Moving Services in New Zealand

There are a number of legal requirements involved in order to move to New Zealand. This is easiest for people from Australia, who don't need any permission to live and work in New Zealand other than a passport. Nationals of other countries need permission in the form of a visa, but those from a large number of nations including the United States can get visitor visas good for 3 months on arrival in New Zealand, and for 6 months for British nationals.

 

Anyone from another country needs to have a visa before going to New Zealand. Visitor visas can be extended three months at a time up to nine months, after that another nine months must be spent outside of New Zealand before re-entry will be granted. People aged 18 to 30 years old from 22 countries including Canada and the United Kingdom can apply for a Working Holiday exchange visa which allows them one year working in New Zealand.

 

There is a similar program for Americans aged 18 to 30 that is only for six months working in New Zealand. Proof of sufficient funds for a return ticket is a requirement. Other work visas are for mainly those with job offers in New Zealand for positions that cannot be filled by a native New Zealander.

See our guides

• Moving to New Zealand