Working in New Zealand

Work and live permanently in New Zealand

If you want to live and work in New Zealand permanently, there are a number of options available.

Skilled Migrant Category

The Skilled Migrant Category is for people who have the skills, qualifications and experience we need, and who want to live and work permanently in New Zealand.

Work to Residence

The Work to Residence category allows you to get a temporary work visa and/or permit as a step towards gaining permanent residence. Applicants may be qualified in occupations that are in demand in New Zealand, or may have exceptional talent in sports or the arts.

Residence from Work

The Residence from Work category is for people who are already in New Zealand on a Work to Residence permit, and want to apply for residence.

Employee of a Relocating Company

If you are a key employee of a business that is relocating its operations to New Zealand, you can apply for a work permit and later a residence permit under our Employee of a Relocating Company category.

Work temporarily in New Zealand

Temporary work

We grant temporary work visas and permits to people who have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, people skilled in occupations that are in demand here, people coming here for a particular purpose or event, and people who want to gain work experience or work after studying in New Zealand.

Working holiday

If you’re aged between 18 and 30 years you may be eligible to experience life in New Zealand on a working holiday.

Seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture Industries

We have several different policies for people who want to do seasonal work planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops in the horticulture and viticulture industries.

More about applying for a visa or permit

This section has information to help you if you are applying for a visa and/or permit, and want to find out more about dealing with Immigration New Zealand, what the process involves, what you need to do to get your documents together, and what you can do if there is a problem, or the processing of your application is delayed.

I'm accepted – tell me more

This section has information for you if you have been granted a visa and want to find out what to do to prepare for your departure, and what to expect when you arrive in New Zealand. We have also provided some information and advice on settling in New Zealand long term.