Your life in New Zealand starts here
Make your move to New Zealand
Mountains, fiords and open coast define New Zealand, alongside strong healthcare and no general capital-gains tax. Skilled routes or a dedicated retirement route offer a welcoming way in.
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Photo: Petra Reid / Pexels
At a glance
New Zealand, in brief.
How New Zealand compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. New Zealand ranks among the best for visa ease (7th of 81) and english-friendliness (11th of 81) and size of expat community (20th of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- High
- Property
- Very expensive
- Healthcare
- Strong
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Mild (~15°C)
- English
- Native / official
- Expat community
- Very large
Skilled, or NZ$750k+ retirement visa
Worldwide; no general capital-gains tax
Life in New Zealand
My name is Tania Davidson. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I'm a licensed /registered Clinical Psychologist from Ventura California, and I moved to New Zealand…
Health insurance in New Zealand
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
New Zealand, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about New Zealand into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in New Zealand.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The New Zealand moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in New Zealand
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in New Zealand share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All New Zealand stories
- Napier
Simon
I'm a languages teacher from the UK prone to wandering the globe rather than settling down.I've lived in Spain, France, China and…
Fady Magdy
My name is Fady Magdy, I am an Egyptian civil engineer, I'm 37 years old.Where, when and why did you move abroad?I…
- Auckland
Joy
We are a mixed race family of 5. Andrew my husband is 36 and works as a Transport Planner for an Engineering…
Fresh from New Zealand
Latest articles.
New Zealand’s Education System: Enrolling Your Child in Kiwi Schools
New Zealand, affectionately known as Aotearoa or the Land of the Long White Cloud, is not just renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique…
How To Open A Bank Account In New Zealand
If you are planning a move to New Zealand, then one of your most important decisions will be around how you handle your finances.…
How To Rent Or Buy Property In New Zealand
New Zealand is a spectacularly beautiful and biodiverse island in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. The country comprises two main landmasses, the North Island and…
Hear it first hand
The podcast on New Zealand.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All New Zealand episodes
Need an international mover?
Boxes, shipping, the lot. Get up to five free quotes from movers who know the route to New Zealand, and compare them side by side.
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