Country guide
Migrate to New Zealand
A great quality of life and a real need for skilled workers. Some jobs on the Green List go straight to residence.
NZD $23.95
Adult minimum wage per hour (April 2026)
Why New Zealand?
- Free public hospital care and subsidised prescriptions for residents
- English-speaking, with strong worker protections
- Green List: a fast track to residence for jobs in demand
- Safe, low-corruption and big on work-life balance
Key facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Population | 5.2 million |
| Official languages | English, Māori, NZ Sign Language |
| Currency | New Zealand dollar (NZD) |
| Minimum wage | NZD $23.95 / hour (from April 2026) |
| Healthcare | Tax-funded public system; free hospital care for residents |
| Main routes | Accredited Employer Work Visa, Skilled Migrant Category, Green List |
Visa routes
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The main work visa. Your employer must be accredited and pass a job check, and the job must pay at least the market rate. Up to 5 years for most jobs, 3 for lower-skilled roles.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
A points-based residence visa: age, qualifications, experience and work in NZ. For skilled workers earning at least the median wage.
Green List: Straight to Residence
Roles with severe shortages, such as software engineers, doctors and construction project managers, can apply for residence straight away with a job offer and the right qualifications.
Green List: Work to Residence
Roles such as electricians, plumbers and early childhood teachers can apply for residence after 2 years of work in New Zealand on an AEWV.
Cost of living
Auckland against Christchurch.
| Expense | Auckland | Christchurch |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed apartment (city) | NZD $1,800 to 2,400/mo | NZD $1,300 to 1,700/mo |
| Groceries (monthly) | NZD $400 to 550 | NZD $350 to 500 |
| Public transport (monthly) | NZD $200 to 250 | NZD $80 to 120 |
| Internet (fibre) | NZD $80 to 100/mo | NZD $75 to 95/mo |
Jobs in demand
- Software engineersNZD $85k to 130k
- Registered nursesNZD $65k to 90k
- Civil engineersNZD $80k to 120k
- ElectriciansNZD $60k to 85k
- Construction project managersNZD $100k to 140k
- Doctors (GPs & specialists)NZD $150k to 300k+
- Early childhood teachersNZD $52k to 70k
- PlumbersNZD $60k to 85k
FAQs
How long does a New Zealand work visa take?
Immigration NZ decides 80% of AEWV applications within 5 weeks, once your employer's job check is approved. Skilled Migrant Category residence can take 6-12 months, including the Expression of Interest.
Do I need a job offer to move to New Zealand?
For most routes, yes. The AEWV needs an offer from an accredited employer, and the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List residence routes also depend on a skilled job in New Zealand.
What is the Green List?
A list of jobs with severe, long-term shortages that get a faster path to residence. It includes software engineers, doctors, nurses, construction project managers and vets.
Is New Zealand expensive to live in?
Moderate to high. Auckland costs the most; Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin are cheaper. Skilled salaries usually cover the gap.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website for your destination. How we research & source our guides.
What is changing in New Zealand, and when
- New route
First Parent Resident Visa draw under the new queue-plus-ballot model
About 90% of expressions of interest are now picked in date order and 10% by ballot, and EOIs no longer expire if you confirm every 2 years. Source (Immigration New Zealand)
- New route
Post-Study Work Visa opens to Level 7 graduate diploma holders
If you hold a bachelor's degree and complete a full-time Level 7 graduate diploma in New Zealand, you can get a Post-Study Work Visa of up to 1 year. Source (Immigration New Zealand)
Could New Zealand work for you?
Most refusals come from the wrong route or a weak document. Check yours before you spend.
Free eligibility check →
2 minutes. Results on screen, no sign-up.
Talk it through with a person →
60-minute plan check. $99 to book, $499 in total.
Already there? Read the arrival guide for New Zealand →
