A Comprehensive Guide on Moving to New Zealand

Jump right in:

• Visa types & work permit requirements
• Your guide on jobs & finding work in New Zealand
• Relocating your household goods & pets
• Finding a new home in New Zealand
• Health insurance & the healthcare system of New Zealand explained
• Opening a bank account & managing your taxes
• A guide to education & international schools in New Zealand

Visa types & work permit requirements

First things first: you won’t be able to simply pack your bags and move New Zealand without a valid visa.

In our guide on visas & work permits in New Zealand, you can find out about the different types of visas and their respective requirements — from proof of character to overall good health attested through medical exams, and proof of financial support in the country.

Depending on the type (there are over 80 different visas available), the actual application processes might also differ. Most visas require a job offer or funds to start your business or invest in the country. The costs vary slightly for each visa type, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. However, this fee usually includes the cost of the visa itself and the immigration levy.

Find out more in our dedicated guide on visas & work permits in New Zealand.

Your guide on jobs & finding work in New Zealand

Working in New Zealand as a foreigner often starts with securing a job offer, since most visas require it.

Job hunting can look different here: CVs are usually skills-focused, interviews are often behavioral, and networking plays a big role in finding opportunities.

If you are considering self-employment, the process is relatively straightforward — provided your work permit and visa type allow for self-employment. You’ll also need to register for tax and ACC.

Discover the most in-demand professions, what you can expect to earn based on the current minimum wage and median salaries, and other key info for the workplace, from New Zealand's egalitarian business culture to the importance placed on work–life balance.

Plus, our guide covers details on the social security system and your parental leave rights, whether you are the primary carer or a partner.

Read our complete guide on work life and finding job in New Zealand.

Relocating your household goods & pets

Do not underestimate the actual process of moving to New Zealand, particularly when you’re planning to bring along any household goods or pets. It requires months of preparation and negotiating serious rules and regulations to relocate to this island nation.

This guide tells you which items you are not allowed to bring here by air or by sea. We also have tips and tricks for organizing your move, like keeping a detailed list of your belongings and their corresponding value to make the journey through customs easier. You can also learn here about the forms you need to fill in and additional permits you may require.

Find out about the vaccinations required for New Zealand. This applies to your furry friends as well as yourself and your family.

There are strict import rules for pets, and the severity of these laws varies depending on the country you’re moving from. In fact, there is a list of approved countries that you can import pets from; if your country is not on the list, then your animal friend has to stay behind.

Read our complete guide on relocating to New Zealand.

Finding a new home in New Zealand

This section of the guide focuses on how to rent and buy accommodation in New Zealand, including average rent and house prices and detailed step-by-step description.

Buying residential property in New Zealand as a foreigner is tightly regulated. You may be eligible if you’re a New Zealand resident, or an Australian or Singaporean citizen. In certain cases, you can also apply for approval through the Overseas Investment Office (OIO). For those eligible, the buying process is straightforward.

We also explain how the rental process works and how to find rental listings, including popular websites. Expats looking to rent need to keep in mind that it is harder to find furnished long-term housing options in New Zealand than unfurnished. When you do find a place, note that rent is usually paid weekly in New Zealand and that the cost of utilities is paid on top.

Read our complete guide on housing in New Zealand.

Health insurance & the healthcare system of New Zealand explained

New Zealand is known for having good quality healthcare. You will not have difficulty finding well-trained doctors, fully equipped hospitals, or prompt emergency care — emergency accident care is even covered by a public “no fault” insurance scheme known as Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). Our overview informs you on what the public healthcare system covers, whether you should enroll with a general practitioner, what to expect when giving birth in the country, and more.

We also cover who is eligible for the public system and who’ll need private health insurance. If you qualify for the public system, you might still have to pay small fees for your appointments and prescriptions. Moreover, you may want to take out private health insurance for dental and optometry appointments.

Read our complete guide on insurance & healthcare in New Zealand.

Opening a bank account & managing your taxes

For most expats, opening a bank account is a key concern after moving to New Zealand. Luckily, it’s a straightforward process. Some banks even allow you to open an account while still overseas. Once in the country, however, you are typically asked to visit a branch to prove your identity.

We also explore the tax system and how much the current tax rate is in New Zealand. Whether you’re working as an employee or are self-employed, it is important to know how to obtain a tax number, known as an IRD, and when and how to file a tax return.

Read our complete guide on banking & taxes in New Zealand.

A guide to education & international schools in New Zealand

Education in New Zealand is well regarded, and the enrollment process is fairly straightforward for families moving here. Schooling is compulsory from ages 6 to 16, although most children start school at 5. The system is divided into primary and intermediate (Years 1–8), secondary (Years 9–13), and then tertiary study at universities or institutes of technology.

Public schools are free for domestic students, while international students usually pay tuition. Many families also consider private or state-integrated schools, which come with additional fees. Teaching is mostly in English, but Māori is also an official language, and some schools offer bilingual or Māori immersion programs.

If you want to learn more about New Zealand’s education system, including how to enroll your child at school or university and what to expect in terms of fees, read our complete guide on education in New Zealand.