How to Move to New Zealand – Complete Step‑by‑Step Guide
Moving to New Zealand starts with picking the right visa—Skilled Migrant, Green List, Accredited Employer Work, or family routes—then meeting points or job requirements, paying the official fees, and completing the online application via Immigration Online. After approval, use SettleBuddy’s Visa AI, Housing AI, Career AI and Language Lab to find a job, a home, and settle in confidently.
Quick answer
Moving to New Zealand starts with picking the right visa—Skilled Migrant, Green List, Accredited Employer Work, or family routes—then meeting points or job requirements, paying the official fees, and completing the online application via Immigration Online. After approval, use SettleBuddy’s Visa AI, Housing AI, Career AI and Language Lab to find a job, a home, and settle in confidently.
1. Start with a Clear Relocation Goal
Before you open any application portal, define why you want to move to New Zealand. Whether it’s a career upgrade, study opportunity, family reunification, or lifestyle change, a clear goal helps you select the most suitable visa category and shapes the documents you’ll need to gather. Write down your timeline, preferred cities, and any constraints such as existing qualifications or dependents, because each visa pathway has distinct eligibility criteria and processing times.
New Zealand’s immigration system is points‑driven for skilled workers, but it also offers work‑specific, study‑focused, and family‑based routes. Understanding the distinction early prevents wasted effort on applications that don’t match your profile. For instance, a qualified software engineer may qualify under the Skilled Migrant Category, while a recent graduate might consider a Student Visa followed by a Post‑Study Work Visa. Align your personal and professional objectives with the official pathways to stay on track.
SettleBuddy’s Visa AI can instantly compare your profile against all official visa streams, highlighting the most realistic options and the exact documents you’ll need. By feeding your education, work history, and language scores into the tool, you receive a tailored roadmap that saves weeks of research and reduces the risk of missing a critical requirement.
2. Choose the Correct Visa Category
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) publishes a structured list of visa categories, divided into residence, work, study, and family streams (see S1). Residence visas include the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and Green List pathways, while work visas cover the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Working Holiday Visa. Study visas are for full‑time enrolment, and family visas support partners and dependent children. Each category has its own eligibility matrix, fees, and processing timelines, so selecting the right one is the first decisive step.
For most professionals, the Skilled Migrant Category is the flagship route, requiring a minimum of six points based on qualifications, age, work experience, and a job offer in an ANZSCO level 1‑3 occupation (S2). The Green List, introduced to fast‑track high‑demand occupations, offers a simplified application and either immediate residence or a two‑year work‑to‑residence pathway (S2). If you already have a job offer from an accredited employer, the AEWV may be the quickest way to start working while you build points for residence later.
SettleBuddy’s Career AI can match your skill set with current Green List occupations and AEWV‑eligible employers, giving you a data‑driven shortlist of roles that satisfy immigration criteria. By integrating your LinkedIn profile, the AI surfaces opportunities you might otherwise miss, accelerating the job‑search phase and aligning it with visa eligibility.
3. Understanding the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
The SMC is a points‑based residence pathway that awards points for age, qualifications, skilled work experience, and a job offer in a qualifying occupation (S2). As of the 2026 update, you need at least six points, with three to six points coming from occupational registration, qualifications, or income, and up to three additional points for skilled New Zealand work experience (S2). A new work‑experience‑only stream will open on 24 August 2026, allowing applicants with two extra years of skilled NZ work experience to qualify without a job offer (S2).
To calculate your points accurately, gather official documents: a certified qualification transcript, evidence of any professional registration, and detailed employment letters showing duties, salary, and dates. Salary must meet at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold for the occupation, a figure published by INZ on its website. If you fall short on points, consider upskilling, obtaining a New Zealand‑based certification, or securing a longer‑term job that meets the wage requirement.
SettleBuddy’s Visa AI runs a live points calculator that pulls the latest wage thresholds from the official INZ portal. By entering your credentials, the AI instantly shows whether you meet the six‑point minimum and highlights which elements need improvement, allowing you to focus your efforts on the most impactful upgrades before you submit an expression of interest.
4. The Green List – Fast‑Track Residence for In‑Demand Jobs
New Zealand’s Green List is a curated roster of occupations identified as critical to the country’s economic growth (S2). If your profession appears on the list, you can apply for a Straight‑to‑Residence visa, which bypasses the points calculation, or a Work‑to‑Residence visa that grants residency after two years of continuous employment. The Green List simplifies documentation: you need a valid job offer, proof of qualifications, and evidence that the role matches the listed occupation.
The Green List also reduces processing times compared with the general SMC route. Applicants typically receive an initial decision within eight weeks, though exact timelines depend on individual case complexity and the volume of applications. It is essential to verify that the employer is accredited, as non‑accredited sponsors cannot submit Green List applications (S1).
SettleBuddy’s Housing AI can simultaneously search for homes in regions where Green List occupations are concentrated, such as Auckland for tech roles or Christchurch for engineering. By coupling the visa pathway with a targeted housing search, you minimize relocation stress and secure a community that aligns with your professional network.
5. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – The Practical Entry Point
The AEWV is designed for candidates who have secured a job offer from an INZ‑accredited employer (S1). The process begins with the employer applying for accreditation, which costs NZD $775 for hiring five or fewer staff or $1,280 for six or more (S3). Once accredited, the employer must request a job check, a separate fee of NZD $735 (S3), to confirm that the role meets the ANZSCO level 1‑3 criteria and the salary threshold.
After the job check is approved, you submit the AEWV application through the Immigration Online portal using your RealMe identity (S1). The visa fee is NZD $480 plus a NZD $1,060 immigration levy, totaling NZD $1,540 (S3). Processing times are variable (confirm the current timeline on the official source), but they can vary with demand. Successful applicants receive a work visa valid for up to three years, during which they can accumulate the skilled work experience needed for a later residence application.
SettleBuddy’s Visa AI tracks the status of employer accreditation and job checks in real time, notifying you when each step is completed. This transparency helps you coordinate relocation logistics, such as booking flights and arranging temporary accommodation, without guessing when the visa will be granted.
6. Student Visa and Post‑Study Pathways
If you prefer to study first, the Student Visa allows you to enroll in a full‑time program at a New Zealand education provider (S1). The fee is NZD $485 plus a NZD $265 levy, totaling NZD $750 (S3). You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and the International Visitor Levy (IVL) of NZD $100 (S3). A valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from the institution is mandatory.
Upon completing a qualification that meets the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 7 or higher, you become eligible for a Post‑Study Work Visa, which grants up to three years of open work rights (S1). This visa can be a stepping stone to the Skilled Migrant Category, as the work experience you gain counts toward the points system. Remember to apply for the post‑study visa within three months of graduation to avoid gaps in status.
SettleBuddy’s Language Lab can help you meet the English language requirements for both the Student Visa and subsequent work visas. By completing targeted lessons and practice tests, you boost your IELTS or TOEFL scores, ensuring compliance with the official language thresholds without the need for costly private tutoring.
7. Family and Partner Visas – Joining Loved Ones
New Zealand recognises family reunification through several partner and dependent child visas (S1). A Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa allows spouses or de‑facto partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to live, work, and study in the country. Applicants must provide evidence of a genuine and stable relationship, such as joint bank accounts, shared tenancy agreements, and photographs spanning at least 12 months.
Dependent Child visas are available for children under 24 years who are financially dependent on a parent holding a valid New Zealand visa. Proof of dependency includes school enrolment records, medical certificates, and parental support letters. Both partner and dependent child visas are processed under the family stream, with fees similar to the work visas (check the INZ fee guide for the latest amounts).
SettleBuddy’s Career AI can help partners find employment quickly, while the Housing AI assists families in locating suitable homes that meet school zone requirements. By integrating visa, work, and housing services, SettleBuddy reduces the administrative load that often accompanies family relocations.
8. Budgeting the Official Fees and Timeline
Understanding the exact costs is crucial to avoid surprise expenses. Below is a concise table of the most common visa fees as of May 2026 (S3). All fees include the mandatory immigration levy unless otherwise noted. Remember that fees are subject to change; always verify the current amounts on the official INZ fee page before payment.
| Visa Type | Total Fee (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | NZD $1,540 |
| Student Visa | NZD $750 |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (application) | Varies – check INZ guide |
| Employer Accreditation (≤5 staff) | NZD $775 |
| Employer Accreditation (≥6 staff) | NZD $1,280 |
| Job Check | NZD $735 |
| International Visitor Levy | NZD $100 |
9. Practical Relocation Checklist – From Arrival to Settlement
Once your visa is approved, follow this step‑by‑step checklist to ensure a smooth arrival. First, book a one‑way flight and arrange a temporary address—SettleBuddy’s Housing AI can reserve short‑term accommodation within the first 30 days. Next, gather essential documents for customs: passport, visa approval letter, proof of funds, and any medical certificates required for your visa category.
After landing, you must apply for an IRD (tax) number — the timeline varies (confirm the current timeline on the official source), open a local bank account, and enrol your children in school if applicable. The INZ website provides a detailed list of post‑arrival obligations (S1). Register your address with the local council within five days of moving in, and consider purchasing a mobile SIM for immediate connectivity.
SettleBuddy’s Career AI continues to support you after arrival by matching your profile with local job openings and providing interview preparation resources. Meanwhile, the Language Lab offers daily conversation practice with native speakers, accelerating your integration into New Zealand’s workplace culture.
10. Long‑Term Success – From Temporary Visa to Permanent Residency
Transitioning from a temporary work or study visa to permanent residency is the ultimate goal for most movers. After accumulating at least two years of skilled work in an ANZSCO level 1‑3 occupation, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Skilled Migrant Category or apply under the Work‑to‑Residence stream of the Green List (S2). Your points will be reassessed, and any additional qualifications earned in New Zealand can boost your score.
If your EOI is selected, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for residence. At this stage, you must provide updated police certificates, medical examinations, and proof of continuous employment. The processing time for residence visas is variable (confirm the current timeline on the official source), but it can extend during high‑volume periods. Successful applicants gain the right to live, work, and study indefinitely, and they become eligible for New Zealand citizenship after five years of residence.
SettleBuddy’s Visa AI monitors your eligibility for residence pathways in real time, alerting you when you meet the required work‑experience threshold. Coupled with the Housing AI’s long‑term rental options and Career AI’s career progression tools, you have a comprehensive ecosystem that guides you from the first flight to permanent residency.
Where SettleBuddy comes in
SettleBuddy is the AI relocation engine for your whole move — language, visas, housing and career in one place, launching for every country. Language Lab is live now; Housing AI, Visa AI and Career AI are on the way.
Explore SettleBuddy →Key takeaways
- Identify the visa stream that matches your profile—Skilled Migrant, Green List, AEWV, student, or family—before gathering documents.
- Meet the official fee requirements and use the latest INZ fee guide; fees are subject to change.
- Accumulate at least two years of skilled New Zealand work experience to unlock the new SMC work‑experience‑only pathway (effective 24 Aug 2026).
- Leverage SettleBuddy’s AI tools (Visa, Housing, Career, Language Lab) to streamline each relocation phase, from eligibility checks to finding a home.
- After arriving, fulfill post‑arrival obligations (IRD number, address registration, school enrolment) and track residency eligibility for long‑term settlement.
FAQ
What is the minimum points requirement for the Skilled Migrant Category?
The Skilled Migrant Category requires at least six points, with three to six points coming from occupational registration, qualifications, or income, and up to three additional points for skilled New Zealand work experience (S2). The new work‑experience‑only pathway, effective 24 August 2026, allows applicants with two extra years of skilled NZ work experience in an ANZSCO level 1‑3 occupation to qualify without a job offer (S2).
Can I apply for a residence visa directly if my occupation is on the Green List?
Yes. If your occupation appears on the Green List, you may apply for a Straight‑to‑Residence visa, which bypasses the points calculation, or a Work‑to‑Residence visa that grants residency after two years of continuous employment in that role (S2). The application requires a valid job offer from an accredited employer, proof of qualifications, and confirmation that the role matches the listed occupation.
How much does the Accredited Employer Work Visa cost?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa fee is NZD $480 plus a NZD $1,060 immigration levy, totaling NZD $1,540 (S3). Employers also pay accreditation fees of NZD $775 for up to five hires or NZD $1,280 for six or more, plus a job check fee of NZD $735 (S3). All fees are subject to periodic updates; always verify the current amounts on the INZ fee page before payment.
What steps should I take immediately after arriving in New Zealand?
Upon arrival, apply for an IRD (tax) number — the timeline varies (confirm the current timeline on the official source), open a local bank account, and register your residential address with the local council within five days (S1). If you have children, enrol them in school promptly. Additionally, secure a mobile SIM for communication, and begin using SettleBuddy’s Housing AI to find a longer‑term rental that fits your budget and lifestyle.
How can SettleBuddy help me throughout the relocation process?
SettleBuddy offers four AI‑driven modules that cover every relocation stage. Visa AI evaluates your profile against all official visa streams and tracks eligibility for residence pathways. Housing AI searches for short‑term and long‑term homes, ensuring you have a place to stay from day one. Career AI matches your skills with local job openings, while Language Lab provides targeted language practice to meet English requirements. Together, these tools reduce paperwork, cut research time, and increase the likelihood of a successful move.
Official sources
The regulated facts in this guide are drawn from official government sources. Rules and figures change — always confirm the current detail on the official page before you act.