How to get Work permit in New Zealand

To get a work permit in New Zealand is to enable you every non citizen to get authorized license or visa to work, study and leave in New Zealand with your family and friends freely. So we recommend you this reliable source guideline on how to apply for New Zealand work permit visa.

Applying for a work visa

If you’re planning to work in New Zealand and you’re not a citizen or permanent resident of NZ or Australia, you’ll need a visa that lets you work.

Who needs a visa

You can apply for a visa to work here temporarily if you:

• have a job offer from a New Zealand employer
• are coming for a specific work-related purpose or event
• have a partner here, and you want to join them and work
• are from a country that has a special work scheme, or
• have been studying here and want work here.

Some work visas can also lead to residence — that is, the right to live, study and work here indefinitely. To apply you need to have skills, experience and qualifications that are needed for the New Zealand workforce.

Choosing the right visa

There are more than 80 visas that let you work in New Zealand. Before you apply, decide which visa is right for you.

Explore visa options to work 

Application fees

Find out how much it costs to apply, where to send your application or your passport, and how long it will take to get your visa.

Fees, decision times and where to apply 

Before you apply

You need to gather information about yourself and your plans for your time in New Zealand. What you need to provide depends on the visa you apply for. For all visas, you need to provide proof of your identity and good character. You may also need to provide information about your health.

Tools and information for meeting visa criteria 

For many visas you need to find a job in New Zealand first.

Finding and applying for jobs 

Work Visa Application Process and Form

Much of the process for visa applications is done online through New Zealand’s Immigration website. This online process is easy and fast, and it should not take more than 15 minutes to complete the online form. Alternatively, you can submit the application form that corresponds to the type of visa you chose as well as all the necessary supporting documents, to the corresponding receiving center.

Depending on the visa type you applied for, you will be notified whether you need to send in your passport or you are going to receive an eVisa. This is an electronic visa held in the immigration electronic system that replaces the physical sticker or stamp on your passport. This eVisa applies to the following visa types:

• Student Visa
• Work Visa
• Visitor Visa
• Business Visitor Visa
• Group Visitor Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
• Dependent Child Resident Visa

To receive an eVisa, you will need to create an online account on the immigration website and continue the application process there. You are advised to print the eVisa letter, and to keep it with you when in the country.

How to apply

You can apply online for most work visas. There are a few visas that you need to fill in a printed application form for, including some country-specific work visas.

Work visa forms and guides 

Applying online

For most work visas, you need to set up a New Zealand Government RealMe account before you start your application.

What is RealMe?

You do not need a RealMe account if you’re applying for:

• a working holiday visa, or
• a Silver Fern Job Search Visa.

Before you start your online application, have all your supporting documents ready to upload.

Apply for a visa 

Getting a tax number

Once you have your visa, apply for an IRD number from Inland Revenue. You give this number to your employer when you start work and use it for all your New Zealand tax matters.

Applying for an IRD number if you’re in NZ as a permanent migrant or visa holder 

Who Qualifies as a Skilled or Highly Skilled Worker in New Zealand?

Your qualifications, skills, and experience will fall on one of five categories defined by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

You are considered a skilled worker if:

• Your occupation is listed in ANZSCO as level 1, 2 or 3, it matches the description for that occupation, and you are paid more than 25 NZD (16 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).
• Your occupation is listed in ANZSCO as level 4 or 5, it matches the description for that occupation, and you are paid more than 50 NZD (24 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).
• Your occupation has no corresponding description, but you are paid 50 NZD (24 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).

How Much Does a Work Visa Cost in New Zealand?

Typically, there are two types of costs associated with work visas: a visa fee, and an immigration levy. However, some countries have higher fees than others, and some may have a fee-waiver agreement with New Zealand, so always check your specific requirements. The visa can be paid online through a Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard).

The visa fee will be different if you are coming from one of the Pacific Countries. No matter which visa type you apply for, the immigration levy equates to 55 NZD (37 USD).