New Zealand (NZ)

💡 Always verify IAA registration before paying any immigration adviser — using an unlicensed paid adviser is illegal and can jeopardise your visa. New Zealand lawyers are IAA-exempt. For Skilled Migrant, employer-sponsored or residence applications, professional help is strongly recommended given recent policy changes.

💡 Ask about transitional tax residency (4-year exemption on most foreign income for new residents), FIF (Foreign Investment Fund) rules for overseas shares, GST registration if self-employed, and ACC levies. Filing your first New Zealand tax return as a new resident has complex transitional rules — professional advice in year one pays for itself.

💡 Use a property lawyer for house purchases — New Zealand conveyancing is handled by solicitors, not standalone conveyancers. For employment issues, the Employment Relations Authority (era.govt.nz) is the first venue and does not require legal representation. Legal aid is available for qualifying individuals.

💡 Foreign income and new-resident status can restrict lending — many banks apply stricter criteria for non-citizens and recent arrivals. Always verify that any financial adviser holds a current FAP licence from the FMA before engaging.

💡 Confirm the translation acceptance criteria with the requesting agency before commissioning a translation — Immigration New Zealand and NZQA each have specific requirements. NZSTI certification is the safest default for government-submitted documents.