas for New Zealand
Work to Residence Visas for New Zealand are designed for expats who work in occupations included on the Green List of in-demand roles. After 24 months of qualifying work, the visa holder is eligible to apply for residence.
The Green List is divided into two tiers. Tier 1 roles offer a straight-to-residence pathway, and Tier 2 roles require two years of qualifying employment in New Zealand before a residence application can be made. The list is reviewed regularly and covers occupations across healthcare, engineering, construction, IT and other sectors with persistent skills shortages.
Permanent resident visas for New Zealand
Those who wish to remain in New Zealand for the long term will need to start the process of applying for permanent resident visas for New Zealand.
New Zealand permanent residents may remain in the country indefinitely. They are eligible for most of the rights and privileges of citizens, including access to publicly funded healthcare and education. They can leave and re-enter New Zealand as often as they like. Permanent residents may also be eligible to vote, provided they have lived continuously in New Zealand for at least 12 months at some point during their residency.
There are a number of different requirements that need to be met by those applying for permanent residency in New Zealand. At a minimum, all applicants must have held a resident visa for at least two years, typically by spending at least 184 days in the country in each of those two years.
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