Getting a New Zealand visa

Unless you hold an Australian or New Zealand Passport or have the right to work, you will require a visa to work in New Zealand.  Requirements for New Zealand visas vary greatly depending on factors such as nationality and skills.

Most foreign passport holders eligible to work in New Zealand will have a New Zealand Residence permit or New Zealand Work permit label or stamp in their passport.  Some people may have electronic permits and they will be able to show a print out of the letter received from the relevant Department.

A job offer can be presented to you without a Work or Residence permit but this should be conditional on your getting a Work or Residence permit.  You may not start working until you have the relevant permit.

Most Work and Residence permit categories require you to have a job offer before you can get a New Zealand Work or Residence visa or permit.  To support your application for a Work or Residence visa or permit your potential employer needs to establish that you are eligible and that there are no New Zealanders available to do the work.  This largely depends on the type of job that you are being offered and your skills and experience in doing that job.  You must also meet the Government’s health and character requirements, and your qualifications and work experience must be verified.

To find out more information on visas that are available for New Zealand, view the Immigration New Zealand website.

Assistance with relocating to New Zealand

If you are an overseas candidate with designs on a position within New Zealand, look no further!  We have two partners who offer assistance with your relocation:

Immigration Direct
A consulting business specialising in work permits and visas.  They have a strong understanding of the professions we specialise in and will be happy to answer all your queries.

Relocations International Ltd
New Zealand's leading relocation and settling company.  They are a team of professionals who are caring, friendly and results-oriented.

To find out more information click on their logos.