New Zealand offers multiple pathways for individuals and families seeking permanent residence, each designed to attract skilled professionals, reunite families, and support economic growth.
With over 53,000 residence applications approved in 2024, including 20,337 for skilled workers, understanding your options is crucial for making informed decisions about your immigration journey.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa requires applicants to have 6 points, which can be achieved through various combinations of qualifications, occupational registration, income, and New Zealand work experience. This pathway is ideal for professionals who:
Points System:
You must have an acceptable job or job offer in New Zealand and meet the 6-point threshold. Some applicants can qualify immediately without New Zealand work experience, while others may need to work in the country first.
Read more about the Skilled Migrant Category and do a quick self-assessment of your chances.
The Green List provides two distinct pathways for highly skilled professionals in in-demand occupations:
Tier 1 - Straight to Residence Visa:
Tier 2 - Work to Residence Visa:
Read more about The Green List and Skill Shortages in New Zealand.
Specific work-to-residence pathways exist for individuals in the care workforce and transport sectors:
Please note: Obtaining a job offer in New Zealand will be a vital component of your immigration process, no matter which of the 3 skilled migrant pathways you choose.
Working with our Job Seeker Service and with our Licensed Immigration Advisers will help you make your move a smoother journey.
Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, including same-sex and de facto relationships, can apply for residence. Key requirements include:
New Zealand citizens and residents living permanently in the country can apply for their dependent children to join them. Children must meet health and character requirements and be declared in the original residence application if born before the parent established residency.
New Zealand offers residence options for investors and entrepreneurs willing to contribute to the country's economic development:
Regardless of the specific pathway, most residence applications require:
Applicants must submit sufficient evidence when applying, including police certificates, medical certificates, proof of English language requirements, and evidence of job offers or qualifications (where required). Insufficient documentation can result in application decline without fee refund.
Applications are typically lodged online and can include the applicant's partner and dependent children under 25 years of age who meet the criteria.
Navigating New Zealand's residence pathways can be complex, with each category having specific requirements and processes. At NZIC (New Zealand Immigration Concepts), our experienced team provides comprehensive assistance with all residence matters, including:
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers stay current with policy changes and can help you understand the implications of recent updates, such as the removal of median wage requirements for certain visa categories from March 2025 and other evolving immigration policies.
New Zealand's diverse residence pathways reflect the country's commitment to attracting skilled professionals, reuniting families, and fostering economic growth. Whether you're a skilled professional, have family ties to New Zealand, or are considering business investment, understanding these pathways early in your planning process is essential.
Having awareness of available residence pathways from the beginning is important for making the right decisions to settle and work in New Zealand. With proper guidance and preparation, these pathways offer clear routes to permanent residence and the opportunity to build a new life in one of the world's most desirable destinations.
For personalised advice on which pathway best suits your circumstances, contact NZIC today. Our team is ready to help you navigate your journey to New Zealand residence with confidence and success.
Very pleased and satisfied with the service we received from NZIC. They assisted me and my family from start to finish. Always willing to assist, and communicated our progress every step of the way. With their assistance we managed to obtain permanent resident visa status.
“In contrast to another Immigration consultancy that we contacted, your company offered a free webinar and an assessment, warm, approachable staff that communicates openly with potential customers. I found your website and it was very detailed and informative. I understand that your company is a fee for services provider, but that has not been conveyed as a prerequisite during the decision making process.”
At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!
NZIC helped me in my way to get a Visa and job search. They were always available to talk to and were open to all sorts of questions. No matter how random they were. Very friendly staff. And even when they had changes in employee and advisors, they always stayed professional and up to date. I can only say good things and recommend them highly.
Ask us for an Assessment of your chances and join our Immigration and Job Hunt Webinar.
