🇳🇿Work visa options in New Zealand
3 visa pathways available for international workers.
Tại sao làm việc tại New Zealand
New Zealand offers a direct and welcoming route to residence for skilled workers. The Green List names occupations in such high demand that qualifying applicants can apply for residence straight away or after a short work period, while the Accredited Employer Work Visa covers a wider range of roles with an approved employer. Healthcare, IT, engineering, construction and agriculture all face persistent shortages. With English as the working language, stunning natural surroundings and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, New Zealand appeals to professionals who want both career opportunity and lifestyle. Processing for Green List roles is comparatively fast.
Phù hợp nhất cho ai
- ✓Healthcare workers and nurses on the Green List
- ✓IT and engineering professionals
- ✓Construction and trades specialists
- ✓Agriculture and primary-industry workers
- ✓Professionals prioritising lifestyle and the outdoors
All visa types
Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand's primary temporary work visa, replacing most previous work visa categories since July 2022. It's a three-stage process: first your employer gets accredited with Immigration New Zealand, then they submit a job check for the specific role, and finally you apply for the visa itself. The visa fee is NZD $750 for your application, plus separate fees the employer pays for accreditation and the job check.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand's points-based pathway to permanent residence. You need a minimum of 6 points, awarded for your qualification level, New Zealand work experience, salary level, and age. From August 2026, two new pathways are being introduced: the Skilled Work Experience pathway and the Trades & Technician pathway, broadening access beyond traditional academic qualifications.
Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand's Working Holiday Visa is available to citizens of over 45 partner countries, typically aged 18-30 (35 for some nationalities including UK, Canada, and France). It gives you 12 months in New Zealand with the freedom to work for any employer — UK citizens get an extended 23 months. The visa fee is NZD $455.
Salary thresholds comparison
Làm việc và sinh sống tại New Zealand
Các ngành tuyển dụng chính
New Zealand has consistent shortages in healthcare and nursing, IT, engineering, construction, and agriculture and horticulture. The Green List is the government's signal of which occupations are most needed and most quickly processed.
Chi phí sinh hoạt và chất lượng cuộc sống
Auckland is the most expensive city - a one-bedroom apartment averages around NZ$2,200 a month - while Wellington, Christchurch and regional centres cost less. New Zealand is prized for its safety, natural beauty and a culture that genuinely values time outside work.
Choose your nationality
Select your nationality for full visa requirements, documents, and processing times.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the work visa options in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers 3 visa types: Accredited Employer Work Visa, Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Working Holiday Visa.
What is the minimum salary for a work visa in New Zealand?
Some visa types in New Zealand have no fixed salary minimum.
How long does it take to get a work visa in New Zealand?
Processing times start from 2 weeks for the fastest visa type.
Can I get permanent residency in New Zealand through a work visa?
Yes, several visa types in New Zealand offer pathways to permanent residency.
What is the New Zealand Green List?
The Green List is a register of high-demand occupations. Roles on the 'straight to residence' tier let qualifying applicants apply for residence immediately; others qualify after a defined period of skilled work.
Do I need a job offer for New Zealand?
Most work routes, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa, require a job offer from an accredited employer. Some Green List occupations allow a direct residence application with the right registration or experience.
Can I bring my family to New Zealand?
Yes. Skilled work and residence visas allow partners and dependent children to join you, with rights to work and study depending on the visa category.