Skilled workers looking for a good standard of living, plenty of job possibilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere have long found New Zealand to be a desirable location. In order to solve its workforce shortages in a number of industries, the government is still inviting foreign experts in 2025.
Therefore, this comprehensive guide offers all the knowledge you need to manage the process in 2025 if you’re thinking about moving to New Zealand to work with your family. It covers everything from pathways to policy updates, in-demand jobs, and step-by-step instruction.
Why New Zealand?
Skilled professionals are being actively sought after by New Zealand to work and settle there. The application process has been simplified by recent immigration reforms, making it easier for eligible persons to apply.
The government has created visa lanes and initiatives specifically designed for professionals in vital areas, with a focus on luring highly educated people. A smooth transition to your new life is ensured by the possibility to bring your family with you when you relocate to New Zealand, which also offers fantastic professional chances.
Read Also: New Zealand Straight to Residence Visa for Tier 1 Jobs 2025
Recent Immigration Policy Updates for 2025
New Zealand has made several changes to its immigration policies in an attempt to attract competent individuals:
In an effort to solve labor shortages in numerous important industries and draw in talented people, New Zealand has made a number of important changes to its immigration laws.
1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement
- Change: Employers no longer have to meet the previously required salary requirements based on the national median wage in order to hire skilled migrants.
- Impact:
- easier for employers to fill important positions in labor-scarce industries.
- gives skilled workers chances that they might not have had because of wage restrictions.
2. Reduced Work Experience Criteria
- Change: Many visa categories now just require two years of work experience instead of the previous three-year requirement.
- Impact:
- more easily available career paths for new graduates and younger workers with the necessary skills.
- promotes early career contributions from skilled migrants.
3. Extended Visa Durations
- Change: Extended visa terms are now available for some positions, giving migrants more stability and employment security.
- Impact:
- Planning for longer stays allows migrants to more easily assimilate into New Zealand culture.
- Long-term retention of skilled staff is advantageous to employers.
4. Streamlined Green List Pathway
- Change: The Green List pathway has been enhanced to ensure faster processing for priority roles in areas with critical shortages.
- Impact:
- reduced processing times for applications in industries with high demand, like construction, IT, and healthcare.
- easier routes for immigrants on the Green List to get permanent residence.
Pathways to Move to New Zealand for Work With Family in 2025
For qualified workers and their families, New Zealand provides a variety of work visa alternatives that make relocation convenient and family-friendly. The main routes are listed below:
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
- A visa based on points for skilled workers who have been offered jobs in shortage industries.
- Points are given for employment offers, work experience, age, and qualifications.
- permits candidates to bring family members, live, and work in New Zealand.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- for experts who have received employment offers from recognized companies.
- gives important roles a simpler route to residence.
- For both companies and employees, recent modifications have made the procedure simpler.
Green List Pathways
- intended for people working in fields where there is a severe shortage.
- Two pathways:
- Straight to Residence: After 24 months of employment in a Green List position, eligibility is granted.
- Work to Residence: After completing a predetermined amount of work, one is eligible to live there.
Specific Purpose Work Visa
Ideal for people performing specialized tasks, such as project-based workers or contractors.
Partnership Work Visa
Partners of work visa holders can work for any employer in New Zealand with an open work visa.
Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
- for experts in positions with a persistent shortage.
- offers a route to permanent residence following two years of employment.
Occupations in High Demand in New Zealand (2025)
To address labor market demands, New Zealand changes its skill shortage listings (Ref) every year. The following are some in-demand positions and their typical pay:
| Occupation’s in High Demand in New Zealand in 2025 | Average Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | 80,000 – 120,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 70,000 – 95,000 |
| Electrician | 65,000 – 90,000 |
| Civil Engineer | 75,000 – 110,000 |
| Construction Project Manager | 90,000 – 130,000 |
| ICT Security Specialist | 85,000 – 125,000 |
| Early Childhood Teacher | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Secondary School Teacher | 55,000 – 75,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | 75,000 – 110,000 |
| Database Administrator | 75,000 – 105,000 |
| Veterinarian | 80,000 – 110,000 |
Location, experience, and employer can all affect these pay ranges. See the New Zealand Skill Shortage List for a complete list of positions that are in high demand. https://www.immigration.govt.nz
Step-by-Step Guide to Moving to New Zealand With Family
This is a thorough explanation of the procedure:
Job Search
- Look up professions on New Zealand’s skill shortage lists that fit your qualifications.
- Use platforms like Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and New Kiwis to find job openings.
- To increase your chances of landing a job, get in touch with recognized firms directly.
Obtain a Job Offer
- Obtain a formal offer of employment that satisfies visa criteria.
- If you’re applying under AEWV, make sure the employer is accredited.
Apply for a Relevant Work Visa
- Choose the appropriate visa (e.g., AEWV, SMC, or Green List Pathway).
- Prepare required documents:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract
- Proof of qualifications and experience
- Police clearance and medical certificates
Apply for Family Visas
- When applying for a visa, include your spouse and any dependent children.
- Verify that they fulfill the requirements for character, health, and (if necessary) English language proficiency.
Relocate to New Zealand
- Plan your move, taking into account housing, education, and integrating into the community.
- Learn about the amenities and cost of living in places like Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
- Apply for permanent residency after meeting residency conditions.
- Faster PR processing is possible through a number of methods (such as Green List positions).
Naturalization and Citizenship
- Apply for New Zealand citizenship to take advantage of all rights and benefits after maintaining permanent residency for the necessary amount of time.
Conclusion
For qualified individuals looking for a great quality of life, lots of career opportunities, and a smooth family transfer process, New Zealand continues to be a desirable choice. The nation provides a favorable atmosphere for both professional and personal development, with modern immigration laws and a wide variety of in-demand jobs. This handbook provides you with all the necessary information to ensure a successful and seamless transfer to New Zealand, from finding employment to obtaining permanent residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent immigration policy updates are relevant?
The elimination of median wage limits, a reduction in work experience requirements, longer visa terms, and improved Green List pathways for expedited application processing are some of the major changes.
Can I move to New Zealand with my family?
Yes, you can bring your spouse and dependents to New Zealand using family-friendly visa options like the Partnership Work Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa, and Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
