Residence in New Zealand: permits and requirements
Living legally in New Zealand is possible through 7 permit types: work, other, family, investment. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Residency Through the Skilled Migrant Category
Residence type #1 of 7
Residency for skilled workers employed in New Zealand under a points system based on skills, qualifications and income
Requirements
- Maximum age 55
- Job offer or current employment with an accredited employer
- Minimum 6 points in skilled skills (via registration, qualification or income)
- English proficiency
- Good health and character
Documentation
- In-force passport
- Employment contract or job offer from an accredited employer
- Evidence of qualifications and degrees
- International Qualification Assessment (IQA) if applicable
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.5+)
- Criminal record certificates (6 months validity)
- Medical examinations and chest X-ray
- Evidence of occupational registration (if applicable)
Frequently asked questions about residence in New Zealand
How many types of residence permits are there in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers 7 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, other, family, investment. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in New Zealand last?
Durations vary by permit type: Indefinite (with travel conditions for 2 years); Indefinite (Residency); Up to 5 years (AEWV granted from November 2023; previously up to 3); Indefinite (Residency, with continuous investment conditions). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in New Zealand be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of New Zealand (7 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in New Zealand?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: In-force passport; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Medical examinations. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in New Zealand lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires Presence ≥1,350 days in the 5 years before applying + ≥240 days in each of those 5 years, with entitlement to reside in NZ indefinitely (s 8(2)(b)). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of New Zealand.
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Anything to correct or add about New Zealand?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about residence pathways in New Zealand, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.