For anyone planning to settle in New Zealand, one of the biggest questions is: What types of residence permits are available? As you can imagine, it’s not just a simple “one type of visa” system—there are multiple pathways, application methods, and requirements. It may seem complicated at first, but it’s actually a structured and systematic process. Let’s break down the main residence visa categories in New Zealand in a clear and approachable way.
1. Skilled Migrant Category
This pathway is designed for people with professional skills and qualifications. It mainly applies to those who already have a job offer or are employed by an accredited New Zealand employer. To be eligible, applicants must score at least 6 points in the points-based system, which considers factors such as education, professional experience, salary level, and local work history.
If successful, applicants are granted the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, which provides permanent residence rights. After two years, it’s also possible to transition into a Permanent Resident Visa, which gives unrestricted rights to live and work in New Zealand.
2. Green List – Straight to Residence
New Zealand has created a “Green List” that highlights the most in-demand jobs in the country. If your profession is on Tier 1 of this list, and you already have a job offer or are working in one of these roles, you can directly apply for the Straight to Residence Visa. This visa grants immediate residence rights, making it one of the fastest ways to settle in New Zealand.
3. Green List – Work to Residence
For professions on Tier 2 of the Green List, there’s a slightly different route. If you work in one of these roles for an accredited employer, you typically need to complete two years of employment before you can apply for residence under the Work to Residence Visa.
4. Residence from Work
This category mainly applies to people who have held a Work to Residence Visa and are now eligible to transition into permanent residency. After completing the required period of work, applicants can upgrade their status and secure indefinite residence rights in New Zealand.
5. Employees of Relocating Business
If you hold a key position in a company that is relocating its operations to New Zealand, you and your family may be eligible to apply for residence. Immigration New Zealand coordinates this process with the relevant business and trade authorities, making the relocation smoother for both employer and employees.
6. Family and Partnership Categories
If you are married to, or in a committed relationship with, a New Zealand citizen or resident, you can apply for residence through partnership. Family reunification options also exist for dependent children and, in certain circumstances, parents of New Zealand residents or citizens.
7. Investment and Business Categories
For those looking to invest, New Zealand offers the Active Investor Plus Visa. By transferring a significant investment into the country, applicants gain the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand. The required investment amount depends on the type of investment—whether “growth” or “balanced”—but typically involves several million NZD.
This is a popular option for high-net-worth individuals seeking a direct route to permanent residence.
8. Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Categories
Special quota systems exist for citizens of Pacific countries. For example, Samoan citizens may apply under the Samoan Quota, while citizens of Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, or Kiribati may be eligible under the Pacific Access Category. These programs provide additional migration opportunities to people from the Pacific region.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, New Zealand offers multiple residence visa pathways:
- Skill-based categories (Skilled Migrant, Green List)
- Work-to-residence options
- Family and partnership visas
- Employer relocation pathways
- Investment and business categories
- Special Pacific quota programs
While each pathway has its own rules, points systems, and requirements, they all share one common principle: many people first enter New Zealand on a temporary visa, then gradually meet the criteria to apply for residence and eventually permanent residence.
All these residence visa categories are grounded in the Immigration Act 2009 and the policies set by Immigration New Zealand.
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