Eating and drinking at St Johns Restaurant

Starting a new life in another country can be challenging, but our six-step guide can help you plan your move to New Zealand.

You are more likely to be able to work in New Zealand if you have:

6 steps to moving to New Zealand

1Research New Zealand

Research New Zealand online and consider coming for a visit to explore the country, experience the lifestyle and meet potential employers. You should soon know if you would like to live here.

2Choose a visa

Choose the best visa for you. This is likely to depend on how long you want to stay, whether your skills are in demand in New Zealand, and if you are moving with your family. You’ll likely need a job offer before applying for your visa.

3Find a job

Explore job websites and contact recruiters. Update your CV for the New Zealand job market, and gather the documents you will need to have your qualifications recognised or to apply for registration.

4Apply for your visa

Once you have a job offer and all the required documents, you can submit your visa application online. You can ask your employer or a registered immigration adviser for help, if you need it.

5Plan your move

Use NZ Ready to help you plan your move to New Zealand. NZ Ready is a free online tool that can give you a list of relevant tasks tailored to your specific circumstances, to make your move easier.

6Settle in

Begin work and start settling into your new home. Ways to meet people in New Zealand include: work social clubs, community groups, volunteering, meetups and informal parents' networks.

Celebrate your new life!

Hear from new migrants about living and working in New Zealand.

  • Why New Zealand?
    Scorching Bay Beach
    Play Video
  • 90% of migrants say their welcome exceeded their expectations Source: Immigration NZ
  • Great job opportunities
    Fixing model yacht
    Play Video

NZ Ready online planning tool

NZ Ready is a free online tool to help you plan your move to New Zealand, ensuring you know how things work here and have a hassle-free move.

Try NZ Ready

Interested in coming to New Zealand?

Sign up to receive relevant job opportunities from New Zealand employers and practical advice on how to make your move to New Zealand a reality.