Relocation

How can you get permanent residence in New Zealand?

The two main options for skilled workers to apply for New Zealand residence; the Skilled Migrant category and the Work to Residence policy. 

The Skilled Migrant category works on a points system. Points are earned on the basis of your qualifications, work experience, age and job or job offer in New Zealand. You can also earn bonus points if your job, job offer or your experience is in an industry which has been identified as having a skills shortage or growth potential. A score of 100 points or more is required to begin your application.

To work out how many points you may need, please go to www.immigration.govt.nz/pointsindicator or see the Self Assessment Guide for Residence booklet on the Immigration New Zealand website.  If you hold a work permit under the Talent Work policy, you may apply for New Zealand residence under the Work to Residence policy after you have been working here for two years.

The Warehouse is an Accredited Employer. To find out what this could mean for you, please click here www.immigration.govt.nz or the Work to Residence Policy on the Immigration of NZ website.

What is the difference between a resident and a citizen?

A resident is legally and permanently allowed to live in New Zealand although they do not have all of the rights and privileges of a New Zealand citizen. These include being able to hold a New Zealand passport, receive some educational scholarships, or represent New Zealand in some international sports. Owning rural land is also difficulty for people who are not New Zealand citizens.

People who have been resident in New Zealand for five years, and meet conditions set by the Department of Internal Affairs, are able to apply for New Zealand citizenship. For more information please visit www.dia.govt.nz.

Does someone with New Zealand residence need a work permit?

No. All New Zealand residents are entitled to work in New Zealand for any employer.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, you can bring your partner and dependant children if they meet health, character and, in some cases, English requirements. The partner of an applicant must be legally married to, or in a civil union or de factor relationship with the applicant. They must be able to show that their relationship is genuine and stable. A partner will only be granted residence if both people in the partnership have been living together for at least 12 months.

Dependant children can be aged up to 19 years in the case of people applying for Work permits and 24 years for Residence permits. They must not have children of their own.

This information is subject to change, so for up-to-date information, please check the Immigration New Zealand website www.immigration.govt.nz.

Other helpful information

Settling in a new country can be an exciting experience.  Here are a few website links that you may find useful in your research around living in New Zealand.

Buy, lease or rent property
www.realestate.co.nz
www.trademe.co.nz/property
www.propertypress.co.nz

www.nzflatmates.co.nz
www.open2view.com
www.allrealestate.co.nz

Education in Auckland
Ministry of Education www.minedu.govt.nz

Driving in New Zealand
NZ Transport Agency  http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/factsheets/56.html

Welcome to New Zealand – A Guide for New Comers
http://www.immigration.govt.nz/community/stream/support/settlingin/default.htm

For more detailed information about settling into New Zealand, please read the attached guide.