New Zealand (NZ)

New Zealand is an English-speaking Pacific country known for high trust institutions, dramatic landscapes, outdoor life, and a pragmatic immigration system built around skills, family, study, and investment.

Capital: Wellington

Region: Oceania

Language: English

Currency: NZD (NZ$)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 75)

Emergency: 111

Jobs & Work Permits

Everything you need to find work and get authorised to work in New Zealand.

Work and Income

Work and Income / Te Hiranga Tangata

Create a MyMSD account or contact a service centre if eligible for support.

Services offered:

✓Job search support
✓Income support
✓Accommodation Supplement
✓Training links

Expat eligibility: Usually limited to citizens, residents, and eligible visa holders. Temporary workers should not assume benefit eligibility.

Visit Work and Income

💼 Work Permits

EU Citizens

EU citizens do not have automatic work rights. They need the correct visa unless they also hold New Zealand or Australian rights.

Non-EU Citizens

Most workers need an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), working holiday visa, partner work rights, student work rights, or residence. The AEWV requires an accredited employer and a Job Check. From March 2026, 47 additional skill-level 1–3 roles were added to the AEWV list. Significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa take effect August 2026, including a new skilled work experience pathway.

EU Blue Card

New Zealand has no EU Blue Card equivalent.

Freelancer Visa

There is no broad digital nomad visa. Self-employment generally needs a visa category that allows it, such as Entrepreneur Work Visa or residence rights.