New Zealand residence is the gateway to permanent life in Aotearoa. As a resident, you can live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, with access to most public services. Understanding the pathways to residence helps you plan your immigration journey effectively.
What Is Residence?
Residence Status
Live Indefinitely: Right to live in NZ without time limits.
Work Freely: Work for any employer, self-employment allowed.
Study: Access to domestic education fees.
Public Services: Access to healthcare, education, and social services.
Path Forward: Leads to permanent residence and citizenship.
Residence vs Permanent Residence
Residence: Live in NZ, but travel conditions have expiry.
Permanent Residence: Residence with indefinite travel conditions.
Upgrade Available: Can upgrade to permanent residence after 2 years.
Pathways to Residence
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
Points-based residence for skilled workers:
Points System: Earn points for age, qualifications, experience, employment.
EOI Needed: Submit Expression of Interest first.
Selection: Invited to apply if points meet threshold.
NZ Employment: Generally need NZ job offer or employment.
Processing: Can take 12-24 months or more.
Green List: Direct Residence
Fast-track residence for high-demand occupations:
Eligible Occupations: Specific roles with severe shortages.
Direct Pathway: Apply for residence directly, not through SMC.
Faster Processing: Designed for quicker processing.
Registration Required: Most roles need NZ professional registration.
Tier 1: Immediate residence eligibility.
Tier 2: Residence after work experience in NZ.
Green List: Work to Residence
Work in NZ first, then apply for residence:
Tier 2 Occupations: Roles requiring NZ experience first.
Work Visa First: Work in NZ for specified period.
Then Apply: Apply for residence after meeting requirements.
Pathway Clear: Clear route from employment to residence.
Partnership-Based Residence
Residence through relationship with NZ citizen or resident:
Genuine Relationship: Must be genuine and stable partnership.
Living Together: Usually requires cohabitation.
Evidence Required: Extensive evidence of genuine partnership.
Partner Sponsorship: NZ partner sponsors application.
Parent Category
Very limited category for parents of NZ citizens/residents:
Strict Requirements: High income thresholds for sponsors.
Very Limited: Few places available.
Expression of Interest: Registration system for entry.
Waiting Times: Very long waiting periods.
Investor Categories
Residence through investment:
Active Investor Plus: NZ$5 million in approved growth assets over 4 years. Replaced the old Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories in 2022.
(Old Investor 2 category discontinued 2022 — see Active Investor Plus above)
Active Investment: Must invest in NZ assets.
Business Experience: May require business experience.
Skilled Migrant Category Explained
Points System
Points are awarded for:
Age: Maximum points for ages 25-39.
Qualifications: Points for recognized qualifications.
Work Experience: Points for relevant skilled experience.
NZ Employment: Points for employed or offered employment in NZ.
Location: Possible regional points for work outside Auckland.
Partner: Additional points for skilled partner.
Expression of Interest
EOI Submission: Submit EOI with claimed points.
Threshold: Points must meet current threshold.
Selection: Regular selection rounds choose top EOIs.
Invitation: Successful EOIs invited to apply for residence.
Full Application
After invitation:
Full Application: Submit complete residence application.
Evidence: Provide evidence for all claimed points.
Verification: INZ verifies claims.
Medical/Police: Complete health and character checks.
Decision: Residence granted or declined.
Green List Pathways
Tier 1: Straight to Residence
Immediate residence for:
Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, midwives, and other health professionals.
Engineering: Various engineering specializations.
ICT: Some IT roles.
Construction: Construction project managers.
Other: Various other shortage occupations.
Tier 2: Work to Residence
Work first, then residence:
24 Months: Work in NZ for 24 months in role.
Then Apply: Apply for residence after work period.
Similar Roles: Healthcare, trades, and technical roles.
Must Maintain Employment: Continue working during period.
Registration Requirements
Most Green List roles require:
Professional Registration: Registration with NZ professional body.
Before Residence: Registration often needed before residence granted.
Ongoing Compliance: Must maintain registration.
Partnership-Based Residence
Requirements
Genuine Partnership: Must prove relationship is genuine and stable.
Living Together: Generally 12+ months together.
Partner Status: Partner must be NZ citizen or resident.
Good Character: Both parties must meet character requirements.
Evidence of Genuine Relationship
Living Together: Proof of shared address.
Financial Integration: Joint accounts, shared expenses.
Social Recognition: Photos, declarations from friends/family.
Communication: Evidence of ongoing communication.
Future Plans: Joint plans, commitments.
Process
Application Submission: Submit with extensive evidence.
Assessment: INZ assesses genuineness.
Possible Interview: May be interviewed together or separately.
Decision: Residence granted if requirements met.
Application Process
Preparation
Assess Eligibility: Confirm you meet requirements.
Gather Documents: Collect all required evidence.
Medical Examination: Complete approved medical.
Police Certificates: Obtain from all countries of residence.
Submission
Online Application: Most applications submitted online.
Pay Fees: Residence application fees are substantial.
Supporting Documents: Upload all supporting evidence.
Health/Character: Include medical and police certificates.
Processing
Assessment: INZ assesses application.
RFI: May request further information.
Decision: Grant or decline residence.
Time Frames: Processing can take many months to over a year.
After Residence
Initial Residence
Resident Visa: Granted with travel conditions (typically 2 years).
Full Rights: Full work, study, and service access.
Must Return: Travel conditions require return within validity.
Permanent Residence
After 2 years as resident:
Apply for Permanent: Apply for permanent resident visa.
Presence Requirements: Must have spent sufficient time in NZ.
Indefinite Travel: No travel condition expiry.
Full Security: Cannot lose re-entry rights.
Citizenship
After 5 years as resident:
Citizenship Eligible: Can apply for NZ citizenship.
Presence Requirements: Must have spent enough time in NZ.
Full Rights: Voting, passport, all citizen rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to get NZ residence?
Green List Tier 1 roles offer the most direct pathway for those in qualifying occupations with NZ registration. Partnership can be fast for genuine relationships.
How long does residence processing take?
Processing times vary significantly—from a few months for Green List to over 18 months for SMC. Check Immigration NZ for current estimates.
Can I apply for residence without a job offer?
Some pathways don't require NZ employment, but most are stronger with employment. SMC generally requires NZ job offer or employment for points.
Do I need an immigration adviser for residence?
Residence applications are significant investments. Many applicants use advisers for complex applications. Simpler cases may be manageable without, but professional help reduces risk.
Can my family be included in my residence application?
Yes, partners and dependent children can usually be included in residence applications.
Ready to apply for New Zealand residence? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can help you choose and navigate the right pathway.