When you arrive in New Zealand
Moving to a new country is a big change. To help you settle in, there are a few things you should do first, for example, find permanent accommodation, work, schools for your children and a doctor.
What you need to do first
There are a few things you should do when you first arrive in New Zealand, to help you settle in quickly.
Find permanent accommodation and set up utilities
If you are living in temporary accommodation, you will need to find somewhere permanent to live, and set up your power and water, and other utilities.
Getting electricity, water and other utilities
Set up your phone
You will need to get a New Zealand SIM card for your mobile phone.
Using mobile phones, internet, TV and radio
Find schools for your children
If you have children, finding a school and getting them settled in should be a priority. Children aged between 6 and 16 must go to school. Early childhood education for younger children is optional.
Childcare, schools and higher education
Find a job
If you are looking for a job once you arrive in New Zealand, check out our 'Finding work in New Zealand' page. You can learn about the major industries in New Zealand, what skills are needed, how to apply for jobs, and what support is available.
Remember to also check your visa's work conditions.
Green List roles — jobs we need people for in New Zealand
You can find a list of other employment websites, and tips on how to find work, at careers.govt.nz
Job vacancy and recruitment websites — careers.govt.nz
Get an IRD number and bank account
Everyone who has a job in New Zealand pays tax on what they earn. You will need a New Zealand bank account and IRD number to pay tax.
You can apply for an IRD number before you arrive in New Zealand. You can apply online through
Get an IRD number — New Zealand Government
Apply for a New Zealand driver licence
You can generally drive in New Zealand on your overseas driver licence for the first 18 months you are here. After that, you will need to convert your licence to a New Zealand driver licence.
Find out about licence requirements from the New Zealand Transport Authority (NZTA).
Driving on New Zealand roads — NZTA
Full New Zealand driving rules are in the New Zealand Road Code.
If your overseas driver licence or permit is not in English, you will need an accurate English translation. The NZTA website has a list of authorised translation services and other acceptable options.
Find a doctor
Once you know where you will be living, you will need to find a local doctor (called a general practitioner, or GP) for you and your family.
Getting health care and finding a doctor
Learning English in New Zealand
If you need to improve your English language skills, there are many options — from formal lessons and qualifications, to conversation groups.
When you first arrive in New Zealand, you may need help in your preferred language, or help with using English in important documents and conversations.
Language Assistance Services (LAS) is a free government service available in over 300 languages.
You can use this service to talk to any participating government agency. This includes phone and video interpreting, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Find out how to request an interpreter if you or someone you know needs language support when calling or meeting with a New Zealand government agency.
Accessing interpreting services — Ministry for Ethnic Communities
To find out more about government interpreting services, and the participating agencies, visit the Ministry for Ethnic Affairs website.
About government interpreting services — Ministry for Ethnic Communities
Find information on local communities and opportunities to make connections:
Learn about safety in New Zealand:
If you want to talk to someone to get settlement information or to find out about settlement services in your local community, visit Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB).
CAB has locations all over the country. CABs also offer workshops and seminars for recent migrants.
You can also ask for an interpreter in your preferred language when you visit a CAB.
Find a list of all CAB offices on the CAB website.
You may need important documents translated into English.
Search for a translator or interpreter on the New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters website.
Search NZSTI — New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters
Translating your qualifications documents
If you need to get your qualifications translated into English, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) has information about who can provide translations.
English translations for documents — New Zealand Qualifications Authority
Translating documents for citizenship applications
Documents needed for citizenship applications that are not in English must be translated. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Translation service can do this for you.
Contact us
Get in touch if you have questions about visa applications and processes:
- from a New Zealand landline: 0508 558 855
- from overseas or a mobile phone: +64 9 914 4100.
For up-to-date information about Immigration New Zealand news and events: