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 recognised by the New Zealand government, or work for overseas governments, you may be able to do it while on a visitor visa or permit. See what these options are and what they require.
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 we 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
- we believe that you are likely to stay in New Zealand unlawfully or
- we believe that you would break the conditions we 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.
I 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.
My 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 our Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Policy, for people with skills we have identified this country needs. See the requirements for this policy.
My 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 our Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Policy. This policy is for people who have job offers from employers who we have accredited to recruit staff from overseas. See the requirements for this policy.
I have recognised talent/ability in the arts, culture or sports
Our Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Policy is for people with recognised 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.
I want to establish a business in New Zealand
Our Long Term Business Visa/Permit category is for people who want to establish a business in New Zealand as a step to gaining residence. See the requirements in the Invest section.
If you are not sure which of the policies applies to you, see our examples.
See our quick check to get an overview of whether you need or can get a visa or permit to work to residence in New Zealand.