Employment:
If you want to live and work in New Zealand permanently, there are a number of options available.
Skilled Migrant Category
The Skilled Migrant Category is for people who have the skills, qualifications and experience we need, and who want to live and work permanently in New Zealand.
Work to Residence
The Work to Residence category allows you to get a temporary work visa and/or permit as a step towards gaining permanent residence. Applicants may be qualified in occupations that are in demand in New Zealand, or may have exceptional talent in sports or the arts.
Residence from Work
The Residence from Work category is for people who are already in New Zealand on a Work to Residence permit, and want to apply for residence.
Employee of a Relocating Company
If you are a key employee of a business that is relocating its operations to New Zealand, you can apply for a work permit and later a residence permit under our Employee of a Relocating Company category.
Basic requirements:
All applicants, regardless of the individual circumstances, must meet the same basic requirements as any foreign national entering the country. All visa applicants must be in good health and of good character. Communicable diseases and/or criminal records, including even one major conviction, are generally grounds for denial of a permit and visa.
Applicants must also be under the age of 55 and genuinely desire to be employed in New Zealand. Once a visa and permit are granted, you must be sure to adhere to the following:
- You must only stay in the country for the length of time specified in your visa
- You must obey all of New Zealand's laws