Immigration

All the immigration information on this page is provide by the New Zealand Immigration service. For more information please contact them.

Ways of living in New Zealand

Skilled migrant category (points based)
A good option if you have post high-school qualifications and some work experience.

Work visa/ permit (not points based)

A good option if you do not qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category but can find an employer. Also includes the Talent Visa. Many NZ employers are authorised to offer jobs that qualify for Talent Visas.

Investment (points based)

Are you aged 84 years or younger and do you have a minimum of NZ$1,000,000 available for investment in New Zealand?

Entrepreneur (not points based)

Do you have an idea for a business in New Zealand, or are you going to buy or become an important investor in one? Do you have sufficient money for your plan AND to maintain your family while getting established?

Working holiday

Are you aged between 18 and 30? Do you come from one of 22 countries with which NZ has working holiday agreements? For many people, a working holiday is a form of 'try before you buy' migration that has turned into permanent residence.

Family (not points based)

Do you have close family members in New Zealand who are citizens or permanent residents?

Retiring to New Zealand

New Zealand has no official category for people wishing to retire here.

The last resort

You've got money, persistence and the ability to go the extra mile?

These are the main ways of becoming a New Zealand resident. These are on the assumption that you are fluent in English and will not need an IELTS certificate for immigration.

We have not covered:

* Residence through your employer moving their business to New Zealand.
* Residence through regulations applicable to Australians, Pacific Islanders or refugees.
You can obtain information about migrating to New Zealand or, submit your application to migrate at the following New Zealand Immigration offices.
If you would like assistance with your application to migrate to New Zealand, please refer to Immigration Services.

New Zealand Immigration Offices Overseas
Germany Ph 49-228-228-070
Sydney. Ph 612 9247 1511
The Netherlands. Ph 3170 365 8037
United Kingdom. Ph 44 171 973 0366
USA. (contact your nearest NZ Embassy or Consulate)

Immigration Offices in New Zealand; Phone code for NZ is 0064
Auckland. Ph (09) 377 6855
Manukau. Ph (09) 262 1784
Wellington. Ph (04) 384 7929
Palmerston North. Ph (06) 359 1956
Hamilton. Ph (07) 838 3566
Christchurch. Ph (03) 365 2520
Dunedin. Ph (03) 477 0820