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.
You do not need a work visa to work in New Zealand if you are:
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.
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:
If you are granted a work visa you need to meet certain conditions during your stay:
If you break any of these conditions we may require you to leave New Zealand immediately.
You can be refused a visa if:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Accredited Employers List
Essential Skills in Demand Lists
Office and fees finder
Panel Doctors
Work Visa Application
Work Visa Guide
Application for Residence
Talent (Arts, Culture and Sport) Sponsorship Form
More forms and guides...