Guide to Residency in New Zealand

Obtaining a residency visa in New Zealand is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in New Zealand gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Check if you meet the criteria
  • Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website to understand the different paths to residency.
  • Common paths include the Skilled Migrant Category, Residence from Work, and Investor categories.
• Gather necessary documents
  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months past the date you plan to leave New Zealand.
  • Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs.
  • Police Certificate: Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country and any country you've lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.
  • Medical Certificate: Complete a medical examination with an approved panel physician.
  • English language Requirement: Provide evidence of your English language abilities, such as IELTS or TOEFL results, if applicable.
  • Other specific documents: Depending on your chosen path, you may need to provide additional documents like job offers, qualifications, or evidence of funds.
• Apply for the appropriate visa
  • Skilled Migrant Category: If you have the skills, qualifications, and experience New Zealand needs, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online. If your EOI is selected, you'll be invited to apply for residency.
  • Residence from Work: If you've been working in New Zealand on a Work to Residence visa for at least 24 months, you may be eligible to apply for this visa.
  • Investor categories: If you're looking to invest funds in New Zealand, you can apply under different investor categories.
• Apply for a Tax Number
  • Visit the Inland Revenue website to apply for an IRD number (New Zealand's tax number).
  • You'll need to fill out the IR742 form and provide verified copies of your photo identification and a document showing your signature.
• Wait for a decision

  Immigration New Zealand will assess your application and may contact you for further information or an interview.

• Receive your visa and move to New Zealand
  • If your application is approved, you'll receive your resident visa.
  • You can now move to New Zealand and start your new life.
• Meet residence requirements to secure your status
  • After two years as a resident, you'll need to meet certain requirements to secure your residence status.
  • These include spending a certain amount of time in New Zealand, holding a job, or owning a business.

Settling in New Zealand

• Open a bank account
  • Visit a bank branch with your passport, IRD number, and proof of address to open an account.
• Enroll in health services
  • Register with a local doctor (GP) and apply for a National Health Index (NHI) number.
• Find accommodation
  • Look for temporary or permanent accommodation through real estate websites, local newspapers, or community groups.
• Explore your community
  • Familiarize yourself with local amenities, public transport, and community groups to help you settle in.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in New Zealand?

"In order to visit New Zealand, visitors must apply for a visa. The visa application process requires applicants to provide personal information, such as passport details, travel plans, and proof of financial support. Depending on the type of visa, applicants may also need to provide additional documents, such as a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate. In order to become a resident of New Zealand, applicants must apply for a residence visa. The residence visa application process requires applicants to provide personal information, such as passport details, travel plans, and proof of financial support. Depending on the type of residence visa, applicants may also need to provide additional documents, such as a medical certificate or a police clearance certificate. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they have the skills and qualifications to contribute to the New Zealand economy," commented one member living in New Zealand.