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

People who do not need a visa

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

• a New Zealand citizen or you hold a New Zealand residence class visa, or
• an Australian citizen, or the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa including a current Australian resident return visa. (If there are conditions on your residence visa/resident return visa, then you will require a work visa.)

Certain kinds of work do not require a work visa. 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. See what these options are and what they require.

Requirements for all Work to Residence visa applicants

There are a number of requirements that you will need to meet for a Work to Residence visa. 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 visa you need to meet certain conditions during your stay:

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

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

Requirements for different categories

As well as meeting the requirements for all applicants, you must meet the requirements of the category under which you are applying for a Work to Residence visa. Which category 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 category 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 category, for people with skills we have identified this country needs. See the requirements for this category.

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 category. This category is for people who have job offers from employers who we have accredited to recruit staff from overseas. See the requirements for this category.

I have recognised talent/ability in the arts, culture or sports

Our Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work category 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 category.

I want to establish a business in New Zealand

Our Long Term Business Visa 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 categories applies to you, see our examples.

See our quick check to get an overview of whether you need or can get a visa to work to residence in New Zealand.