New Zealand's immigration system has changed substantially since 2022. The old Essential Skills visa was replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa, the Skilled Migrant Category was rebuilt around a simpler six-point system, and the investor visas were overhauled in 2025. This guide explains the main routes to living and working in New Zealand in 2026 and how to plan your move. Rules change often, so always confirm details on Immigration New Zealand, the only official source.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is the main temporary work visa. The process has three steps: the employer becomes accredited with Immigration New Zealand, the employer gets a job check approved for the role (which may include advertising it to New Zealanders), and you then apply for the visa. Since March 2025, employers must pay at least the market rate for the role rather than a fixed median-wage threshold, and visa length depends on the job's skill level, with higher-skilled roles eligible for longer visas. The AEWV is often the first step towards residence.

Skilled Migrant Category resident visa

Since October 2023, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) uses a points system in which you need 6 points, according to Immigration New Zealand. You can claim 3 to 6 points from one of three skills measures — New Zealand occupational registration, qualifications, or income — plus 1 point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, up to 3. You must also have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer, be aged 55 or under, and meet health, character and English requirements.

Income points are tied to multiples of the median wage used for immigration, which rose to NZ$35 an hour in March 2026; for example, earning twice the median can earn income points on its own. From August 2026, the SMC also includes new pathways for skilled work experience and trades and technicians, with their own conditions.

Green List: straight to residence or work to residence

The Green List identifies hard-to-fill occupations. Tier 1 roles — including many doctors, nurses, engineers and senior IT roles — offer a Straight to Residence pathway if you have a qualifying job offer. Tier 2 roles, such as some trades, allow you to apply for residence after two years working in the role in New Zealand.

Active Investor Plus visa

In April 2025, New Zealand revised its main investor visa, the Active Investor Plus. There are now two categories: Growth, which requires at least NZ$5 million invested in higher-risk assets such as New Zealand businesses and managed funds over three years, and Balanced, which requires at least NZ$10 million in a broader mix, including bonds and some property-type assets, over five years, as summarised by KPMG. English requirements were removed and time-in-country requirements eased.

Studying and post-study work

International students who complete a qualifying degree can apply for a Post Study Work Visa of up to three years, depending on the level and length of their study. New Zealand work experience gained afterwards can count towards the Skilled Migrant Category. Note that the post-study visa length and eligibility rules have been tightened for some courses, so check before you enrol.

Working Holiday visas

Young people from eligible countries can get a Working Holiday visa, typically for 12 months (23 months for UK and Canadian citizens), with age limits of 18 to 30 or 35 depending on nationality. It does not lead to residence directly, but many people use it to explore the country and find employers.

Family and partner routes

Partners of New Zealand citizens and residents can apply for partner visas, and those of many work visa holders can get open work rights. A Parent Boost Visa introduced in 2025 lets parents of New Zealand citizens and residents visit for up to five years on a multiple-entry visa, provided they have health insurance.

Costs and processing

Visa fees and levies are updated periodically and differ by visa and where you apply; check the official fee finder on Immigration New Zealand's website. Budget also for medical examinations, police certificates, English tests (where required), qualification assessments by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and document translations. If you use an adviser, check they are licensed with the Immigration Advisers Authority or are a lawyer.

Living in New Zealand

  • Housing: Auckland and Wellington are the most expensive; Christchurch, Hamilton and Dunedin are more affordable.
  • Healthcare: residents and people on work visas of two years or more usually qualify for publicly funded healthcare; many also buy private insurance to avoid waits for elective surgery.
  • Wages and taxes: wages are lower than in Australia for many jobs, and income tax rates range from 10.5% to 39%, according to Inland Revenue. The KiwiSaver retirement scheme includes employer contributions.
  • Distance: flights to Europe, Asia and North America are long and expensive, which matters if family live abroad.

Who is New Zealand a good fit for?

New Zealand suits people who value nature, outdoor life, safety and a relaxed pace more than maximum earnings. It is especially promising for healthcare professionals, engineers, teachers, construction and infrastructure workers, and experienced tech specialists, whose skills appear on the Green List or earn enough income points. It is harder for people in occupations without shortages, older applicants (over 55 cannot use the Skilled Migrant Category) and anyone hoping to move without a job offer. Families should also consider the cost of international flights to see relatives, and the smaller job market if a partner also needs work.

How to plan your move

1. Check whether your occupation is on the Green List and whether you could meet the SMC six-point system. 2. Look for jobs with accredited employers, on sites such as Seek, Trade Me Jobs and LinkedIn. 3. Get your qualifications assessed early if you will rely on them for points. 4. Compare costs of living in different cities using our New Zealand country guide.

New Zealand remains an attractive destination for skilled workers who value nature, safety and a relaxed pace of life, but the system now rewards having a real job offer from an accredited employer above everything else.