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New Zealand – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in New Zealand

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in New Zealand. The employer is responsible for making the application for a work permit on behalf of the expat. There are some exemptions to this requirement, such as for Australian citizens and permanent residents, and for certain types of short-term work.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in New Zealand

There are several types of work visas available for expats in New Zealand, including the Essential Skills Work Visa, the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa, and the Silver Fern Job Search Visa. The type of visa required will depend on factors such as the expat’s skills, qualifications, and the nature of the job they will be working in.

Work Permit Application Process in New Zealand

The procedure for applying for a work permit in New Zealand involves several steps, including obtaining a job offer from a New Zealand employer, obtaining a visa offer from Immigration New Zealand, and submitting a visa application. The processing time for a work visa application can vary depending on the type of visa and the circumstances of the applicant, but typically takes several weeks to several months.


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Work Permit Documents in New Zealand

The documents required for a work visa application in New Zealand may include proof of identity, proof of qualifications, proof of employment, police clearance certificates, and medical certificates. A complete list of the required documents can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Work Permit Costs in New Zealand

The costs involved in applying for a work visa in New Zealand can vary depending on the type of visa, but typically include a visa application fee and a fee for obtaining police clearance certificates. Other associated costs may include travel expenses, medical expenses, and immigration advisor fees.

Reliable Information on Working Legally in New Zealand

Expats can find reliable information on working legally in New Zealand on the Immigration New Zealand website (https://www.immigration.govt.nz). This website provides information on the types of visas available, the application process, and the requirements for working in New Zealand. Additionally, expats can consult with an immigration advisor for more specific and detailed information on their particular circumstances.


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Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang. Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang.

Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

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