New Zealand consistently ranks high in international rankings of the best countries in the world to live in. The country is particularly popular with citizens of Israel, Cameroon, and Myanmar (Burma). The unemployment rate here is very low – less than 5%, there is no corruption, and all areas of business experience economic freedom. All this makes New Zealand an ideal place to move and build a career. Also, the advantages of employment will be such characteristic features of New Zealand corporate culture as respect for personal space, friendly attitude of superiors towards subordinates, lack of piety towards management, tolerance of cultural peculiarities.

How to get a job in such a friendly and promising country? A detailed guide to the employment procedure in New Zealand in 2024 further.

Features of employment of foreigners in New Zealand

- In New Zealand, local work experience is quite highly valued. After all, most New Zealand employers simply do not recognize qualifications and experience from other countries.

- You can start a career in New Zealand with unskilled work, for example, as a handyman or in the service sector. After all, the main thing for foreigners in New Zealand is to show the skills of adaptation and communication with local residents.

- A significant advantage for the candidate will be a high level of English proficiency, certified by one of the international certificates.

- Seasonal work is very popular in New Zealand. Since agriculture is quite developed in the country, workers are often needed to harvest crops on plantations and vegetable farms. Temporary workers can also find a place in the tourism industry and the fishing industry.

Where can a foreigner look for a job in New Zealand?

New Zealand portals will help in finding a job: Careers.govt.nz, GradConnection, SEEK, WorkHere, Working In New Zealand.

In what industries do most expats work in New Zealand?

The most in demand on the New Zealand labor market are specialists in the following areas:

- engineering;

- information technology;

- healthcare;

- forestry;

- tourism;

- logistics;

- geology;

- construction;

- education.

Representatives of some professions must additionally undergo state registration. This is the name of a special procedure during which you must provide certain documents and pass qualification exams. This applies to: lawyers, veterinarians, medical professionals, teachers and electricians.

Types of work visas to New Zealand

There are several types of visas available for those who want to live and work in New Zealand, both permanently and temporarily.

- Working Holiday Visa – If you are from an eligible country (citizens of certain countries may be eligible), are between 18 and 35 years old and want to work on a temporary basis, you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. The visa is valid for 12, 23 or 36 months, depending on which you apply for. To be eligible to work, the main purpose of your trip must be to work for up to 36 months or to study for up to six months. The visa costs NZ$420 (US$250).

- Accredited Employer Work Visa – Choose this visa if you have the necessary qualifications and experience for a specific role and have been offered a full-time job. It is valid for five years and costs NZ$750 (US$450).

- Skilled Migrant Resident Visa – for those who have the skills, qualifications and experience to meet the needs of an employer in New Zealand and are looking for a permanent long-term position (staying in the country for an indefinite period). Once you have received a job offer from an accredited employer, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The visa costs from NZ$4,290 (US$2,600).

- Work to Residence Visa – if you are currently working for or have a job offer from an accredited employer and have worked in a popular Tier 2 Green List position for two years, then you may be eligible for this visa. To apply, you must be 55 years of age or younger and the visa costs from NZ$4,290 (US$2,600).

- Straight to Residence Visa – This visa is for those who are working for an accredited employer or have a job offer from an accredited employer in Level 1 of the Green List of In-Demand Roles. The visa costs from NZ$4,290 (US$2,600).

Immigration New Zealand uses a points system when considering applicants. You receive points for age, experience, employment and qualifications.

Contact the New Zealand embassy in your country of residence for more information about visas and work permits.

In 2024, New Zealand made a number of important changes to its visa and migration policies. Read here what these changes are, which categories of permits are affected by the innovations and who should be prepared for the new rules.

The three official languages ​​of New Zealand are English, Māori and New Zealand Sign Language.

Most businesses conduct business in English, and most organisations require proficiency in spoken and written English.

Working conditions in New Zealand

The average working week in New Zealand is usually between 35 and 40 hours. You can work up to five days, with 40 hours being the maximum allowed.

The minimum wage for adults aged 16 and over is currently NZ$23.15 (April 2024), which is approximately US$14 per hour.

Employees are entitled to at least four weeks of annual leave. New Zealand also has 11 public holidays. If you work on a public holiday, your employer must pay you extra.

To move, travel or work safely in a new country, you will need health insurance. You can apply for an extended policy on our website here.

Taxes in New Zealand

Income tax and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) are how New Zealand funds services for the benefit of all residents, and your salary in New Zealand is subject to income tax, regardless of whether you are considered a resident or just visiting the country on a temporary basis.

Personal income tax calculation:

- 39% for income over NZ$180,000 (US$255,550).

- 33% for income between NZ$70,001 and NZ$180,000 (US$87,700 and NZ$255,550).

- 30% on income between NZ$48,001 and NZ$70,000 (US$60,150 and US$87,700).

- 17.5% on income between NZ$14,001 and NZ$48,000 (US$17,540 and US$60,150).

- 10.5% on income up to NZ$14,000 (US$17,540).

For more information on taxes for employees in New Zealand, visit the New Zealand Inland Revenue Service.

According to Numbeo, New Zealand has a very high standard of living and a moderate cost of living, add career prospects and a rich nature and you have the perfect place to move.

Reminder! New Zealand has implemented changes to the Migrant Exploitation Protection (MEVP) work visa. They have been in effect since 31 October 2024. Read here what has changed for expats when applying for employment in New Zealand in 2024.