Moving to New Zealand: Your Guide to Key Temporary Visa Pathways

New Zealand has long been a magnet for those seeking a lifestyle upgrade.

Where else can you find buzzing city life just a short drive from hiking trails that look like they've been plucked from a movie set? With a population of around 5 million and a reputation for economic stability, NZ consistently ranks high for quality of life.

In fact, the World Bank has repeatedly acknowledged New Zealand's ease of doing business, and the OECD puts it among the best for work-life balance. In the Global Peace Index, New Zealand maintained its fourth best place for safety and security, low domestic and international conflict, and degree of militarisation.

But what if you're not looking to plant roots just yet? Good news: there are several temporary pathways to get you here. And many of these pathways can lead to longer stays via residence options.

1. Work Visas

New Zealand offers various work visa options for those looking to gain international work experience while soaking in breathtaking views. 

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the go-to visa for skilled workers, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer. Industries like construction, hospitality, healthcare, education, and tech are on the lookout for talent. In fact, as of 14 February 2025, around 140,000 AEWVs were issued since the scheme opened, reflecting the country's ongoing demand for skills.   

Work visas can generally be grouped into a few key categories: 

• Employer-Assisted: The AEWV falls here, requiring a job offer from an accredited employer. These visas are granted for a maximum of 5 years and applicants are expected to apply for a residence application before the expiry. These work visas are closed ie have conditions attached to a specific employer, role and city. Sometimes these can also have remuneration stipulations. Some AEWVs can offer quicker residence pathways, while some may not have pathways at all.
• Partnership-Based: If your partner is a New Zealand citizen, resident, or even on a valid work visa, you may be eligible to apply for a work visa based on your relationship. Partners of NZ residents and citizens can move to a residence pathway after 12 months of proving living together. These work visas have open work conditions ie any employer, any work, any location.
• Post-Study Work Visa: International students who graduate from New Zealand institutions with certain qualifications, can apply for Post study work visas to gain valuable work experience after their studies. These work visas can have conditions on what occupation the applicant can work or maybe fully ‘open’ ie have no conditions attached. 

There's also the Working Holiday Visa, a favourite for young adventurers keen to work and travel simultaneously. Just remember: these are less about career advancement and more about funding that campervan road trip. However, you can move into other temporary pathways from here, depending on various factors.

2. Student Visas

New Zealand's education system punches above its weight. Our Universities & Education providers consistently rank among the world's best.

The student visa lets you study full-time while potentially working up to 20 hours a week. Students pay an international tuition fee starting usually from about $20,000/ pa and need to show living expenses of $20,000/pa for tertiary level studies. And it's not just the scenery that draws international students. Most students move swiftly into the NZ workforce, especially if the line of study is in line with skills shortage in NZ called the Green List. This can then lead to residence pathways.

For many, a student visa can be the first step towards a post-study work visa—and possibly a long-term future in NZ. Read more about studying in NZ as an international student here. You can also join us on 14th March for an exclusive and complimentary webinar on Study to Work & Settle in New Zealand. Register through link. 

3. Visitor Visas

Thinking short-term but not just for tourism? A visitor visa can cover more than just selfies at Hobbiton or bungy-jumping in Queenstown. 

Business visitors can attend meetings, conferences, and short-term training without the need for a work visa. It's a flexible option that allows you to experience life in NZ while staying professionally active. 

And if you arrive here to travel, but fall in love with NZ and want to study or work, then there is always the option to prove this change in circumstances and move to another temporary visa. Don’t take this change in circumstances lightly though, as INZ will surely inquire about your actual intentions.

4. Entrepreneur and Investor Visas: Testing the Business Waters

New Zealand's pro-business environment makes it a great place to test innovative ideas. The Entrepreneur Work Visa is perfect for those looking to establish or buy a business, meanwhile, Investor visas attract those ready to make more significant financial commitments.

New Zealand is modernising its Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa to attract high-value investors. Starting 1 April 2025, there are two investor visa categories:

• Growth Category: $5M minimum investment in NZ businesses over 3 years.
• Balanced Category: $10M minimum investment over 5 years with lower-risk options like bonds and property.

While these visas often lead to residence, they also give you a chance to dip your toes in NZ's dynamic business landscape before making any lifelong commitments.

So, Which Pathway Works for You?

Temporary doesn't have to mean fleeting. Whether you're here for work, study, or a scenic sabbatical, these pathways offer a taste of life in a country where nature and opportunity coexist beautifully.

The key? Understand the rules, have a plan, and maybe practice saying "sweet as" like a local. And most importantly, contact us to discuss your options with our Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser to find the best pathway for you and your family. 

If New Zealand is on your radar, consider exploring these visa options sooner rather than later. After all, the world's got plenty of beautiful places—but there's only one Aotearoa, land of the long white cloud (and some of the best flat whites you'll ever taste).