New Zealand Resident Visa
Residence visas in New Zealand are initially temporary visas, but they allow you to live in the country indefinitely. There is more than one category by which it is possible to apply for residency in New Zealand and once you obtain it, you acquire all the benefits of being a resident.
General Requirements for a New Zealand Resident Visa
Be under 55 years old.
Meet the English language requirement (IELTS 6.5 overall or equivalent).
Meet the standard health and character requirements.
Have a job or job offer with an accredited employer in a Green List occupation, an eligible Skilled Migrant Category role, or the Care Workforce.
Types of Residence in New Zealand
Green List
The Green List is a group of high-demand occupations in New Zealand. It includes 12 industries, such as construction, healthcare, primary industries, telecommunications, and more than 200 specific roles. View Green List
The list is divided into two tiers:
Tier 1: Occupations that can lead straight to residence.
Tier 2: Occupations that are eligible under the Work to Residence pathway.
Green list tier 1:
Straight to residence
The Straight to Residence category provides a direct pathway to New Zealand residence for people who can demonstrate they have skills for highly skilled or hard-to-fill roles that are important for the country.
Meet all general requirements (age, health, character, English, etc.)
Have a job or job offer in a Tier 1 occupation on the Green List
Meet the specific requirements associated with that occupation on the list
green list tier 2:
Work to residence
The Work to Residence category provides a pathway to New Zealand residence after 2 years of work in New Zealand in a Tier 2 occupation on the Green List.
Meet all general requirements (age, health, character, English, etc.)
Have a job in a Tier 2 occupation on the Green List
Meet the specific requirements associated with that occupation on the list
Have worked at least 24 months in that occupation
skilled migrant
Skilled Migrant Category
This visa is for people who are working in New Zealand or have a job offer from an accredited employer, and who qualify for at least 6 points.
Points are awarded based on:
Qualification or Income or New Zealand Registration +
Skilled work experience
Have at least 6 points
Have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer in New Zealand
Meet all general requirements (age, health, character, English, etc.)
Care workforce sector pathway to residence
Care Workforce Pathway
This visa allows people working in the care workforce to apply for residence after 24 months of work in a skilled role at the sector’s minimum wage (currently NZ$28.25 per hour).
Meet all general requirements (age, health, character, English, etc.)
Have worked 24 months in a selected skilled role within the care workforce, earning at least the sector’s minimum wage (currently NZ$28.25 per hour).
Have a job or job offer with an accredited employer
New Residence Pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category
From August 2026, two new residence pathways will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa.
These options will provide more flexible routes to residence for skilled professionals and technicians who have developed their careers in New Zealand.
Check the full table of changes and how the residence application will work from August 2026 here
skilled migrant
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
This pathway is for people working in ANZSCO skilled occupations (levels 1–3) with directly relevant experience, including time worked in New Zealand earning above the national median wage. It is an option for those who have developed a solid and verifiable career in their field.
Have at least 5 years of directly relevant experience
Have worked at least 2 years in New Zealand in a skilled role earning at least 1.1 times the national median wage
Have a skilled job offer or be currently employed in a skilled role in New Zealand
Meet all general requirements (age, health, character, English, etc.)
skilled migarnt
Trades & Technician Pathway
This pathway is for people working in specific trades and technical roles, backed by a relevant qualification and proven experience in their field. It is an option for migrants who have built their career in the trades or technical sector and are looking to progress toward residence in New Zealand.
Work in one of the specified trades or technical roles (ANZSCO skill level 1–3)
Have a relevant Level 4 or higher qualification (minimum 120 credits)
Have at least 4 years of directly relevant skilled work experience after your qualification
Have completed at least 18 months of experience in New Zealand, earning at or above the national median wage
Meet all general requirements (age, health, character, English, etc.)
A table with specific trades and technician qualifications will be published soon.
IMPORTANT RED Y AMBAR LIST
IMPORTANT RED Y AMBAR LIST
INZ will use two special lists — the Red List and the Amber List — to define exceptions and additional rules within the new residence pathways. These lists will determine which occupations can access each pathway directly and which need extra requirements or will be excluded once the system comes into effect in August 2026.
- Red List:
Occupations on this list cannot access the Skilled Work Experience Pathway or the Trades and Technician Pathway.
However, people in these roles may still be eligible for other Skilled Migrant Category pathways. - Amber List:
Occupations on this list must meet additional requirements to access the Skilled Work Experience Pathway and are not eligible for the Trades and Technician Pathway.
Take the First Step Towards Your Residence
Ready to Take the Next Step Towards Your Residence in New Zealand?
If you feel your profile might qualify, let’s evaluate it together. Find out if you can already apply, which pathway is best for you, and the steps to get closer to your residence.
Book your Immigration assessment with Lina, our licensed New Zealand immigration adviser, and start your journey toward your new life.
Your New Zealand residence begins with this first step!