A Complete Relocation Guide for Expats
New Zealand, also known by its Māori name Aotearoa, is a beautiful and welcoming country often called the “land of the long white cloud.” Home to around 5.1 million people across two main islands in the South Pacific, it offers a peaceful lifestyle surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Expats are drawn to its high quality of life, strong work-life balance, and easy access to the outdoors.
So, can you move to New Zealand? In many cases, yes, especially if you’re a skilled professional. The country offers a range of visa options, including skilled migrant pathways for those under 55, as well as opportunities for study and working holidays. Here’s everything you need to know about moving to New Zealand, including visas, housing, healthcare, and more.
Get Covered Before You Move to New Zealand
Before you relocate, make sure you have the right health coverage in place. Compare top health plans and get expert guidance tailored to your move.
Travel and Immigration Requirements
Immigration & travel requirements to New Zealand have been changing frequently since 2020 and continue to change. Here is what you need to know about the requirements to move there today.
Between 2017 and 2020, the government brought in stricter standards for permanent residency and reduced some family migration options.
Some of these, such as the parent visa option, are being re-evaluated in 2024. You can expect further changes to immigration and travel requirements over the next several years.
The New Zealand government’s migration branch, Immigration NZ, is working through a backlog of applications. This means they take a long time to answer. If you need support with your situation, try a New Zealand-based migration consultant.
Migration consultants are independent professionals who provide immigration consulting. They are up to date on any changes around New Zealand visas.
To get started, pay for one Q&A session with a migration consultant to see if they have helpful advice for you. If you feel there is a fit, you can hire them to help you navigate the application process.
New Zealand Visas and Work Permits
When you are ready to move to New Zealand, you need a visa. A visa is your official confirmation that the government has given you permission to enter and live in the country.
Global events have led to changes in the availability of their visas. Here’s what you need to know about New Zealand visas.
First, to find out which visa is best for you, check out New Zealand’s Visas page. This process is another place where a professional migration consultant can help.
Work Visas
The most reliable way to enter the country is with a work visa linked to a job offer. Even when international travel is restricted, medical professionals and some technology and media specialists have moved to New Zealand on a work visa.
To get a work visa for New Zealand, you need a job offer and a formal sponsorship from an employer who wants to hire you.
Permanent Residency Visa
If you have been living in New Zealand and you want to stay permanently, possibly to become a citizen, you need a permanent residency visa.
Permanent residency visas can be evaluated based on “points” awarded for factors such as your age, profession, and education level. To apply for a permanent residency visa, you should be under the age of 56 and in good health.
Under 30? Try a Working Holiday Visa
Working holiday visas are an excellent way for people aged 18 to 30 (up to 35 in some partner countries) to come to Aotearoa.
With a working holiday visa, you can stay in New Zealand for at least 12 months, traveling and working to support yourself.
Student Visas
On a student visa, if you enroll with an approved education provider, you can stay in New Zealand for up to four years. You can even work part-time while you are studying.
Children can get a student visa from age 9, and adults of any age can get one. You’ll need to confirm that you can pay your course fees, support yourself, and return to your home country.
Older Migrants Have Options, Too
How to move to New Zealand when you are older? Business and investor visa options can open the door. Be aware that New Zealand does not have retirement visas.
In 2024, New Zealand is reopening parent visas. If you have children or grandchildren there, you may be able to live in New Zealand for up to five years, possibly more.
Health Coverage for Your Time in New Zealand
Whether you’re moving temporarily or long-term, make sure you’re protected. We’ll match you with plans based on your visa status, duration, and healthcare needs.
Finding a Job in New Zealand
Some of the hottest fields for immigrants in New Zealand include medicine, teaching, IT, and hospitality. These resources will help you hunt for that perfect New Zealand job.
- Skill Shortage List: See if your professional skills are in demand from New Zealand employers and regions. If the answer is yes, this can help you get a visa. New skill areas and professions are being added to this list in 2024.
- LinkedIn: Search for New Zealand-based jobs.
- Seek: A popular resource for New Zealand job hunters and the largest job website in the country.
- NZ Government Jobs: Many New Zealand government jobs can be open to sponsoring applicants from overseas.
- Kiwi Health Jobs: Medical professionals can learn about a range of available jobs here.
If you are responding to an ad, check the ad to confirm that the job accepts applicants from outside of New Zealand.
Also note that New Zealand resume formats may differ from those used in countries such as the United States. Use these CV and cover letter templates for your New Zealand job applications.
Healthcare in New Zealand
Compared to other countries, New Zealand’s healthcare system provides advanced support. Its main cities have world-class hospitals and medical care.
Moreover, it has a public healthcare system that gives citizens free hospital care and emergency services.
Visits to family doctors, also known as general practitioners, are relatively affordable, with fees ranging from $20 to $70. Ambulances in New Zealand are free, too. However, the public health care system does not cover dental and vision care for most adults.
This generous system also covers Australian citizens and New Zealand residents with permanent residency or a long-term work visa.
Private health insurance in New Zealand may be a condition of your visa. For example, those in the country on student and working holiday visas must buy private health insurance. This also applies if your work visa is less than 2 years old.
Increasing numbers of New Zealanders are choosing private health insurance, too. Their health system is under pressure, and many people report long wait times for doctors’ appointments or hospital care.
Accessing private health care through insurance can reduce wait times for specialist appointments and surgeries.
Best Health Insurance for Expats in New Zealand
As a foreigner or visitor, you want a health insurance plan that covers your special needs.
These can include travel support and repatriation around your health care, and coordination with overseas care providers. Some New Zealand visas may require that you enter the country with private health insurance.
These plans provide the support you need.
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
- Flexible plans tailored to your needs and budget
- 1.5M+ providers in 200+ countries
- 24/7 multilingual customer support
Best Medical Insurance for US Citizens Living in New Zealand
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
- Pre-existing conditions covered with prior insurance
- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Finding a Place to Live in New Zealand
It’s hard to house-hunt from another country. Most immigrants settle into a temporary rental or an Airbnb for a few weeks while they search for a place to rent or buy.
In big cities, the rental market is very similar to that in New York City, with rentals managed by rental agencies. As in New York, you may be asked to pay an agent’s fee when you sign your rental agreement.
Many locals find places to live via Trade Me Property. Networking also plays a role, such as asking people you work with if they know of a place.
In New Zealand, most rent is paid weekly, not monthly. Rentals are usually unfurnished, and “unfurnished” means no refrigerator, washing machine, or dryer (there are services that will rent these to you).
Unfortunately, some rental agencies may try to take advantage of foreign renters. Renters in New Zealand have many rights.
Buying a place to live may take some time. You need to have a residency visa of some kind and to be based in New Zealand to buy real estate as a migrant.
House purchases often have a 2- to 3-month settlement period. It can be quick and easy to buy a central Auckland apartment, but read the fine print about building maintenance fees and earthquake compliance.
Sometimes an apartment that looks like a bargain has hidden costs that you will have to pay to bring it up to earthquake code.
Banking and Finance in New Zealand
Most New Zealand banks are very good at handling international transactions. Banks in some countries, such as the United States, may have more difficulty processing transactions from New Zealand.
Foreigners moving there should ensure that their home-country bank accounts accept transfers from a New Zealand bank.
To make it easier, you can open a bank account in advance of moving to New Zealand from overseas.
All the major banks offer options to open an account 60 days to 1 year before you arrive. You’ll need to provide some of your international tax information, and to confirm that you will have a visa to live in New Zealand.
Checks and checkbooks are extinct in New Zealand. Most of their banks don’t issue checkbooks or accept local checks anymore.
Banks that accept checks from overseas charge a fee to deposit them and exchange fees. Almost all transactions are conducted electronically.
Expect to buy your groceries, pay your rent and utilities electronically, and receive your pay via quick online deposits. Once you’re used to it, it’s fast and convenient.
Culture in New Zealand
New Zealanders can seem reserved. They open up when you spend time with them. Say yes to quiz nights, drinks on Friday after work, or invitations to join them in sports or at home.
Volunteering is also a good way to meet people. Reach out and join some groups and meetups for your favorite things, and you’ll have a full social life in no time.
Life in New Zealand often has a strong family focus. People who move here with children have a very easy time connecting with other parents.
For the sports fan, getting into rugby, cricket, soccer, and netball – the most popular sports in Aotearoa – will also bring you friends. If you’ve always wanted to sail or ride horses, get started in New Zealand.
Expatriates are sometimes baffled by New Zealand terms and social norms. Many events, like picnics, barbecues, and evening parties, are very relaxed.
If your host asks you to “bring a plate,” that means you should bring food to share. It’s so normal to bring food or drinks to contribute to a party or gathering that you may not be asked to do so. Go ahead, it’s always appropriate!
Get Ready to Move to New Zealand
If you’re considering relocating to New Zealand, it’s always wise to be prepared before making a life-changing move. If you know what to expect before you get there, you’ll be able to enjoy a new life right away.
It takes some work to move here, but now you know how to move to New Zealand. It may seem challenging. Yet as Crowded House (fronted by New Zealand national treasure Neil Finn) sings, “don’t dream it’s over.”
Applying for a visa may feel like “six months in a leaky boat.” But with the right qualifications and patience, that tune can change to “you’d better be home soon.”
Move to New Zealand with Confidence
Before you go, secure the right health coverage. Compare top international insurance plans designed for expats living in New Zealand.
Emily Cotlier is an experienced communications consultant and business analyst, senior analyst at New Zealand’s Parliamentary Counsel Office, specializing in visas, immigration, international relocation, and managing finance, insurance, and real estate.
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