Requirements for working towards residence in New Zealand

There are a number of requirements that you will need to meet to get a visa and/or permit under the Work to Residence category. In this section you can find out whether you need a work visa or permit, whether you will qualify, and what a Work to Residence visa or permit will allow you to do.

People who do not need a visa or permit

You do not need a work visa or permit to work in New Zealand if you are:

• - a New Zealand citizen or you hold a New Zealand residence permit, or
• - an Australian citizen or an Australian resident with a current permanent residence visa or a current resident return visa.

Certain kinds of work do not require a work visa or permit. If your employment in New Zealand involves visits for business negotiations, short-term sales trips, work for official trade missions recognized by the New Zealand government, or work for overseas governments, you may be able to do it while on a visitor visa or permit.

Requirements for all Work to Residence visa or permit applicants

There are a number of requirements that you will need to meet for a Work to Residence visa or permit. These are requirements that all applicants need to meet.

To enter New Zealand you must:

• - be in good health and of good character, and
• - have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the date you are to leave New Zealand, and
• - be genuine in wanting to work in New Zealand, and
• - have the right visa for your visit.

If you are granted a work permit you need to meet certain conditions during your stay: 

• - the work you do must be in line with the conditions specified in your permit
• - you must obey New Zealand’s laws
• - you must only stay in New Zealand for the time allowed by your permit.

If you break any of these conditions immigration department may require you to leave New Zealand immediately.

You can be refused a visa or permit if:

• - you are a person who is not eligible for a visa or a permit under section 7(1) of the Immigration Act 1987, OR
• - you are in New Zealand unlawfully when you apply OR
• - they believe that you are likely to stay in New Zealand unlawfully OR
• - they believe that you would break the conditions they would apply to the visa or permit granted to you.

Requirements for different policies

As well as meeting the requirements for all applicants, you must meet the requirements of the policy under which you are applying for a Work to Residence visa or permit. Which policy you apply under depends on your occupation and your circumstances like.  

You have a job offer from a New Zealand employer

If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, the policy that you apply under depends on whether your occupation is on our Long Term Skill Shortage List. Take a look at the Long Term Skill Shortage List to see if your occupation is one that we need.

Your occupation is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List

If your occupation is on the Long Term Skill Shortage list, you may be eligible to apply under their Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Policy, for people with skills they have identified this country needs. See the requirements for this policy.

Your occupation is NOT on the Long Term Skill Shortage List

If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer but your occupation is not on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, you may be able to apply under their Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Policy. This policy is for people who have job offers from employers who they have accredited to recruit staff from overseas. See the requirements for this policy.  

You have recognized talent/ability in the arts, culture or sports

Their Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Policy is for people with recognized talents and abilities in the arts, culture or sports fields, whose time in New Zealand will enhance the country’s reputation. See the requirements for this policy.