The New Zealand Green List

Get New Zealand residency the day you land: check out the Green List jobs with residency pathways! Immigration New Zealand created the Green List to fast-track residency pathways for certain occupations, and consists of two tiers.


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We’ve created a free 2-minute appraisal form to give you an idea of your chances to get a job in New Zealand and make the move here.


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In-person events in the UK

Members of our expert team are travelling the UK throught 2024, hosting in-person events where you can talk directly to them about your move to New Zealand. Click through to book your tickets and see if there is an event coming to a city near you.


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Working in New Zealand – 5 Facts You Should Know

Over the past decade New Zealand has become one of the most popular expat destinations in the world due to its comparatively steady economic growth and perceived high quality of living. Making the move to New Zealand requires considerable research and planning in a number of areas. So, if you’re hoping to work in New Zealand, what are five of the things you should know to get started?

1. You can Complete Online Eligibility Tests

Perhaps one of the first things to do before considering a move to New Zealand for work-related purposes is to find out exactly how eligible you are to live and work in that country.

Working In Visas, in partnership with our UK-based Immigration consultant Paul Goddard, offers an online New Zealand eligibility assessment. This only takes a few minutes to complete. Afterward, you’ll receive a one-to-one consultation and a clear plan and strategy around making the move to New Zealand.  Jump online now and find out if you’re eligible to move to New Zealand.

2. New Zealand has Skill Shortages

New Zealand’s government actively advertises the nation to skilled expatriates. While the nation has one of the strongest economies in the developed world, it is looking to fill gaps in certain skilled professions.

According to New Zealand’s immigration website, some of the mostly highly demanded skillsets include engineering, education, ICT and healthcare, although skilled expatriates are also welcomed in sectors like tourism and forestry.

If you have the skills needed to work in one of New Zealand’s understaffed areas, you may find the nation offers real potential to advance your career. The Working in New Zealand website can help you explore these opportunities as well as give tips on job hunting.

3. You’ll Need a Visa to Live in New Zealand

As previously mentioned, specialist skills and skills that are in shortage in New Zealand could lead to your expatriation process being quite simple. However, it is also important to note that there are multiple kinds of Visas and the type you need to apply for depends on your situation, making it an important part of the decision.

For skilled workers, New Zealand’s ‘Skilled Migrants’ Visa is a points-based system calculated on the basis of age, experience, qualifications and skill.

However, there is also a ‘Resident from Work Category’ Visa which can offer expatriates eligibility for full citizenship after working in New Zealand for two years. This category may be ideal for those unsure if a position in the country will be long-term or short to mid-term.

There are, of course, also temporary Visas specifically for job terms with a set end date. There is plenty of detail on these options and more on our Visas page.

4. You Can Save Money When Transferring Your Wages Abroad

One of the most common concerns about beginning a life abroad is how to handle funds – particularly when it comes to managing regular currency transfers back to the UK.

This can be made extremely efficient and affordable for expat workers however with the help of a leading currency broker. As foreign exchange specialists, currency brokers are often able to offer a better range of transfer options as well as more competitive exchange rates.

Perhaps the best way a currency broker can help in this situation is with a money transfer option called a Regular Overseas Payment service – or ROPs. As the name suggests, it is a method that allows for regular, reliable transfers of funds from one currency to another.

With a ROPs account, you can arrange for transfers to be conducted automatically on a day of your choosing at a competitive exchange rate. Additionally, as you won’t have to pay the transfer fees levied by most banks, you could see serious savings over the course of the year.

When picking a currency broker to ensure you select one that is authorised by the FCA and offers both a high level of fund security and an exceptional level of customer care.

5. New Zealand has Different Public Service Systems

While it is to be expected, it may be worth doing some research into how important basic public services in Britain to New Zealand differ.

For example, New Zealand’s healthcare system is very different to the NHS in that you will have to pay for prescriptions, doctor visits etc. – but the service is generally affordable and treatment is free for injuries caused by accidents.

Healthcare may be difficult in more remote locations, but for work-focused expatriates that is unlikely to be a big concern.

Another example is, of course, the school system. For those bringing a family with them, it would be well worth researching the curriculum and making sure your children are prepared for such a change in learning.

No need to be worried about the quality of education services, however, as New Zealand’s quality of schools is in the world’s top 20, while all eight of New Zealand’s universities are ranked among the World University Rankings top 500.

The New Zealand government’s Living in New Zealand section can help summarise and introduce the basic differences about living in New Zealand, from healthcare to weather and activities.

There is, of course, a heap to get on with when it comes to starting a new life abroad, and it’s advised that you research and prepare thoroughly rather than rushing into a life-changing move.

However, with tons of online resources and experts willing to help along the way, life in New Zealand has never been more accessible to skilled workers.

Some of New Zealand’s most commonly championed quality of life aspects are its safety and security, its rich natural landscapes, more relaxed work culture and of course its weather and beaches.

New Zealand’s major cities are also generally cheaper to live in than many major cities of other developed countries, like London.

If you’re planning to make the move to New Zealand for work, invest time in some serious research and you’ll find the transition goes more smoothly. Good luck!

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