Information for international candidates

Effective 1st October 2024 the maximum duration for work and visitor visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents will increase from 2 years to 3 years, provided they have lived together for at least 12 months. This change gives couples more time to save for residence application fees and aligns visa durations with those for partners of temporary migrants. It applies to both applications made from 1 October 2024, and pending applications as of that date.

Current visas will not be automatically extended.

Effective 1st October 2024, New Zealand introduced new visa charges.

The new charges will apply to various visa categories, with specific rates outlined in the official table here: Increase to visa charges comes into effect from 1 October | Immigration New Zealand.

We have summarised the most relevant changes below for your convenience.

• Migrants applying for the skilled residence category (such as the ‘Straight to Residence Visa’) will be charged $6,450, up from $4,290 currently.
• Migrants applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa will be charged $1,540, up from $750 currently.
• Migrants applying for a Work Visa Partnership will be charged $1,630, up from $860 currently.
• Job Check applications will also increase to $735.00, up from $610 currently.
• Please note that these fees are subject to change, as further advice from INZ on the fee increases become available.

Visa applications must include all required evidence, like health and identity documents, at the time of lodgement of the application to avoid being declined. Therefore, for health workers who have been offered employment with Health NZ, we would encourage you to contact our Health immigration service for further guidance.

Languages used in New Zealand include:

• English is the de facto language
• Te Reo Māori
• New Zealand Sign Language.

Many Pacific languages are used as well, especially in Tāmaki Makaurau, which is the largest Pacific city in New Zealand.

We suggest becoming familiar with how certain words are used. Learn more about New Zealand slang on the 100% Pure New Zealand website.

New Zealand slang — 100% Pure New Zealandexternal link

It is likely that the cost of living will be different than what you are used to in your home country.

Immigration New Zealand have a cost of living calculator you can use, or check out sorted.org.nz for various helpful budgeting resources and tools.

Cost of living in New Zealand — New Zealand Immigrationexternal link

Help with the cost of living — sortedexternal link

Live — New Zealand Immigrationexternal link

Settlement services — New Zealand Immigrationexternal link

If you have a valid overseas driver licence, you can convert it to a NZ driver licence. A valid licence means that your licence is not suspended, disqualified or revoked in the country of issue and must either be current or expired within the last 12 months. You can only drive using an overseas licence for 12 months from your last date of entry into New Zealand.

If you have been in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you will not be able to drive on your overseas driver licence anymore — you must have a NZ licence. You will need:

• evidence of your identity
• proof that your eyesight meets the required standard
• a medical certificate if required
• your overseas driver licence and a translation if it is not in English — you will need to present your physical overseas driver's licence.
• to let the agent take your photo and signature
• pay the application fee
• provide high-quality colour photocopies of all original documents you have provided.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi provides advice on:

• motor registration
• buying a car
• car licensing
• vehicle change of ownership
• warrant of fitness (WOF) for vehicles.

Converting to a New Zealand driver licence — NZ Transport Agencyexternal link

You may consider booking temporary accommodation until you can find a longer-term rental — our relocation team can help you search, view and apply for rentals.

Some short-term accommodation sites

BookaBachexternal link

Holiday Housesexternal link

Airbnbexternal link

Wotifexternal link

The rental market in New Zealand is regulated by the government under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986.

If you are renting for the first time you will need to sign an agreement with the landlord and pay a bond for up to 4 weeks rent in advance. The bond is lodged with the government's Tenancy Services. At the end of the tenancy, you will receive your bond back minus any damage costs or unpaid rent.

New Zealand protects long-term tenancies. Read the rules about changing the terms of the tenancy agreement.

Local rental agencies can help you to locate a property

Trade Meexternal link

OneRoofexternal link

realestate.co.nzexternal link

homes.co.nzexternal link

Note that most rentals in New Zealand are unfurnished. Furniture and whiteware can be rented in some parts of the country. Find out more about renting in New Zealand.

Renting a place to live in New Zealand — New Zealand Immigrationexternal link

Use the 'Help us assess if you can buy a house to live in' tool to determine if you can buy a house in New Zealand. In general, only residents and citizens can buy a house to live in in New Zealand. 

Buying property in New Zealand — New Zealand Immigrationexternal link

We suggest you take a look at the Powerswitch website.

Powerswitchexternal link

If you are renting a house you will need to access power, phone, and internet connection through private companies.

A variety of companies provide internet and phone connections. Immigration NZ provides advice about how your communications can get connected.

Getting services in New Zealand — New Zealand Immigrationexternal link

Power outlets in Aotearoa may vary from those in other countries and adaptors can be purchased from various electronic retail stores.

There are a range of power providers across the country

Mercuryexternal link

Contact Energyexternal link

Meridianexternal link

Powershopexternal link

You can enrol your tamariki in school before they are 5, though they will not start until they turn 5 and must have started by the time they are 6.

Tamariki must stay at school until they turn 16 years of age. Parents may apply to educate children at home.

If you have a school in mind for your tamariki, you may need to live within the school zone.

Early childhood education (ECE) provides education and care for tamariki before they are old enough to go to primary school. It is not compulsory. For 3 to 4-year-olds, the first 20 hours per week are fully funded by the government.

Most children in New Zealand get some form of early childhood education, usually for 20 to22 hours a week.

Ministry of Education provides practical information about education for parents and carers.

Ministry of Educationexternal link

Childcare, schools and higher education — New Zealand Immigrationexternal link

You can open a bank account in Aotearoa before you travel but will need to visit a branch to activate it once you arrive. You need a visa that allows you to stay in the country for some time such as a work, residence, or student visa. You may want to provide the New Zealand bank with a reference letter from your current bank which includes a credit score or rating. Health NZ can provide you with a letter of a confirmed work address to speed up the process. EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer at Point of Sale) is a way to use funds from your bank account when shopping.To open a bank account, you will need the following:

• proof of identity — NZ ID or passport
• proof of address — could be your current overseas address but will need to provide a permanent address in Aotearoa
• a New Zealand tax number (IRD number)
• proof of your visa — could be work, residence, or student visa.

Registered banks in New Zealand — Reserve Bank of New Zealandexternal link

New Zealand operates under a progressive tax system, where individuals with higher incomes pay a higher percentage of their earnings in taxes. Tax rates are divided into different income bands. All personal income is taxed. If you are a New Zealand resident, you will need to pay income tax on all income you receive from New Zealand and overseas. You can use Inland Revenue's income tax calculator to work out what percentage of tax you will pay.

Tax rates for individuals — Inland Revenueexternal link

You will need to have an IRD number before you can start. Apply for an IRD number on the Inland Revenue website.

New arrival to New Zealand - IRD number application — Inland Revenueexternal link

All staff are paid fortnightly by direct credit into their bank account. Payment is for the preceding fortnight worked. Queries about payments should be directed to the relevant team leader or manager in the first instance.

Your team leader or manager will be able to guide you on the local preferences, however generally speaking:

• all leave must be applied for in advance through the team leader or manager
• the expenses claim form must be completed, and receipts attached before expense claims can be approved and reimbursed (if offered in a bond agreement).

Advice about how to set up a bank account is covered in the Banking and taxes section.

Health New Zealand will provide you with financial support to relocate and get settled to the value outlined in your employment agreement. 

All employees are entitled to 4 weeks paid annual leave days per year after 12 months of continuous employment. Sometimes employers offer additional entitlements — your employment agreement will state the exact amount of annual leave you are entitled to, and when.

All employees are entitled to a minimum of 10 days paid sick leave per annum after the first 6 months in their role, and 10 days can be carried over to a maximum of 20 days.

Sometimes employers offer additional entitlements — your employment agreement will state the exact amount of sick leave you are entitled to, and when.

You can read more about parental leave entitlements and types and your eligibility on the Employment NZ website. 

Parental leave — Employment New Zealandexternal link

There are 11 national public holidays and 1 regional anniversary day each year.

Dates for public holidays and anniversary days — New Zealand Governmentexternal link

Employee Contributions

As a member of KiwiSaver, you can choose to contribute a percentage of your gross salary or wages (3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%).

Employer Contributions

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is required to contribute at least 3% of your gross salary or wages to your KiwiSaver account (Up to 6% if you are an eligible SMO).

Government contributions

The amount of the government contribution depends on how much you contributed to your fund between 1 July to 30 June. The maximum government contribution is $260.72. To be eligible for the government contribution, you must earn an annual taxable income of $180,000 or less.

How KiwiSaver works — Inland Revenueexternal link

Using your KiwiSaver for retirement and buying your first home

KiwiSaver is a long-term savings scheme designed to help you prepare financially for retirement. However, after at least 3 years of contributions you can also withdraw most of your savings (including government contributions) to put towards buying your first home.

Portability

KiwiSaver is portable, meaning that it stays with you regardless of which job you are in. If you move to a new job, you and your employer can continue contributing to your KiwiSaver. This continuity helps ensure that your retirement savings grow steadily, regardless of career changes.

Investment choices

KiwiSaver accounts offer a range of investment funds, from conservative to growth-focused options. This allows individuals to choose an investment strategy that best fits their risk profile and retirement goals. Over time, the returns can help significantly boost the value of your savings.

Security and trust

KiwiSaver is regulated by the New Zealand government, providing a high level of trust and security in the system. As a government-backed initiative, there is less risk involved compared to other, unregulated investment vehicles.

Permanent emigration withdrawal

If you permanently emigrate from New Zealand (excluding moves to Australia), you can withdraw your KiwiSaver funds after 1 year. However, government contributions will be refunded to Inland Revenue.

You are eligible if you are living (or normally living) in New Zealand and are one of the following.

• A New Zealand citizen or entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely
• An Australian citizen
• A New Zealand or Australian residence permit holder.

KiwiSaver is a valuable benefit that helps you secure your financial future with minimal effort.

KiwiSaver — Inland Revenueexternal link

New Zealand has a universal public health system. It is one of the top 20 healthcare systems in the world, on a par with the United States and the United Kingdom. As a migrant, you may be eligible for publicly funded healthcare if you either:

• hold a residence visa
• have a work visa valid for 2 years or more.

Guide to eligibility for public health services — Health NZexternal link

Primary care is the health care that you receive in your local community. Primary health care covers a broad range of health and preventative services, including:

• health education
• counselling
• disease prevention
• screening.

Visits to community clinics cost less if you are enrolled as a patient, so be sure to enrol with a primary care provider. You can search for a doctor near you on Healthpoint.

GPs / Accident & Urgent Medical Care — Healthpointexternal link

Be sure to check access to free health care and health insurance for you and your whānau.

Healthcare for Immigrants in New Zealand — New Zealand Immigration Conceptsexternal link

General dental care for people over 18 years is not funded by the government in New Zealand. However, basic dental care for eligible school children is free up to 18 years of age, and Te Whatu Ora provides oral health services at many schools across the country with permanent clinics or mobile dental units.

Dentists can be found all over the country.

Dentistry — Healthpointexternal link

Here in New Zealand, we fund healthcare differently. The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides comprehensive, no-fault personal injury cover for New Zealanders and visitors. ACC is funded by the government and New Zealand public.

As a clinician, you can lodge claims on behalf of your patients. You must check with your manager about how to lodge a claim in Health NZ. ACC provides general information about the scheme for clinicians. ACC provides a series of options for clinicians to learn more about the scheme, and claims through online learning and foundational webinars.

ACC learningexternal link

Cole’s medical practice in New Zealand gives practical advice to doctors in New Zealand (whether international or New Zealand medical graduates).

Cole’s medical practice in New Zealand — Medical Council of New Zealandexternal link

The Goodfellow unit has resources about certifying work capacity after injury.

Certifying work capacity after injury — Goodfellow Unitexternal link

Mental health

There are a variety of helplines available. Visit the Family Services Directory for more mental health support providers. If you need urgent help, free call or text 1737external link

Where to get help for mental health

Family Services Directoryexternal link

Alcohol Drug 24/7 Helpline

Freephone 0800 787 797external link

Alcohol and drug services

Check out our social media links at the bottom of the page, or go to our New and updates page for health alerts.

News and updates — Health NZexternal link

News — Ministry of Healthexternal link

Dial 111 for emergencies.

Dial 111 for emergencies (if something is happening now or has just happened, or if you or someone’s safety is at risk).

Dial 105 for non-urgent things that you think the police should know.

All public hospitals have accident and emergency facilities. Primary care accident and emergency or local 'A&Es' are available for after hour emergencies in most locations.

Health NZ locations

GPs / Accident & Urgent Medical Care — Healthpointexternal link

The NZ government has established agencies to lead local teams to deal with disasters and other emergencies. Check out the National Emergency Management Agency website and sign up for emergency mobile alerts on the Get Ready website to receive emergency notifications.

National Emergency Management Agencyexternal link

Emergency Mobile Alert — Get Readyexternal link

Mental health

There are a variety of helplines available. Visit the Family Services Directory for more mental health support providers. If you need urgent help, free call or text 1737external link

Where to get help for mental health

Family Services Directoryexternal link

Alcohol Drug 24/7 Helpline

Freephone 0800 787 797external link

Alcohol and drug services

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police on 111.

You can call the Women's Refuge Crisis line on 0800 733 843external link.

A list of family violence service providers is on the Are you ok website.

Family violence services — Are you okexternal link

Immigration NZ’s NZ Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy supports recent migrants to make NZ their home. The New Zealand Newcomers Network helps new migrants make new connections.

New Zealand Newcomers Networkexternal link

i-SITE Visitor Information Centres can provide unbiased, local advice to get the most out of exploring our beautiful country.

isite Locations — isiteexternal link

Recruitment agencies offer job search services or check if there is a job at Health NZ. Search online for 'recruitment agencies' and add your city after. New Zealand has a number of websites for job seekers. A visa is required before people can be employed.

Trade Me jobsexternal link

SEEKexternal link

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, make connections and give back to the community. There are various volunteering options to choose from based on your values and interests, and a vast number of community groups to get involved in New Zealand.

Tūao New Zealand Volunteering New Zealandexternal link

The Strengthening Families process connects a family who requires assistance with more than one agency or community service when a family needs help. All families need help from time to time. Find support wherever you are living in New Zealand. Check out Healthpoint for more links to health services.

Strengthening Familiesexternal link

Healthpointexternal link

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call the police on 111.

You can call the Women's Refuge Crisis line on 0800 733 843external link

A list of family violence service providers is on the Are you ok website.

Family violence services — Are you okexternal link

The New Zealand Association of Counsellors provides a list of qualified counsellors. Note that payment may be required.

New Zealand Association of Counsellorsexternal link

You can report suspected abuse to Oranga Tamariki Ministry for Children. Oranga Tamariki is a government department. If you need help:

• freephone 0508 326 459external link
• email contact@ot.govt.nzexternal link

Worried about a child? — Oranga Tamarikiexternal link

If you or someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 111.

KidsHealth provides a list of various helplines for individuals and families.

Helplines In New Zealand — KidsHealthexternal link

An acceptable standard of health is required whether moving to New Zealand temporarily or as a resident. There are a variety of providers of services for people with disabilities. The Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People’s website contains useful links for people with disabilities.

Acceptable Standard of Health for NZ Visas — New Zealand Immigration Conceptsexternal link

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled Peopleexternal link

There is a network of public libraries across New Zealand. You and your family are welcome to visit in person, or listen to and watch audio books online.

Find your library — Love your Libraryexternal link

Plan your journey whether traveling locally or around the country using the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi journey planner.

Journey planner — NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahiexternal link

Rubbish collection is managed by local authorities. Contact your local authority for refuse collection days.

Council websites and maps — Local Government New Zealandexternal link