Resident Visa
To become a permanent resident of New Zealand, you need to obtain a resident visa that can be obtained through various avenues with different criteria, depending on your situation.
There are several pathways to obtaining a resident visa, many of which start with a temporary visa allowing you to work or study in New Zealand. Some visas, such as those granted under the Skilled Migrant Category or STR, grant you residence right away.
Before moving to New Zealand, it’s important to consider what visas you’re eligible for and whether those visas will enable you to stay in New Zealand permanently. Please note that there are many more visa types available that are not listed here. If you’re unsure about your situation, please don’t hesitate to contact us for a no-obligation chat.
Work to Residence
Roles on the Green List are in demand in New Zealand. If you have the qualifications, registration or experience listed for a Green List role you may be able to get residence after 2 years of working here.
You can use the Green List search here to see if your role is Tier 2 Work to Residence. Check what qualifications, registration or experience you need for a Straight to Residence or Work to Residence visa application. All qualifications listed as requirements are based on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) unless stated otherwise.
Once you have done your initial check you can enquire, and we can talk about the finer details and processing of a possible application.
Straight to Residence Visa
Apply for this visa if you work for an accredited employer or you have a job offer from one and your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List. With this visa you canLive, work and study in New Zealand.
nclude your partner and dependent children aged 24 and under in your residence application. You must be working for an accredited employer or have a job offer from one and your role must be on Tier 1 of the Green List and meet the requirements set out in the Green List for your role.
Click here for full details on the straight to residence visa and contact us below for more information.
SKILLED MIGRANT CATEGORY
This category invites people who have the skills to contribute to New Zealand's economic growth as well as demonstrating an ability to contribute to New Zealand socially and an ability to successfully settle in New Zealand.
This visa is based on skills which have been obtained through education and or experience. First, you need you to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) about your employment in New Zealand, work experience, and qualifications. Once successful you may be offered the opportunity to apply to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.
There is no visa pre-requisite for this category – it can be applied from in or outside Nw Zealand.
You can access the free pointe checker here on the INZ website:
PARTNER, SPOUSE OR DEPENDENTS
If you’re the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, you can apply to live in New Zealand permanently. If you’re granted residence, you can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
The application must be supported by your partner/spouse. Supporting documents of living together for 12 months in a stable and genuine relationship are required as proof.
If children are single, financially reliant and the right age, they can be included in their parent’s visa application. Or they may be able to apply for a visa based on their relationship to their parent, if their parent already has or is applying for a visa, or is a New Zealand citizen.
Permanent Resident Visa
The New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa is a type of visa that allows eligible individuals to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. It provides more extensive rights and benefits compared to temporary visas, as it grants the holder the status of a permanent resident of New Zealand.
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Indefinite stay in New Zealand without the need to renew your visa.
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The ability to work, study, or start a business in New Zealand without restrictions.
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Access to most publicly funded healthcare services.
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The option to apply for New Zealand citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements.