Population
5.1 million
Capital
Wellington
Languages
English, MΔori
+1 more
π°Cost & Practicalities
π₯Living Conditions
πImmigration
Visas & Immigration
View allπΌAccredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Primary temporary work visa requiring job offer from an accredited employer. Employer must obtain accreditation (NZD $775-1,280) and job check approval (NZD $735) before worker can apply. Stay duration: 5 years for most jobs (skill levels 1-3), or 3 years for skill levels 4-5. Recent 2024 reforms removed median wage threshold - employers now pay appropriate market rate. Work authorization available 30-40 days after application. Includes seasonal options: Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) from December 2025. Path to residence via Skilled Migrant Category after required NZ work experience.
πActive Investor Plus Visa
High net worth investor visa requiring substantial investment in NZ. Two categories introduced April 2025: Growth category (NZD $5 million for 3 years) or Balanced category (NZD $10 million for 5 years). Simplified investment process focuses on actively growing NZ economy. Must maintain investment for required period and spend required time in NZ. Direct pathway to permanent residence. No business management required - passive investment acceptable. Streamlined compared to previous Investor visas. April 2025 changes made process more straightforward for qualifying investors.
π°Business Investor Work Visa
New visa category opened November 24, 2025, replacing the Entrepreneur Work Visa. Two investment pathways: NZD $1 million investment offers 3-year work-to-residence pathway; NZD $2 million investment offers fast-track residence after 12 months. Must invest in business employing at least 5 full-time equivalent staff. Requires NZD $500,000 to support self and family during establishment. Must demonstrate business experience: owning business with 5+ full-time employees OR generating NZD $1 million annual revenue. Valid up to 4 years. Allows partner and dependent children inclusion. Modernizes business immigration with clear investment thresholds and employment requirements.
ποΈCitizenship
New Zealand citizenship available after 5 years as resident. Presence requirements: 1,350 days total in past 5 years with 240 days in each of those years. Cannot be out of NZ longer than 4 months in any 12-month period. Must understand and speak English, meet character requirements, and ensure all residence visa conditions met or cancelled. Permanent Resident Visa not required - can apply for citizenship directly after meeting residence requirements. Most applicants pursue citizenship rather than Permanent Resident Visa as it offers full benefits including NZ passport and voting rights. Dual citizenship allowed - NZ does not require renunciation of other citizenship.
π’Green List (Straight to Residence)
Fast-track residence visa for occupations on the Green List with Straight to Residence pathway. Includes highly skilled roles in healthcare, engineering, ICT, construction, and other priority sectors. Allows direct application for residence without requiring prior work visa or points. Must have job offer or current employment in Green List occupation at required skill level, meet registration requirements, and demonstrate qualification/experience. Partner and children can be included. No work-to-residence period required - residence granted immediately upon approval.
πGreen List (Work to Residence)
Two-stage pathway for Green List occupations not eligible for Straight to Residence. Stage 1: Work visa for 2 years in Green List occupation. Stage 2: Apply for residence after meeting requirements. More occupations qualify for Work to Residence than Straight to Residence. Includes skilled roles across various sectors. Must maintain employment in approved occupation, meet wage requirements, and demonstrate commitment to NZ. Clear pathway to residence with defined timeframe. Partner and children can be included from initial work visa stage.
π¨βπ©βπ§Parent Visa
Residence visa for parents of adult New Zealand citizens or residents. Two categories: Parent Resident Visa (requires adult children to meet income threshold and sponsor financially) and Parent Retirement Resident Visa (for parents with investment funds). Must have adult child who is NZ citizen or resident as sponsor. Sponsor must meet minimum income requirements to demonstrate ability to support parents. Expression of Interest system with limited annual numbers. Long processing times due to demand. Health requirements significant due to age. Brings families together but requires strong financial commitment from adult children.
πPartner Visa
Allows partners of New Zealand citizens, residents, or certain temporary visa holders to live in NZ. Must demonstrate genuine and stable partnership. Partnership can be married, civil union, or de facto relationship (living together for 12+ months in genuine and stable relationship). Initial temporary visa granted, followed by residence visa if relationship continues. Evidence required includes joint finances, shared household, social recognition of relationship. Supported work visa holders may support partner visas if meeting requirements. Does not include dependent children sponsorship under partner visa - they apply separately.
βSkilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
Points-based pathway to permanent residence for skilled workers. Current system requires only 6 skilled resident points from occupation, qualification/income, and NZ work experience. MAJOR AUGUST 2026 CHANGES: Two new pathways launching. Skilled Work Experience pathway: 5+ years relevant experience including 2 years in NZ at 1.1x median wage (skill levels 1-3). Trades/Technician pathway: Level 4+ qualification plus 4 years post-qualification experience including 18 months in NZ at median wage. Reduced NZ work experience requirement from maximum 3 years to 2 years. Simplified wage requirements - maintain median wage throughout (no increase needed). Increased points for NZ university qualifications.
πStudent Visa
Allows full-time study at accredited NZ institutions. Requires offer of admission, proof of funds (NZD $20,000 per year plus tuition), and English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 undergraduate, 6.5 postgraduate). Visa fee increased October 2024 to NZD $750 (overseas) from $375. Post-Study Work Visa available: 3 years for Level 7+ (bachelor's or higher) graduates who studied full-time for 30+ weeks. PSWV costs NZD $495, requires NZD $5,000 funds, must apply within 3 months of student visa expiry. August 2026 changes improve residence pathway - reduced required work experience from 3 to 2 years for most applicants.
πWorking Holiday Visa
Allows young people (typically 18-30, some countries 18-35) from partner countries to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months. 2026 opening dates confirmed for capped schemes. Applicants can only apply for themselves - cannot bring partner or children. Must organize own visas if traveling with others. Popular pathway for experiencing NZ lifestyle while working to support travel. Can work for multiple employers. Cultural exchange focus with work rights to support travel. No direct path to residence but good way to explore NZ before committing to immigration.
Expat Life
View allCost of Living
New Zealand has high cost of living, especially in Auckland. A single expat needs NZD $3,500-5,500/month, while families require NZD $7,500-12,000 for comfortable lifestyle. Housing dominates budgets.
Healthcare
New Zealand provides free public healthcare for residents, but wait times can be long. Many expats choose private insurance for faster service. ACC provides no-fault injury coverage for everyone including visitors.
Housing
Housing in NZ is expensive, especially Auckland. Rental market softened in 2025-2026 with first year-on-year price drop in a decade. Build quality varies - many homes lack central heating.
Safety
New Zealand ranks 4th globally on the Global Peace Index with very high safety. Low crime rates, political stability, and generally safe environment for tourists and residents.
Climate & Weather
Temperate oceanic climate: mild in north, cool in south. Famous for "four seasons in one day." Seasons opposite to Northern Hemisphere. Rainfall year-round, especially in south and west.
Banking & Finance
Modern banking system with major banks ANZ, BNZ, ASB, and Westpac. Need IRD number to open account. New migrants may qualify for transitional resident tax status exempting overseas income for 4 years.
Transportation
Car-dependent outside major cities. Auckland and Wellington have public transport. Drive on left side of road. Rental cars affordable but petrol expensive. Narrow winding roads require adjustment.
Education
Public schools free for citizens and permanent residents. High-quality education system ranked globally. Private schools cost NZD $8,000-15,000/year. Universities internationally recognized.
Remote Work
Excellent infrastructure for remote work with reliable high-speed internet. All visitor visas from January 2025 allow remote work. Growing coworking scene in major cities.
Language
English is the primary language. Te Reo MΔori and NZ Sign Language are also official languages. English proficiency high, no language barrier for English speakers.
Community
Kiwis are friendly but can take time to form deep friendships. Strong expat communities in major cities. Join sports clubs, outdoor groups, or volunteering to build connections.
Food & Dining
Excellent cafΓ© culture, especially in Wellington. Fresh local produce superb. Groceries expensive, especially imported goods. Dining costs similar to or higher than USA/UK.
Family Life
Family-friendly country with good schools and outdoor activities. Childcare costs NZD $240-340/week, with 20 hours free ECE for 3-5 year olds. Before/after school care and holiday programs available.
Taxes
Progressive tax system with rates from 10.5% to 39%. PAYE system automatically deducts tax from wages. GST 15% included in prices. ACC levy 1.67%. Fiscal year April 1 - March 31.
Culture
Blend of MΔori, European, and multicultural influences. Egalitarian society with laid-back attitude. Outdoor lifestyle central. MΔori culture increasingly visible. Modest, down-to-earth values.
Questions
View allHow much does it really cost to live in Auckland vs Wellington vs Christchurch in 2026?
Is New Zealand healthcare free? What do I need to know as an expat?
What are the tax implications for new migrants in New Zealand? What is transitional resident status?
Do I need to convert my foreign driver license to a New Zealand license?
What are the new Skilled Migrant Category changes coming in August 2026?