New Zealand residence

To live in New Zealand permanently, you need a resident visa.

To live in New Zealand permanently, you need a resident visa. There are a number of pathways to obtaining a resident visa, many of which start with a temporary visa allowing you to work, study or own a business in New Zealand. Some visas, such as those granted under the Skilled Migrant Category, grant you residence right away. You need to comply with any conditions attached to your visa, to ensure your pathway to residence is not interrupted.

Before moving to New Zealand permanently, you need to consider what visas you're eligible for and whether those visas will enable you to stay in New Zealand permanently. You also need to make sure you are ready to move to New Zealand, because you will need enough time to complete the requirements of your temporary or resident visa conditions.

Explore and select a visa

New Zealand skilled residence pathways

The visa you hold while in New Zealand may dictate the Government-funded public services you're able to access. The easiest visa to get isn't necessarily the best.