WORK IN Newzealand

Work in New Zealand

Introduction

If you’re planning to work in New Zealand and you’re not a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand or Australia, you’ll need a visa that allows you to work. Some of these visas lead to residence — meaning you can live, study and work here indefinitely.

What types of work visas are available?

• Visas that require a job offer at the application stage.
• Visas that allow you to work for almost any employer, without a job offer.
• Some visas are simple temporary ones; others can lead to residence.

How to apply?

You can apply online for most work visas through the RealMe® account system. For some country-specific visas you may need to use paper application forms.

Before you apply make sure you have:

• Job offer (if required)
• Proof of identity and good character
• Police certificates (if you have lived in other countries for more than 5 years since age 17)
• Health or chest-X-ray certificate (depending on your circumstances)

Visa leading to residence

If you have the right skills, experience or qualifications that are needed by New Zealand’s workforce, your work visa can be a pathway to residence.

Useful links & next steps

• Visa options to work in NZ
• Apply for a work visa