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New Zealand is a stunning island country in the Pacific Ocean, with turquoise lakes, golden beaches, and exquisite forests. It’s a popular destination for expats looking for a unique lifestyle and high quality of life. In fact, the country ranks well in many areas, including income, education, and health. Plus, there are multiple pathways to becoming a permanent resident in New Zealand.
Do I Need to Obtain a Visa to Move to New Zealand?
If you plan on staying for a longer period of time and reside in New Zealand, you need to apply for a long-stay visa that leads to residence. If you are visiting New Zealand for short trips, there is a likelihood that you will not need a visa— this depends on your country of residence make sure to check with the corresponding embassy/consulate.
See list of countries that have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand.
Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Move to New Zealand?
US citizens who are traveling to New Zealand for a more extended period of time (over 3 months) will need to obtain a visa to be allowed to stay in the country. They do not need a visa only if they are staying for a short period of time. In this case, they can enter New Zealand with NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).
However, for longer stays US citizens need to apply for the appropriate long-stay visa.
How Do I Move to New Zealand?
Here is how you can move to New Zealand for a period extending three months:
- Moving to New Zealand to work.
- Moving to New Zealand to study.
- Moving to New Zealand for family reunification.
- Moving to New Zealand to invest.
- Moving to New Zealand for retirement.
Anyone wishing to move to New Zealand permanently will need to get a resident visa. As mentioned above, there are many different ways how you can obtain a long-term resident visa in New Zealand, depending on why you’re moving to the country.
This does not apply to New Zealand citizens or Australian citizens.
Moving to New Zealand to Work
To be allowed to live in New Zealand indefinitely or for a period longer than 12 months (one year), you need to apply for a work visa. New Zealand issues over 80 different types of visas that allow you to work in New Zealand.
Some work visas lead to immediate residency, entitling you to live, study and work in New Zealand indefinitely. However, to be eligible for these types of visas, you must have the skills, experience, and qualifications needed for the New Zealand workforce.
You can apply online for most New Zealand work visas by setting up a New Zealand Government RealMe account. For some work visas, you need to apply in person— make sure to check with the immigration office before you apply.
Once you obtain your work visa, you should apply for an IRD number from Inland Revenue. You will then give the number to your employer after starting work and use it for all your New Zealand tax matters.
Moving to New Zealand to Study
If you want to move to New Zealand to pursue your studies for longer than three months, you will need a student visa. To be eligible for a student visa, you need to be admitted into a New Zealand educational institution. The study program you can study depends on what the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has approved.
You can apply online on the Government’s official immigration website or at the New Zealand embassy or consulate in your home country.
Usually, you can work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full-time over holidays. Additionally, you can bring your close family members with you (spouse and children). But, keep in mind that not every study visa allows you to work or bring your family members with you to New Zealand. Therefore, it is recommended that you check prior to choosing your study visa type.
Moving to New Zealand for Family Reunification
Non-citizens who want to bring or join family members in New Zealand can do so by applying for a New Zealand family visa.
The family members eligible to join you in New Zealand are:
- Spouse.
- Parents.
- Children (biological or adopted).
- Dependent children aged 24 years and under.
- Grandparents (grandmother and grandfather).
The type of visa you need to apply for depends on your relationship with the person residing in New Zealand.
Moving to New Zealand to Invest
New Zealand has a range of investment visas that allow you to live there permanently by investing in the country. These investment visas are issued to wealthy individuals with the necessary financial means to make investments in New Zealand. To be eligible for an investment visa, you must meet the financial requirements. The financial criteria change depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Most investment visas allow you to live indefinitely in New Zealand but some may have a limited validity period. This is why you should always check the conditions of your visa carefully before submitting your application.
Moving to New Zealand for Retirement
If you want to move to New Zealand to continue your retirement, you will need to apply for a New Zealand retirement visa. New Zealand offers two retirement pathways for anyone wishing to retire in the country. However, to be eligible for a retirement visa in New Zealand, you must meet the retirement criteria, including not having any dependent children. As such, if you have any dependent children, you will not be eligible for a retirement visa.
To retire in New Zealand, you can apply for one of the following retirement visas:
- New Zealand Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa– if you are over the age of 66 years and have NZD $750,000 to invest in New Zealand.
- New Zealand Parent Resident Retirement Visa– if you have a child who is a citizen or resident of New Zealand and meets the investment criteria
The applications for retirement visas vary depending on the type of retirement visa you are applying for.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to New Zealand?
Here are the pros and cons of moving to New Zealand:
| Pros | Cons |
| Healthcare— New Zealand has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. The country provides affordable and accessible healthcare for everyone. Healthcare for expats in NZ is also very preknown See health insurance options for expats in New Zealand. | Distance— New Zealand is an isolated country located far away from other countries. An average flight from the US to NZ can take between 12 to 16 hours. |
| High-life quality— New Zealand offers great living conditions for its citizens. When compared to other countries, New Zealand constantly ranks high in different life areas, such as healthcare and education. | Limited public transportation— New Zealand’s public transport system consists of buses, trains, ferries, and a funicular. The most used form of public transport by Kiwis is buses; however, the use of public transport by citizens is low. |
| Work opportunities— as mentioned previously, the country offers over 80 types of work visas for foreigners that want to move to New Zealand and work. Working in New Zealand will entitle you to many great employee benefits | High living costs— Housing is one of the most expensive things in New Zealand. For example, if you want to purchase property, the prices can go from €5600 to €4500 per square meter. |
| High-quality education— New Zealand ranks among the top 20 OECD countries for the high-quality education it provides. The country has eight universities, and all of them are ranked among the top 500 in the world. | Earthquakes— New Zealand is prone to earthquakes. In fact, earthquakes happen every day in New Zealand. Every year there are over 20,000 earthquakes recorded in New Zealand. However, most of them are too small to feel. |
| Family-friendly— New Zealand is a great place to raise kids. Many expat families choose New Zealand due to the world-class education facilities and the lifestyle the country offers to families. | |
| People— New Zealanders, or ‘Kiwis,” are known to be generally friendly people with a positive attitude towards life. | |
| Landscapes— From snow-capped mountains, beautiful beaches, ancient volcanic peaks, and craters to native forests, and glassy lakes, New Zealand has some of the most unique landscapes you will ever lay an eye on. | |
| Safety— New Zealand is one of the safest places in the world, ranked second in 2022. The country has a low crime rate, and the most common types of crimes are petty theft and bad snatching. |
How Long Do I Need to Live in New Zealand to Win Citizenship?
To obtain citizenship in New Zealand as a foreigner, you must have lived in the country a minimum of 5 years under a resident visa. During these five years, you must have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 1350 days, with at least 240 days in each of those years. Additionally you must be proficient in the English language, and have a clear criminal record. Please note that if you meet the citizenship criteria, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization in New Zealand. The application can be completed online, in person, or by post.
Other ways you can obtain citizenship in New Zealand include:
- Citizenship by birth:
- If you were born in New Zealand before January 1, 2006
- Citizenship by descent:
- If you were born overseas and have a parent who was a citizen of New Zealand by birth or grant at the time you were born
Does New Zealand Allow Dual Citizenship?
New Zealand allows dual citizenship or multiple citizenship. But, many countries do not recognize dual citizenship; therefore, if you come from a country that does not allow dual citizenship, you must choose which citizenship you want to renounce and which one you want to keep. However, if you want to become a citizen of a country that does not allow dual citizenship, you can give up your New Zealand citizenship anytime.
You can keep both citizenships if you come from a country that allows dual citizenship.
Can I Lose My New Zealand Citizenship?
Yes, the Minister of Internal Affairs can take away your New Zealand citizenship. This means that once you lose your New Zealand citizenship, you will no longer be able to use the New Zealand passport and might be required to leave the country.
The Minister of Internal Affairs can revoke your citizenship for different reasons depending on how you acquired your New Zealand citizenship. For example, if you got your New Zealand by grant, you can lose your citizenship if:
- You got citizenship in another country and voluntarily acted against the interests of New Zealand.
- You acquired your New Zealand citizenship by committing fraud, hiding or presenting false information, etc.
Can My Children Have Dual Citizenship in New Zealand?
Your children can have dual citizenship in New Zealand; however, this depends on the other country’s (your home country) rules. For example, if your home country allows dual citizenship, your child can keep the other country’s citizenship and New Zealand citizenship.
But, if you come from a country that does not allow dual citizenship and your child is born in New Zealand, they need to wait until they reach the age of 18 to give up their New Zealand citizenship and become citizens of your home country.
Your child is considered a citizen of New Zealand automatically if:
- They are born in New Zealand.
- At least one of the parents was a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand at the time of birth.
Most Popular Areas in New Zealand for Expats
Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in New Zealand:
- Wellington
- Auckland
- Queenstown
- Napier
- Wanaka
Wellington
The capital city of New Zealand is one of the most popular choices for expats moving to the country. The city is an ideal place for couples, families, and even solo travelers.
Wellington has many great school and work opportunities, so you will see many career-driven expats moving to New Zealand for work, and choosing Wellington as their destination.
When it comes to living costs, Wellington ranks among the most expensive cities in New Zealand. So, if you live alone, you would need around €1000 per month to cover the necessities such as food and bills, without including rent. Wellington is known to have higher prices in real estate, entertainment, and eating out.
Auckland
A modern metropolitan city located on the North Island of New Zealand, Auckland is the second most famous city for expats. Auckland has a lot to offer you, from a vibrant atmosphere to great job opportunities, excellent healthcare, and delicious food.
Just like Wellington, Auckland is also known for its high living costs, so you would spend the same amount of money as in Wellington.
Auckland is a great place for business positions as you can find many major New Zealand companies and global companies that operate in the region. The city also offers plenty of job opportunities in different areas, which is why many students that graduate and seek employment in New Zealand move to Auckland.
Queenstown
Queenstown is definitely one of the most beautiful cities in New Zealand. It is located on the South Island and is the perfect place for adventurous people.
Living in Queenstown means that you will be surrounded by the beauty of nature in every corner. The picturesque town is also a famous tourist destination, especially during winter when it transforms into a ski resort.
The town depends on f you move to New Zealand for work, it is better to avoid Queenstown unless you want a job in the tourism sector.
The downside of living in Queenstown is that it is small and far from most major cities, so you will need a car to get around.
Napier
Napier is a city located on the eastern coast of the North Island. It is home to great vineyards, a stunning coastline, cycleways, and amazing golf courses.
Although is not as popular as other cities in New Zealand, Napier also offers different career opportunities and a laid back lifestyle. In Napier, you will find many fine restaurants, bars, and cafes, and you will have the opportunity to try new delicious local dishes. Compared to other major cities, Napier is a great place to move to permanently due to the lower cost of living.
Wanaka
Wanaka is a resort town on the South Island that offers a view of Wanaka Lake and snowcapped mountains. During the hot summer days, you can swim in the refreshing water of the lake. The town also offers a range of outdoor activities, especially for hiking lovers.
Wanaka is also a great place to find a job, so do not be fooled by the size of the town. You can find a good job, and live a more relaxed and laid-back life. The town is a great place to move to for families and couples.
Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to New Zealand?
To be allowed to import your personal belongings to New Zealand duty-free, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be in New Zealand at the time your belongings arrive in New Zealand.
- You are obliged to declare the contents of your household goods or personal belongings to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
- You must have a document that allows you to reside in New Zealand, such as:
- New Zealand or Australian Passport.
- New Zealand permanent resident, returning resident, or resident visa.
- Permanent resident visa issued by the Commonwealth of Australia Government.
- Work visa with a validity period of 12 months.
- Work visa issued under the Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) policy or the Long Term Business Visa/Permit category.
- Visitor visa issued for a minimum of 3 years.
You are allowed to bring:
- Furniture.
- Chinaware, glassware, silverware, cutlery, household utensils, and ornaments.
- Household appliances (washing machine and refrigerators).
- Household electronics.
- Personal computers.
- Sound systems.
- Ancillary equipment.
- Personal sporting equipment.
- Household linen and bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and quilts).
- Trailers.
- Musical instruments.
- Others.
Items listed below are prohibited from entering New Zealand:
- Indecent material (videotapes, films, records, CD-ROMs, and publications).
- Weapons (flick knives, butterfly knives, swordsticks, knuckle-dusters).
- Any weapon disguised as something else.
- Equipment for using cannabis or methamphetamine.
Can I Move to New Zealand With Pets?
To bring your pets (cats and dogs) to New Zealand, you must meet a set of biosecurity requirements, such as:
- Your pets much be microchipped.
- Your pets must meet the minimum age requirements specified on the veterinary certification.
- Pets, except those from Australia, must have resided in the home country for at least six months prior to their arrival to New Zealand.
- Pets must have proof that they are treated against risk organisms:
- Cats: external parasites, internal parasites, rabies, and canine influenza.
- Dogs: Babesia canis, babesia gibsoni, brucella canis, canine transmissible venereal tumor, filariosis (canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis), leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans serovar canicola).
The documents you need to import your pets (cats and dogs) to New Zealand include:
- An import permit issued by MPI with the pet’s information (sex, age, species, microchip number, etc.).
- A veterinary certificate.
- Original laboratory reports that must include the microchip identification number, dates of sample collection, test type, and results.
- Importer dog breed declaration.
Animals listed below are not allowed to enter New Zealand:
- Live birds.
- Ferret.
- Guinea pigs (unless they come from Australia).
- Mice and rats (except laboratory animals).
- Snakes and other reptiles (except for zoos).
- American Pit Bull Terriers.
- Brazilian Fila.
- Dogo Argentino.
- Japanese Tosa.
- Perro de Presa Canario.
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