Overview
New Zealand is an island nation of breathtaking natural beauty, diverse culture and endless adventure. Its dramatic landscape encompasses towering mountains, glaciers, rainforests and beaches, all within easy reach of each other. Vibrant cities like Auckland and Wellington offer a mix of cosmopolitan culture and stunning scenery, while smaller towns and villages showcase the country's warm hospitality and rich Māori heritage.
New Zealand's economy is a mix of agriculture and high-tech sectors such as IT, biotechnology and film, attracting both multinational companies and local startups. The country is also a major exporter of dairy products, meat and wool and a global leader in renewable energy, with a commitment to sustainable development.
New Zealand's rich history, evident in its Māori culture and colonial legacy, seamlessly integrates with a modern, dynamic society. The country's tech industry is booming, and its youthful, educated populace is driving innovation across all sectors. With cultural exports ranging from world-class cinema to iconic music, New Zealand offers an irresistible mix of timeless charm and contemporary vitality, attracting tourists and professionals alike.
Reasons to work in New Zealand
New Zealand is a highly developed country with a high standard of living. It has an excellent education system, advanced healthcare, and strong infrastructure. The country consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the world by international comparisons of wealth, education, health and quality of life. Below are the top reasons why New Zealand is an attractive destination for global career seekers.
- Diverse Opportunities: New Zealand offers a variety of employment opportunities across different sectors. Whether you're in technology, agriculture, healthcare, or tourism, the country presents numerous avenues for career growth and development, catering to a wide range of skills and expertise.
- Quality of Life: Renowned for its stunning landscapes, friendly locals, and relaxed lifestyle, New Zealand provides a living experience that enhances overall well-being. The high quality of life in the country contributes to increased job satisfaction and a balanced approach to work and leisure.
- Work-Life Balance: New Zealand places a significant emphasis on fostering a healthy work-life balance. Employees often benefit from flexible work arrangements, a focus on well-being, and generous vacation time, allowing for a fulfilling professional and personal life.
- Inclusive Work Environment: The country is known for its diverse and inclusive work culture. Organisations in New Zealand value equality and diversity, creating a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds. This inclusivity can lead to a more collaborative and innovative workplace.
- Strong Economy: With a stable and resilient economy, New Zealand offers a secure environment for career progression. The country’s economic stability ensures a competitive salary and benefits package, providing financial security and peace of mind for employees.
Getting a Job in New Zealand as a Foreigner
The New Zealand government has various programmes to attract skilled international workers, particularly in sectors like technology, healthcare and agriculture, making New Zealand an appealing place for career development. To get permission to come to New Zealand to work, you have to apply for a work visa. In general, you must get your work visa before you come to New Zealand. You can apply for a work visa when you have been offered a job. This means that you have to find a job and then apply for a work visa. To navigate this process, you can consider the Opentoworld's simplified steps:
Step 1: Find suitable positions on Opentoworld
You can look for job opportunities that offer visa sponsorship for foreign nationals who don't have the right to work freely in New Zealand on Opentoworld. You can filter your job search based on keywords, location, industry and job level to locate a suitable opportunity easily.
Step 2: Submit job applications
Once identified the right opportunity, you can submit your applications directly by clicking "Apply Now". When submitting applications, you may need to submit a CV (resume) and sometimes a cover letter. It is important to submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter that are tailored to the job.
Step 3: Complete the application process
If your skills and experience meet the employer's requirements, the employer may invite you to complete assessments and interviews. If you apply for an internship, graduate/student jobs or training programmes, you may also need to participate in assessment days, which may be referred to as assessment centres in New Zealand.
Step 4: Receive a job offer
If you are successful in your application, you will be offered a job in New Zealand. You may need to apply for multiple jobs before securing a job offer. Without securing a job offer, you may not be able to obtain a work visa.
Step 5: Apply for a visa and relocate
Once you have accepted the job offer, your employer will generally assist in the work visa application process and often serve as a sponsor. Without employer sponsorship, you can not get a work visa. The primary visa pathways for non-NZ/Australian job seekers typically include:
- Skilled Migrant Category Visa: Aimed at highly skilled professionals in sectors where there's a labour shortage.
- Work to Residence Visa: This is a broader category that can be applied for jobs that do not fit into the 'skilled migrant' classification but are nonetheless skilled positions.
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa: This visa is for skilled workers who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
After securing your work visa, you can make arrangements to relocate to New Zealand or extend your stay if already residing in the country. You should also start looking for a place to live and, if applicable, register with Immigration New Zealand.
Note: Australian citizens do not require a work visa to work in New Zealand.
New Zealand Employment Market in 2023
As of 2023, the New Zealand employment market is strong and growing, with unemployment at a record low of 3.3%. The participation rate—indicating the proportion of the population either in work or actively seeking employment—is estimated at 72.1%. Recent data indicates that employment numbers have risen significantly to reach 2.72 million in June 2023. Within these numbers, full-time positions have increased substantially, although precise figures are not readily available.
This improving employment landscape is driven by a number of factors, including the government's COVID-19 recovery plan, which is investing heavily in key industries such as construction, infrastructure and renewable energy. The competitive job market has prompted employers to offer attractive salaries and perks, including lavish expatriate packages for high-skilled workers, to lure top talent from around the world.
The positive employment conditions are expected to continue through 2023 and 2024, underlined by a resilient and diversified economy that makes New Zealand an appealing destination for global professionals.
The following are some of the key trends that are expected to shape the market:
- Continued growth of the digital economy: The digital economy is growing rapidly in New Zealand, and this is creating demand for workers in areas such as software development, web design, and digital marketing.
- Expansion of the construction sector: New Zealand is facing a housing shortage, and the government is investing heavily in new infrastructure projects. This is creating demand for workers in all areas of the construction sector, from builders and plumbers to engineers and architects.
- Rising demand for healthcare workers: New Zealand's population is ageing, and there is a growing demand for healthcare workers. This includes nurses, doctors, midwives, and other healthcare professionals.
Top Industries that Attract Global Talent
New Zealand's strategic location, high quality of life and competitive salaries make it an attractive hub for international talent. There is also a shortage of skilled workers in some sectors, such as tech, healthcare and engineering. This is creating opportunities for job seekers with the right skills and experience. The following sectors are especially attractive for global talent:
- Tech: The tech sector in New Zealand is growing rapidly, and there is a strong demand for workers in areas such as software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
- Healthcare: New Zealand has a world-class healthcare system and is also a leader in medical tourism. There are numerous opportunities for medical professionals, researchers, and pharmaceutical developers.
- Engineering: New Zealand is a leader in engineering, with a strong demand for civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and electrical engineers. The country is home to a number of world-class engineering firms, as well as major engineering projects such as the construction of the Transmission Gully motorway and the City Rail Link.
- Construction: New Zealand is facing a housing shortage, and the government is investing heavily in new infrastructure projects. This is creating demand for workers in all areas of the construction sector, from builders and plumbers to engineers and architects.
- Financial Services: There is a growing demand for professionals in fintech, asset management and blockchain technology due to the country's growing fintech startup scene.
In addition to the industries listed above, other sectors that attract global talent to New Zealand include:
- Education: New Zealand has a highly regarded education system, and there is a growing demand for English-speaking teachers at all levels. Many teaching jobs are exempt from the work permit requirement.
- Agriculture: New Zealand is a major agricultural exporter, and there is a strong demand for skilled workers in all areas of the sector, from farmers and ranchers to veterinarians and food scientists.
- Tourism: New Zealand is a popular tourist destination, and there is a consistent demand for professionals in tourism management, hotel operations, and related fields.
Apply for visa-sponsored jobs in top industries in New Zealand:
Requirements for a New Zealand Work Visa
In order to work in New Zealand legally, you will need a work visa. To obtain a work visa, your employer will need to apply for a work permit on your behalf. Individuals planning to relocate to New Zealand for work typically have to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, a Work to Residence Visa, or a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa. The type of visa required depends on various factors, such as the nature of the job, the applicant's qualifications and the salary range.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
This visa is for people who want to live in New Zealand permanently and have skills that can contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth.
Requirements:
- You currently work or you have a job offer from an accredited employer and qualify for 6 points for your skills and work in New Zealand. You can find job offers that are eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa on Opentoworld.
- You must be 55 or under when you apply.
- You must be able to speak English.
Work to Residence Visa
This visa is issued to skilled workers who have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and who meet certain criteria, such as working in a high-demand occupation or having a salary that is above the median wage. The Work to Residence Visa is valid for two years and can be renewed.
Requirements:
- You are working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer. In order to receive job offers from accredited employers, you can apply for jobs on Opentoworld.
- For all of the 24 months before you apply for residence, you met the requirements set out in the Green List for your occupation.
- You are aged 55 or younger when you apply.
- You speak and understand English.
There are also some other visa options, such as Care Workforce to Residence and Transport Work to Residence, for people who want to work in specific sectors in New Zealand. You can also find such opportunities on Opentoworld. There are some visa types that allow you to apply without a job offer. However, requirements for such visas are strict and the majority of job seekers do not meet those requirements.
Application Process:
To apply for a New Zealand work visa, you will need to submit your application to Immigration New Zealand. You can apply online or by mail. Once your application has been processed and approved, you will be issued a visa. You can then apply for a resident visa, which is required for all residents of New Zealand.
Please note: Visa requirements may change at any time, so it is important to check with Immigration New Zealand for the most up-to-date information.
Relevant Links:
Frequently Asked Questions About Working in New Zealand
Other Common Visa Options to Work in New Zealand
How to Write a New Zealand Standard CV
