Schemes that allow migrants to work and live in New Zealand include working holiday programmes, temporary work permits, residency visas, and the family quota system.

Applying for a Visa & Permit

In order to live and work in New Zealand legally, you need to apply for the appropriate work visa or work permit. If you are already in New Zealand, you need to apply at the New Zealand Immigration (NZIS) branch nearest to the place of your proposed employment. If you are overseas, you need to apply at the NZIS branch nearest you.

• Applying for a Visa or Permit - NZIS website
• NZIS branch contacts

Working Holiday Programmes

New Zealand welcomes young people (aged 18 to 30 years) from 25 countries in Europe, Asia and North and South America to enter New Zealand on a working holiday visa. This allows the visa holder to work legally while touring or holidaying in New Zealand, and gives them the advantage of work experience here.

For some countries, there are a limited number of visas available per year, as well as some restriction on the period of time you are able to stay in New Zealand. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for more information.

Working Holidays - Immigration New Zealand website

Temporary Work Permits

If you would like the experience of working and living in New Zealand for a period of time, you can apply for a temporary work permit.

New Zealand particularly welcomes people with skills that employers are unable to find in the local labour market. A work permit gives you the right to work here for the stated amount of time, and is a valuable opportunity to gain work experience and see firsthand what life is like in New Zealand.

Temporary Permits - Immigration New Zealand website

Residency Visa

New Zealand and Wellington welcome new migrants. On both a national and local level, migrants make a valuable contribution to society and help strengthen relationships with other parts of the world.

New Zealand is interested in people who will contribute by bringing valuable skills or qualifications, setting up a business, or making a financial investment. New Zealand also encourages family reunification by allowing residents and citizens to sponsor other family members for residence.

As a result, residency status can be achieved through different categories: as skilled migrants, as investors or business starters, or if you have existing family in New Zealand.

Applying for residency is not simple, and involves a lengthy process. For details visit the Immigration New Zealand website.

Residency - Immigration New Zealand website

Family Quota System

Many people already settled in New Zealand wish their close family to join them here. Immigration New Zealand has a range of family policies facilitating partners, dependent children, parents, siblings or adult children of New Zealand citizens or residents to come to live in New Zealand.

Family Categories - Immigration New Zealand website

Other Immigration Options

If you do not fit any one of the above categories – for example, you are a key employee of a business that is relocating to New Zealand – you should make contact with the New Zealand Immigration Service directly to make further enquiries.

Related Links

• Immigration New Zealand website
• Setting Up a Business - Visas