Work Permits for New Zealand

New Zealand’s safety, stability, and English-speaking environment, along with its positive attitude towards entrepreneurship and foreign investment, make it an attractive destination if you’re seeking work permits for New Zealand. Cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are popular choices if you want to establish your own business or work in New Zealand.

If you’re moving to New Zealand from Australia, you won’t need a work permit or work visa to legally work in the country. However, everyone else will need one.

New Zealand offers several working visa categories, each with specific requirements and criteria. Immigration New Zealand’s website is a useful and up-to-date tool for helping you navigate this complex system. It will assist you in finding the visa that suits your field, skill set, and intentions.

It’s crucial to thoroughly research the work permit process before applying. Being prepared is half the battle, and the right visa can make all the difference in how smoothly you settle into your new adventure. Complex documentation requirements, understanding eligibility criteria, and processing delays can all pose challenges, but knowing what to expect can help you stay ahead of the game.

Useful links:

• Immigration New Zealand has an extensive guide to the different visa options available to visitors and expats.

Types of work permits in New Zealand

Working Holiday Scheme

New Zealand’s Working Holiday Scheme visa is available to nationals of certain countries, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This visa lets you stay and work in New Zealand for up to one year – 23 months if you’re from the UK or Canada. It’s a fantastic option if you’re a young traveller looking to fund your adventures around the country.

Generally, working holiday visa applicants need to be between 18 and 30 years old (or up to 35 for some countries like Canada, France, and Ireland). You’ll also need to prove you have sufficient funds to support yourself and show evidence of onward travel out of New Zealand. In addition, you must have medical insurance to cover your stay and show that your main reason for visiting is a holiday, with work being secondary.

Applications for a working holiday visa are done online, and typically, you’ll get a response within 4 to 8 weeks. Make sure all your paperwork is in order to avoid any delays.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is designed for those who have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. To qualify, you need a role that provides at least 30 hours of work per week and matches your qualifications and experience. Your employer must also be accredited, meaning they’ve demonstrated compliance with immigration and employment laws.

Employers benefit from the arrangement, as becoming accredited helps them tap into a wider pool of skilled talent and makes the hiring process much smoother.

From December 2024, open work rights are expanded to include more partners of AEWV holders. If you hold an AEWV, your partner can work for any employer as long as they're employed in a role under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Levels 1–3, and earning at least 80 percent of the median wage.

Bear in mind that local recruitment efforts must be made before a role can be offered to a migrant worker. This ensures that opportunities for local talent are protected while still allowing accredited employers to hire internationally when required.

Skilled Migrant Visa

The Skilled Migrant Visa is ideal if you want to move to New Zealand to live and work permanently. To be eligible, you must be under 55 years old, pass a health screening and a criminal record check, and have a good command of English. This visa uses a points system, with points awarded based on age, experience, qualifications, and employability. Currently, New Zealand requires a minimum of six points to qualify.

You start by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) that outlines your family, skills, and experience. If your EOI is successful, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This process can be competitive, but there’s no cap on the number of people who can gain residence through this category. It’s a great option if you have sought-after skills in areas like healthcare, IT, engineering, or project management.

Processing times can vary, typically taking around 6 to 8 weeks for an ITA. Be prepared for this wait, and ensure all your documentation is complete and accurate to avoid unnecessary delays. Missing documents or incorrect information can lead to rejections, so double-check everything before submitting.

Entrepreneur Work Visa

The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for you if you want to start or buy a business in New Zealand. You need to provide a detailed business plan, and although there is an investment requirement, specific amounts aren’t disclosed here. You also need to claim at least 120 points on the immigration points scale.

The visa is initially valid for 12 months while you set up your business. Once that’s up and running, you can extend it for another 24 months. If your visa is granted, you’ll have the freedom to buy or start a business without necessarily living in New Zealand permanently. It’s also a stepping stone to residency if your business takes off successfully.

Having a solid business plan is key – you need to demonstrate market understanding, financial projections, and operational plans to give your application the best chance of success. Many entrepreneurs also seek local funding or grants to support their ventures, which can further strengthen their business case.

Remember, visa regulations can change at short notice, so always contact your embassy or consulate for the latest details. Incomplete applications or failure to meet character or health requirements are common reasons for visa rejections, so be thorough in your preparation.