A Guide to Visa Types & Work Permits in New Zealand

Jump right in:

• Work permits & employment-based visas
• Other work visa types
• Self-employment & investment visas
• Temporary & permanent residency in New Zealand

Work permits & employment-based visas

If you wish to get a work permit or employment visa to be able to work in New Zealand, read on for more information on the most common options below.

If you want to know about other types of visas in New Zealand, you can check the New Zealand Government immigration website for details on:

• Entry requirements and visa options for visitors
• Visas to study in New Zealand
• Visas to invest
• Visas for partners and children
• Visitor visa for business travel

What are the requirements for a New Zealand work visa?

Different work visa types may have different eligibility requirements, application forms, costs, and processes.

In general, to apply for a work visa in New Zealand you need:

• proof of identity (passport or certificate of identity and two acceptable visa photographs)
• proof of good health (completed health questionnaire and possibly a chest x-ray and/or medical examination)
• proof of good character (completed character questionnaire, possibly police certificates from your country of origin and any country where you’ve lived at least five years since turning 17)
• proof that you are a genuine applicant (bona fide)

Every document you provide needs to be the original document or a certified copy.

When applying for a visa, you’ll typically find a guide on the official immigration website that corresponds to each visa type. Read through this document beforehand to make sure you’re on top of every requirement. You’ll want to have all your supporting documents ready for submission before beginning your application process.

If your visa is subject to a points scale, you can typically find a simulation on the immigration website that allows you to test if you meet the required points to apply. Keep in mind that only an immigration officer can award you points during the assessment of your visa. Read more about this below.

Is it difficult to obtain a New Zealand work visa?

Not all New Zealand work visas are equally accessible. Some visa types, such as working holiday visas, are subject to annual quotas that vary by country. This means applications open on a set date and close as soon as the quota is filled, which can happen very quickly for countries with smaller allocations. If your country’s quota is reached, you’ll need to wait until the next application cycle.

Other countries have larger quotas or no cap at all, making access easier. Since each scheme has its own rules, it’s important to check Immigration New Zealand’s official website for the latest information about opening dates, quotas, and conditions that apply to your nationality.

Work visa application process

You can complete the application process online for many types of visas.

For certain work visas, you must first create an account on RealMe, the government’s identity verification platform. After that, you must provide the documents and personal information required for your visa type.

You can find out for which visas you’re required to apply online and the details of the online application process on the New Zealand Immigration website.

Types of temporary work visas

It is important to know that all work visas in New Zealand are temporary, even the specific visas that can lead to a permanent residence which are covered later in this guide.

There are two main temporary work visas in New Zealand:

• Working Holiday Visa
• Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Working Holiday Visa allows young people (typically 18–30 years old, sometimes up to 35 years) from selected countries to pick up work while traveling in New Zealand. It’s valid for one to two years. During this time, you can work in any employment you like as long as it’s legal and you do not get a permanent job.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

It’s a visa type that allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 5 years depending on your job and how much you’re paid. To apply, you’ll need a job offer from an accredited employer. The job must be a full-time position, and you must meet certain skill requirements set by the government.

What are the required documents?

When applying for the Accredited Employer Work Visa, you’ll need to provide:

• Your signed job offer, employment agreement, and job description
• Proof of identity (passport or certificate of identity, plus a photo)
• Evidence of your skills, qualifications, and work experience
• Occupational registration, if your job requires it
• Police, medical, or chest X-ray certificates, if requested
• Proof of English language ability, if required

Steps on how to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa

• Get a job offer: Your accredited employer provides a signed job offer, job description, and employment agreement.
• Prepare your documents: Make sure all documents are in English or a certified translation.
• Submit your application: Your potential employer will send you a link to apply online — upload your documents and pay the visa fee.
• Wait for processing: Immigration New Zealand may contact you for additional information. If you’re already in New Zealand, you may be granted an interim visa if your current one expires during processing.
• Receive your decision: If approved, you’ll get an eVisa by email. You can track your application status online at any time.

How much does a work visa cost in New Zealand?

Typically, there are two types of costs associated with work visas: a visa fee, and an immigration levy. However, some countries of origin have higher fees than others, and some may have a fee-waiver agreement with New Zealand, so always check your specific requirements.

Other work visa types

You can find the complete list of all work visas in New Zealand online. If you’re unsure which type of work visa is right for you, this website offers a detailed online service which allows you to see your options based on your age, the country where you are from, whether you already have a job line up, and more.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category is a points-based pathway to residency for people with skills New Zealand needs. To qualify, you must have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer and reach at least 6 points under the system.

Points are awarded for things like your qualifications, professional registration, salary level, and skilled work experience in New Zealand. For example, a bachelor’s degree, a higher salary, or holding a recognized occupational registration can count towards these points. Once you meet the requirement, you can apply for residence.

Straight to Residence Visa & Work to Residence Visa via the Green List pathway

The Green List features jobs that are in high demand in New Zealand across sectors like healthcare, engineering, construction, IT, education, and trades. If you have one of these roles and meet the qualifications or registration requirements, you may be eligible for a faster route to residency.

• Tier 1 roles allow you to apply for residence immediately once you have a job offer.
• Tier 2 roles require you to work in New Zealand for two years before you can apply for residence.

You can check the jobs on the green list on the New Zealand Immigration website.

Self-employment & investment visas

You may only be self-employed in New Zealand if you have the right to live in the country permanently or have been granted one of News Zealand’s self-employment visas.

Types of visas that allow for self-employment

• Working Holiday Visa
• Business Investor Visa
• Active Investor Plus Visa
• Post-Study Work Visa (for new graduates who recently completed a qualification in New Zealand)

Partners of New Zealand citizens also have an option to pick up self-employment in the country. Keep in mind you can’t take up self-employment if you’re staying in the country with a Student Visa or a Visitor’s Visa!

The most common visa types to do business in New Zealand are the Business Investor Visa or Active Investor Plus Visa. We cover their requirements, application process, and costs below.

Business Investor Visa

The Business Investor Visa is for investors who want to take an active role in the New Zealand economy by owning and running businesses. It has two investment options:

• 1 million NZD (582,360 USD) investment in an existing business for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway
• 2 million NZD (1,165,000 USD) investment in an existing business for a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway

You can purchase a business outright or acquire at least 25% of it, as long as you meet the minimum investment. The visa is granted for up to 4 years, includes your partner and dependent children, and can lead to eligibility for residence.

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

• 55 or younger
• Min. 500,000 NZD (291,180 USD) in personal funds to support yourself and your family
• English, health, and character requirements
• Proof of relevant business experience
• Investment in a business that employs at least 5 full-time staff

Certain business types are excluded, such as franchises, gambling, vaping, drop-shipping, convenience stores, and home-based businesses.

The application fee is 12,380 NZD (7,200 USD), including the immigration levy.

Active Investor Plus Visa

This visa is intended for investors seeking more flexibility; while you’re not required to manage your own company, your investments must have a direct impact on the economy of New Zealand.

There are two investment categories:

• Growth: At least 5 million NZD (2,918,500 USD) invested over 36 months
• Balanced: At least 10 million NZD (5,837,000 USD) invested over 60 months

New Zealand companies, listed stocks, managed funds, and charitable contributions are examples of acceptable investments. You cannot use passive or personal assets like your home or vehicle.

As long as you maintain your investments for the necessary amount of time, you and your family are permitted to live, work, and study in New Zealand on this visa. The application may include dependent children (up to age 24) and partners.

Temporary & permanent residency in New Zealand

In general, most people first come to New Zealand on a temporary visa for work, study, or travel. These visas let you stay in the country for a limited time.

If you want to stay in New Zealand long-term, you need a Resident Visa. This gives you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, as long as you meet certain conditions. After holding a Resident Visa for at least two years and showing you are settled in New Zealand, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which gives you the right to stay forever without conditions.

You should know that only some temporary visas can be a pathway to residency. Whether you can bring your partner or children depends on the type of visa, too.

Visas that can lead to permanent residence

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
• Business Investor Visa
• Active Investor Plus Visa
• Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa

How to get permanent residency in New Zealand

To apply for a permanent resident visa, you first need to hold a resident visa for at least two years in a row. You must also:

• Currently hold a resident visa, or had one that expired less than 90 days ago
• Show evidence that you’ve met the conditions on your current resident visa
• Show your commitment to New Zealand in at least one of the five accepted ways (see below)
• Be considered of good character

What are the required documents?

When applying, you must provide the following:

• a clear scan of the details page of your passport or certificate of identity for yourself and anyone included in your application
• scans of any other passport pages with visa records and entry or exit stamps
• 1 acceptable photo for each person included in the application
• official translations of any documents not in English

How can you prove your commitment to New Zealand?

You can show your commitment to New Zealand in one of five different ways:

• You’ve spent enough time (184 days in each of the past two years) in New Zealand, for which your travel records will be checked.
• You’ve New Zealand tax residence status, for which you’ll need a statement from Inland Revenue or a completed confirmation of tax resident status.
• You’ve invested 1 million NZD (582,360 USD) in New Zealand, for which you’ll need evidence such as bank documents or property deeds.
• You’ve a business in New Zealand that is successful and benefits the country.
• You’ve established a base in the country (e.g., by owning a home, creating employment, being self-employed, etc.).

What are the benefits of permanent residency?

As a permanent resident, you have the benefit of being able to live, work, and study in New Zealand, and to travel to and from New Zealand without restrictions.

You can also include your partner and dependent children on your visa application if they are included in your original residence application.

Application process and fees for permanent residence

To apply, you need to complete the application online through the official Immigration New Zealand website and upload the required documents.

The cost of permanent residence starts from 315 NZD (180 USD). The exact amount may vary depending on where you apply from and any courier fees for your original documents to be sent back to you if you can’t collect them yourself.