New Zealand, known for its high quality of life, stable economy, and multicultural society, remains a popular destination for migrants. In 2025, significant changes to the country’s immigration policies have been announced. Understanding these updates can help applicants plan their migration journey more effectively.
Pathways to Migrate to New Zealand
New Zealand offers various pathways for migration, each with its own requirements:
Work Migration
If you have skills in demand in New Zealand’s job market, a work visa might be suitable. Having a job offer from a New Zealand employer can increase your chances. In 2025, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) has undergone reforms, including the removal of the median wage threshold and a reduction in the required experience from three years to two. Employers must still offer the market rate for the position and location.
Study Migration
International students can apply for a student visa by securing admission to a recognised New Zealand educational institution. After graduation, they have the option to apply for a post-study work visa, which can lead to permanent residency.
Investment and Entrepreneurship Migration
Individuals looking to invest in New Zealand’s economy or start a new business can apply through investment visas. The Active Investor Plus Visa is considered one of the fastest routes to obtaining residency in New Zealand. Investors must commit at least NZD $15 million in acceptable investments and spend 117 days per year in New Zealand.
Family Migration
If you have a partner or close family members who are permanent residents or citizens of New Zealand, you can apply for a family visa. This visa allows you to live with your family in New Zealand and may lead to permanent residency.
In 2025, New Zealand has updated several aspects of its work visa policies:
Post Study Work Visa (PSWV):
Graduates can obtain a PSWV with a duration based on their qualification level and length of study. For instance, if you complete a master’s or doctoral degree in New Zealand with at least 30 weeks of full-time study, you may be eligible for a 3-year PSWV. This visa allows you to work for any employer in any field.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa:
New Zealand employs a points-based system to assess eligibility for certain work visas. To apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, you need to accumulate 6 points. Points can be earned through:
- Qualifications: Holding a bachelor’s degree or higher can earn you between 3 to 6 points, depending on the level of the qualification.
- Income: Earning at least 1.5 times the median wage in New Zealand can provide 3 to 6 points.
- New Zealand Occupational Registration: Having registration in a specified occupation can also contribute 3 to 6 points.
Additionally, you can gain 1 point for each year of skilled work experience in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points. These points can be combined with the points from your qualification, New Zealand occupational registration or income. It’s important to note that you cannot combine points from any of these skill categories. For example you cannot combine points from your qualification with points from your income.
These updates aim to attract skilled individuals and provide clear pathways to residency in New Zealand.
New Visa Conditions for Digital Nomads
Starting January 27, 2025, New Zealand has updated its visitor visa conditions to accommodate digital nomads. These new conditions allow individuals who work remotely to live and work in New Zealand for up to 90 days. Applicants can be employees of foreign companies or self-employed with international clients. “These new conditions mean that tourists can stay in New Zealand as a digital nomad and keep in touch with work back home, without breaching their visa conditions,” says the New Zealand government’s website. There is no minimum income requirement for this visa. The government aims to boost economic growth by attracting remote workers who can contribute to the local economy during their stay.
Cost of Living and Financial Requirements
When planning to migrate to New Zealand, it’s important to consider the cost of living and financial requirements:
- Monthly Living Expenses (excluding rent): Approximately USD 1,021.
- Financial Proof for Student Visa: At least NZD 17,000 to 20,000 to cover living and study expenses.
High-Demand Professions in New Zealand (2024 – 2025)
Here are some of the high-demand professions in New Zealand along with their average annual salaries:
- Specialist Doctors and Surgeons: NZD 150,000 to 300,000
- Anesthetists: NZD 80,000 to 100,000
- Dentists: NZD 120,000 to 250,000
- Petroleum and Gas Engineers: NZD 130,000 to 170,000
- Construction Managers: NZD 90,000 to 140,000
- Software Engineers: NZD 80,000 to 130,000
- Information Technology Managers: Around NZD 150,000
- Marketing Managers: Around NZD 110,000
- Pathologists: Around NZD 100,000
- Mining Managers: Around NZD 140,000
Conclusion
New Zealand Immigration in 2025 comes with several updates and changes. Staying informed about the latest immigration policies, exploring different migration options, and careful planning can enhance your chances of a successful application. It’s advisable to consult official New Zealand immigration resources and seek advice from reputable immigration consultants to ensure you meet all necessary requirements.