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Ways to immigrate to New Zealand & obtain residency
Immigration to New Zealand, like other countries, is achievable through seven primary pathways: work, education, investment, marriage, birth, asylum, and for special individuals and artists. Selecting the appropriate method among these requires a specialized approach, involving thorough study and research. This article scientifically analyzes the conditions for immigration to New Zealand, including obtaining residency, living costs, immigration ratings, and the most cost-effective methods for moving to New Zealand.
Due to its abundant resources, large land area, and relatively low population, New Zealand requires additional labor and population for its growth and development. Consequently, countries such as Australia and Canada have implemented various immigration laws to facilitate legal immigration for qualified individuals who wish to reside in New Zealand. This article, prepared by Talav Company, aims to guide you. You can contact Talav Company worldwide or fill out the contact form to comprehensively assess your circumstances and receive complimentary telephone advice.
immigration by investing
Investing in New Zealand is another immigration avenue. An individual can obtain a three-year residency by presenting a business plan and investing $750,000 or more.
immigration by study
For educational immigration to New Zealand, factors such as age, language proficiency, and financial capability are crucial for securing admission from the universities in this country.
immigration by work
optimal way to immigrate to New Zealand is through employment, which can be pursued either by obtaining a job offer or via the skilled labor rating system in New Zealand.
Asylum in New Zealand
This method is not recommended due to its numerous risks and dangers, which can jeopardize the lives of the individuals and their families.
immigration by Marrying
If you marry a New Zealand citizen or resident, under certain conditions, you can obtain a partner visa and New Zealand residency.
immigration through birth of a child
Since 2005, individuals can obtain New Zealand citizenship if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or holds permanent residency.

Topics covered in this article:
– Conditions for immigrating to New Zealand
– Pros & cons of living in New Zealand
– Immigration regulations for New Zealand
– Methods to immigrate to New Zealand
– Work immigration to New Zealand
– Study immigration to New Zealand
– Immigration to New Zealand via investment
– Immigration to New Zealand via marriage
– Immigration to New Zealand via childbirth
– Immigration to New Zealand via asylum
– Immigration to New Zealand for artists and highly successful individuals
– Costs of immigrating to New Zealand
– Cost of living in New Zealand
– Relocation to Kaitangata, New Zealand
– Achieving permanent residency and citizenship in New Zealand
– Commonly Asked Questions
– Last words about immigrating to New Zealand
Conditions for immigrating to New Zealand
The official languages of New Zealand are English and Maori; however, English is the predominant language spoken. Immigrating to New Zealand is ideal for those who wish to reside in an advanced, free, and wealthy nation with unique natural environments. The main industries in New Zealand are animal husbandry and agriculture, making it a leading country in fisheries, livestock, and agricultural products. In terms of immigration regulations, New Zealand shares many similarities with Australia, offering residency through various methods such as entrepreneurship and different work visas.
Pros & cons of living in New Zealand
Immigrating to New Zealand has numerous benefits, but there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of immigrating to New Zealand:
Pros:
- Strong government and healthcare services
- High health standards
- Excellent educational quality
- Very low unemployment rate
- Predominantly English-speaking
- Favorable climate
Cons:
- Some jobs have longer working hours than usual
- The time difference with the Northern Hemisphere can be challenging when traveling
- Being an island nation, it has no nearby neighbors
- Most goods are imported, making them relatively expensive
- Train travel is costly
- Many houses are old and poorly insulated
- Limited job opportunities
Immigration regulations for New Zealand
New Zealand’s immigration laws are structured to regulate the entry and residence of foreign nationals. The primary framework is governed by the Immigration Act 2009 and its related regulations. Foreigners require a visa to enter New Zealand, which is issued based on the purpose of their visit, such as work, study, family reunification, or tourism. New Zealand has various visa programs with annual quotas and limits that can influence the number of visas issued.
Methods to immigrate to New Zealand
Immigration to New Zealand typically involves seven main pathways:
- Work migration to New Zealand
- Study migration to New Zealand
- Immigration to New Zealand through investment
- Immigration to New Zealand through marriage and family reunification
- Immigration to New Zealand through childbirth
- Immigration to New Zealand through asylum
- Immigration to New Zealand for special and talented individuals
These methods provide different routes for individuals and families seeking to move to New Zealand.
Work immigration to New Zealand
One of the best ways to immigrate to New Zealand is through employment. Work visas in New Zealand can be obtained through various methods, depending on the applicant’s skills and expertise. Some work visas are temporary and do not lead to permanent residency. For a temporary work visa, a job sponsor and an employer are required, and the employer must have permission to hire a foreign worker. The main method of obtaining work residency in New Zealand, similar to Australia and Canada, is through a points-based system called Skilled Migrant. Specialists and applicants who wish to live and work in New Zealand participate in this system, and if they score enough points, they are granted permanent residency. Factors influencing this points system include education, work history, age, and language proficiency. Previously, a minimum of 100 points was required for an invitation; currently, the minimum required score is 160 points.
Given New Zealand’s unemployment rate of 4.3%, the job market is favorable, and finding employment for qualified individuals should not be overly difficult.
New Zealand Unemployment Rate-Percentage
Study immigration to New Zealand
Another excellent way to immigrate to New Zealand is through education. If you review the scoring criteria for a work visa, you will notice the points and benefits that studying in New Zealand can provide. Obtaining a degree from a New Zealand institution significantly enhances the chances of securing a job. A New Zealand education degree can greatly influence an employer’s decision and simplify the process of obtaining a work permit from the Labor Department, thereby increasing the likelihood of acquiring work residency and permanent residency. Unlike some European countries, studying in New Zealand is not free, and international students must pay for their education. Tuition costs vary depending on the level of education, field of study, and university, typically starting from 15,000 New Zealand dollars and upwards. Below are some of the top universities in New Zealand:
- Auckland University
- University of Otago
- University of Canterbury
- Massey University
- University of Waikato
- Auckland University of Technology
- Lincoln University of Canterbury
- Unitech New Zealand
- Otago Polytechnic
- Waikato University of Technology
To study in New Zealand, a person can bring his wife & children with him in this country, this is one of the advantages of studying in New Zealand. Of course, in order to immigrate to New Zealand via education , necessary investigations must be done and the person must show suitable conditions such as suitable educational background, degree & grade point average, appropriate language level & enough motivation to have a good chance to study in New Zealand.
Immigration to New Zealand via investment
For those who do not meet the age requirements for education or lack sufficient motivation to study or work for someone else, obtaining permanent residency in New Zealand through entrepreneur visas is a viable option. Applicants who wish to work for themselves or be entrepreneurs can create their own business in New Zealand and earn money through the New Zealand entrepreneur visa. Investment in New Zealand starts from 100,000 New Zealand dollars. To receive this residency, applicants must first evaluate their conditions and will be entered into a rating table. If they meet the minimum points required, they can receive a 3-year residency, during which the committed investment must be made. Factors influencing the points include the desired capital, the number of people required for employment, the city of investment, age, and work experience. New Zealand is one of the most suitable countries for investment, with excellent growth potential and high investment security. For example, the property confiscation rate in New Zealand is only 1%.
Immigration to New Zealand via marriage
Residency through marriage is another viable method for immigrating to New Zealand. Many individuals may apply for residency by marrying a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. To immigrate to New Zealand through marriage, specific conditions must be met. The resident’s status in New Zealand will affect the visa type and conditions for their spouse. If a citizen in New Zealand has sufficient income and legal residency, and can financially support their family and spouse, they can apply for a partner visa. The partner visa in New Zealand is available in six different categories:
- Tourist and visitor partner visa
- New Zealand spouse permanent residency visa
- New Zealand spouse tourist visa
- Work partner visa
- New Zealand traditional and cultural marriage visa
- Accompanying refugee visa in New Zealand
Immigration to New Zealand via childbirth
One of the ways to immigrate to New Zealand is through childbirth. Birth in New Zealand under specific conditions can grant residency and citizenship. In international law, citizenship by birth can be granted through two principles: jus soli (right of the soil) and jus sanguinis (right of blood). The citizenship law in New Zealand followed the British citizenship law until 1949, after which it established its own citizenship law. Citizenship laws in New Zealand are detailed. Generally, before December 31, 2005, New Zealand granted citizenship by jus soli, meaning anyone born on New Zealand soil or on a New Zealand-registered ship or aircraft received citizenship. After 2005, this law changed, and now citizenship can be granted if at least one parent is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Immigration to New Zealand via asylum
Many immigration applicants prefer asylum over other methods to avoid education or job-seeking costs. However, Talav Company does not provide asylum services. For legal immigration procedures, you can contact our offices to evaluate your conditions.
Immigration to New Zealand for artists and highly successful individuals
Immigrating to New Zealand is also possible for artists, athletes, and highly successful individuals. Advanced countries offer different residency conditions for these individuals. In New Zealand, artists can obtain permanent residency if they have exceptional talent and records in their field. An invitation and approval from a relevant organization in New Zealand are required, which will act as their sponsor. This allows them to apply for residency, and after two years, they can obtain permanent residency.
Costs of immigrating to New Zealand
The cost of immigrating to New Zealand can vary based on factors such as visa type, nationality, and family size. Here is a table showing some typical costs associated with immigrating to New Zealand:
Items | Cost |
Moving costs | $1,500 – $20,000 |
Visa application fees | Depending on the type of visa, $208 – $3165 |
cheking health ststus | 200 to 500 per person |
Language proficiency tests | 330 to 385 |
cost of immigration services | 81 dollars |
life expenses | $3,000 to $4,000 per month for a single person |
$6,000 to $8,000 per month for a family of four |
Cost of living in New Zealand
The cost of living in New Zealand is quite reasonable considering the high quality of life in this country. Before immigrating to New Zealand, it’s essential to have accurate information about the living expenses. Living costs in smaller towns are generally lower than in major cities like Auckland. Understanding the cost of living is crucial for planning your migration, as individuals often need to support themselves and their families for several months before securing a stable income. If you cannot provide adequate financial support, it may be wise to reconsider your immigration plans. The table below illustrates some average living costs in New Zealand:
Meal | Cost in US dollars |
A McDonald’s meal | 7 |
Cappuccino & coffee | 2.9 |
A liter of milk | 1.6 |
One piece of bread | 1.5 |
1 kilo of rice | 1.77 |
12 eggs | 3.13 |
1 kilo of beef | 11 |
Monthly commuting | Cost in US dollars |
A one-way ticket | 2.2 |
Monthly taxi fee | 95 |
1 km by taxi | 2.2 |
1 liter of gasoline | 1.3 |
Services | Cost in US dollars |
Electricity, water, gas | 108 |
Internet 1 month | 52 |
Also Table Below Displays Renting & Buying Apartment in New Zealand
Renting and buying housing | Cost in US dollars |
One bedroom apartment in the city | 970 |
One bedroom apartment in the suburbs | 771 |
3 bedroom apartment in the city | 1560 |
3 bedroom apartment in the suburbs | 1314 |
Buying a 1 square meter apartment in the city | 4464.99 |
Buying 1 square meter in the suburbs | 3647.64 |
Relocation to Kaitangata, New Zealand
Kaitangata, a small town on the South Island of New Zealand, has gained attention for its efforts to attract new residents, particularly through affordable housing. Here are the general steps to consider when migrating to Kaitangata:
- Selecting the Right Visa: The visa category you select depends on your skills, family connections, and goals in New Zealand.
- Providing Visa Requirements and Documents: Include proof of eligibility, work experience, health, character, English proficiency, and other necessary factors.
- Submitting the Application: Prepare and submit a comprehensive visa application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
- Housing and Employment: Consider your housing and job opportunities in Kaitangata.
- Community Integration: Engage with the local community to facilitate your settlement.
- Obtaining Permanent Residence and Citizenship: Work towards securing permanent residency and eventually citizenship in New Zealand.
Achieving permanent residency and citizenship in New Zealand
Each person has a specific goal for immigrating to New Zealand, such as career growth, education, living with family, or investment opportunities. After moving to New Zealand, many aspire to obtain permanent residence and a New Zealand passport to enjoy the full rights of citizens.
New Zealand offers favorable conditions and various rules for acquiring permanent residence and citizenship due to its large resources and small population. The country seeks skilled workers and has established diverse immigration laws to attract successful individuals.
The quickest path to permanent residence is through the Skilled Migrant category, where applicants receive permanent residence based on a points system. However, other methods like visas for artists, athletes, or investors allow for permanent residence after two years, unlike other countries that require five years of residency. Once permanent residency is obtained, individuals can apply for a New Zealand passport and citizenship under certain conditions, including:
- Residency in New Zealand
- Being at least 16 years old
- Physical presence in New Zealand for 1350 days over the past five years
- Proficiency in English
- Good character
- Intent to live in New Zealand
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the optimal way to immigrate to New Zealand? requirements for immigration to New Zealand vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. Generally, there are six primary immigration pathways: employment, education, investment, refugee status, marriage, and childbirth in New Zealand. Each of these routes offers different immigration programs as New Zealand, as a country that accepts immigrants, has specific frameworks for each.
What are the most economical methods to immigrate to New Zealand? One of the most cost-effective ways to immigrate to New Zealand is through the Skilled Worker program. This immigration program is based on work and offers certain privileges. Eligible candidates receive invitations from the immigration authorities to obtain permanent residency under this program.
Is it essential to engage a lawyer during the immigration process to New Zealand? No; New Zealand’s immigration programs are structured so that individuals can navigate them independently by understanding the procedures. However, using a lawyer can expedite the immigration process and minimize the risk of errors.
What are the living expenses in New Zealand? average monthly living costs for a family of four in New Zealand are approximately 6,891 New Zealand dollars, while for a single person, it averages around 3,643 New Zealand dollars per month. Generally, the cost of living in New Zealand ranks higher than 80% of countries worldwide.
Last words about immigrating to New Zealand
This article has provided a detailed overview of immigration to New Zealand, including the acquisition of citizenship, conditions for immigration, and cost-effective methods for relocating. New Zealand is a beautiful country with a unique natural environment, making it an attractive destination for immigrants. Despite the challenges of obtaining a visa or residence, thorough knowledge and proper documentation can facilitate the process. For more information on immigration to New Zealand, changes in laws, or new immigration methods to other countries, subscribe to Talav Company’s Telegram & Instagram channels for the latest updates. To receive free telephone advice from our specialist advisers, contact us via the available phone numbers or fill out the contact form on our website. Our experts are ready to answer any questions regarding immigration to New Zealand.

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Warning! The information provided on this website is based on research conducted by non-legal professionals, and Talav Company does not assume legal responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of this content.
We highly recommend that you independently verify this information and consult with a qualified local attorney to ensure it is applicable to your specific situation.