Moving to New Zealand

Tourists and short-stay visitors, including scouting trips before a relocation

Visitors from visa-waiver countries (including the UK, EU states, the US, Canada, Japan and Singapore) do not need a visitor visa but must hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before boarding — NZD $17 via the official app or NZD $23 online, plus the NZD $100 International Visitor Levy. Note that an Australian visa does not grant entry to New Zealand: Australian citizens travel visa-free and receive a resident visa on arrival, and Australian permanent residents need an NZeTA (levy-exempt) before flying, but a tourist visiting Australia on an Australian visitor visa needs their own NZeTA or a New Zealand visitor visa for a trip across the Tasman. One narrow exception: citizens of China and Pacific Islands Forum countries travelling from Australia on an eligible Australian visa can enter with an NZeTA. Travellers from non-waiver countries apply for a visitor visa instead.

Young adults (18-30 or 18-35 depending on country)

Available to citizens of over 45 partner countries. Allows working and traveling in New Zealand for 12-23 months depending on nationality. Very popular as a first step; many people convert to other visa types after their working holiday. Seasonal work in horticulture and viticulture can extend the visa.

Skilled workers seeking permanent residency

A points-based residence visa requiring 6 points based on a combination of skilled employment, income threshold, qualifications, or professional registration. From 24 August 2026 two additional pathways open the SMC to applicants without a degree or professional registration: Trades and Technician (NZQCF level 4+ qualification, 2.5 years of relevant post-qualification experience plus 1.5 years of skilled New Zealand experience paid at the SMC wage threshold) and Skilled Work Experience (3 years of relevant experience plus 2 years of skilled New Zealand experience paid at 1.1 times the wage threshold). Most applicants now meet a single wage threshold — the one in place when they started gaining skilled New Zealand work experience — rather than a second, higher rate at application time. This is the primary pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.

Workers in high-demand occupations

Fast-track residence for specific high-demand roles including doctors, nurses, engineers, IT professionals, construction managers, and other specified occupations. Requires a job offer or current employment in a Green List role paying at or above the median wage.

Workers with job offers from accredited employers

The main temporary work visa for foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. The employer must be accredited, the role must be advertised to New Zealanders first (with some exceptions), and the worker must meet health, character, and qualification requirements.

Partners of NZ citizens or residents

For partners (married, civil union, or de facto for 12+ months) of New Zealand citizens or residents. Can lead to a work visa and then residence. Requires substantial evidence of a genuine and stable relationship.

Parents of New Zealand citizens or residents who can sponsor them

For parents sponsored by a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and who earns enough to support them. You lodge an Expression of Interest without supporting documents, and Immigration New Zealand selects from the pool every three months and invites those selected to apply for residence. Selection is by random ballot until 5 October 2026, when it becomes roughly 90% in date order, longest-waiting first, and roughly 10% by random ballot. The first selection under that model is 10 November 2026. An Expression of Interest currently expires after two years in the pool; from 5 October 2026 it no longer expires as long as you confirm every two years that you want to stay in the pool and keep your details up to date. Expressions of Interest already in the pool move across automatically and keep a queue position based on the date the original was accepted. The annual cap stays at 2,500 visas per financial year.

International students on a multi-year study pathway

Covers the full duration of a student's study pathway toward a qualification with one education provider, rather than requiring a new visa for each course. Since 20 July 2026, PSV conditions specify only the qualification level and provider, not the specific discipline, so a student can change discipline (for example, from a Bachelor of Science to a Bachelor of Arts) with their provider's approval, without applying for a new student visa. First-time PSV holders moving on to a qualification at NZQF Level 1-8 can also complete up to 30 weeks of English-language study beforehand (up from the previous 20-week limit).

Business owners and investors seeking a path to NZ residence

For hands-on business owners who invest NZD $1 million+ (3-year pathway to residence) or NZD $2 million+ (12-month fast-track pathway) in an existing New Zealand business, maintain 5 full-time jobs and create at least 1 new job for a NZ citizen or resident, spend a minimum of 184 days per year in New Zealand, and meet age (55 or younger), settlement-funds (NZD $500,000+), business-experience (3+ years), and English (IELTS 5.0) requirements. Since 6 July 2026, applicants can also invest in franchise businesses, acquire a business through a New Zealand resident entity, and use lawfully-obtained gifted capital as a funding source. Leads to the Business Investor Resident Visa after the qualifying period.

High-net-worth investors seeking direct permanent residence

A direct pathway to permanent residence for high-net-worth investors, with no job-creation requirement. Two categories: Growth (NZD $5 million investment, 3 years) and Balanced (NZD $10 million investment, 5 years), across managed funds, direct investments, bonds, equities, and property developments. Since 1 June 2026, Growth-category applicants can also allocate up to 20% of their total investment to philanthropy, provided it goes to registered, IRD-donee-status New Zealand charities with at least 5 years of compliant financial returns.