Migrate to New Zealand: Complete Guide

New Zealand consistently ranks among the world's most liveable countries, with a strong work-life balance, stunning landscapes, and a genuinely welcoming immigration system open to people from any country who meet the criteria. But "how do I actually migrate to New Zealand?" has more than one answer, because there's more than one path. We will help you with what life there actually costs, how to get started and whichever pathway fits you.

Full pathway guides

Green List Guide
Straight to Residence Visa
Work to Residence Visa- Skilled Migrant Category-Guide to NZ Permanent Residency

How can studying in New Zealand support your migration plans?

Studying in New Zealand can be one way to build towards your career and migration goals. The key is choosing a course based on where you are now and what you want to do after graduation.

Your journey may look like this:

1. Choose a course with your career goals in mind

Look at the career outcomes of your course, not just the subject you want to study. Some qualifications can prepare you for Green List or other skilled occupations, including roles in nursing, healthcare, engineering and ICT.

Explore our guide to what to study in New Zealand to compare your options.

2. Apply for your course and Student Visa

Once you find the right course and receive an Offer of Place, you can prepare your New Zealand Student Visa application.

3. Check your work options after graduation

If you complete an eligible qualification, you may be able to apply for a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV). Depending on your qualification, this can give you up to three years to work in New Zealand.

Check our Post Study Work Visa guide for current eligibility and the changes from November 2026.

4. Explore your residence pathway

Your next step will depend on your occupation, job, pay, qualifications and other eligibility requirements.

Possible pathways include:

• Straight to Residence

• Work to Residence

• Skilled Migrant Category

Studying in New Zealand does not automatically lead to residence. Choosing a course that fits your career plans and understanding the requirements early can help you plan your next steps.

How much does it cost to live in New Zealand?

Your cost of living in New Zealand will depend on where you live, your accommodation and your lifestyle. Rent will usually be one of your biggest expenses.

Here is a general monthly budget for one person:

Your actual costs can be higher or lower. Auckland and Wellington tend to have higher housing costs, while your budget may stretch further in cities such as Christchurch, Hamilton or Dunedin.

Budget tip: Don't compare cities based on tuition fees alone. Check your likely rent, transport and everyday living costs too, especially if you are deciding where to study or work.

How do you apply for residence in New Zealand?

The exact process depends on your residence pathway. In general, you need to confirm your eligibility, prepare your evidence, meet the English requirements and submit your application to Immigration New Zealand.

Step 1: Check which residence pathway you qualify for

Start with the pathway that matches your current situation. This may be based on your occupation, New Zealand job or job offer, qualifications, professional registration, pay or work experience.

Common skilled pathways include:

• Skilled Migrant Category

• Straight to Residence

• Work to Residence

• Care Workforce Work to Residence

• Transport Work to Residence

Step 2: Prepare your documents

The documents you need depend on your pathway. You may need:

• Passport and identity documents

• Job or job offer evidence

• Employment agreement and payslips

• Qualification evidence

• Occupational registration

• English language evidence

• Police certificates

• Medical or chest X-ray evidence

• Documents for your partner or dependent children

Check the document requirements for your specific visa before applying.

Step 3: Meet the English language requirements

For skilled residence visas, the principal applicant can meet the English requirement through eligible citizenship, work and study history, qualifications or an approved English test.

If you use IELTS, the current requirement for the principal applicant is IELTS 6.5 overall or higher. Other approved tests are also accepted.

Step 4: Check the requirements for your family

If you include your partner or dependent children aged 16 or older, they must also meet the applicable English requirement.

For IELTS, the minimum is currently 5.0 overall. Alternatively, eligible family members can pre-purchase approved English language lessons in New Zealand.

Step 5: Submit your residence application

Most skilled residence applications can be submitted online. Make sure you provide the required evidence and pay the correct application fee.

Check Immigration New Zealand's current visa fees and processing times before you apply.

Step 6: Keep your New Zealand visa valid while you wait

If you are already in New Zealand, you must continue to hold a valid visa while your residence application is being processed.

If your temporary visa may expire, check whether you need to apply for another temporary visa before it expires. Applying for another eligible temporary visa can allow you to receive an Interim Visa while that temporary visa application is processed.

Good to know: Skilled Migrant Category applicants may be eligible for a specific SMC Interim Visa while their residence application is being processed. Its conditions depend on the temporary visa you currently hold, so check which option suits your situation before your current visa expires.

What is it like to live in New Zealand?

Living in New Zealand can mean having more time for work, study and life outside both. A standard working week is generally up to 40 hours, unless you and your employer agree otherwise.

New Zealand also offers plenty to explore outside work. Depending on where you live, you could have access to beaches, hiking trails, national parks and smaller regional communities, as well as larger cities such as Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

If you are planning to stay long term, think about more than your job or visa. Compare housing costs, transport, healthcare, job opportunities and lifestyle in the city or region you are considering.

IDP tip: Where you study can shape where you build your career later. When comparing courses, consider the local job market, cost of living and career opportunities alongside university rankings and tuition fees.

Plan your move to New Zealand

There is no single pathway to migrate to New Zealand. Your best option depends on your background, skills, occupation and long-term goals.

If study is part of your plan, choosing the right course can help you work towards the career you want and understand your options after graduation.

With IDP, you can get support to:

• Find a course that fits your goals.

• Apply to study in New Zealand.

• Understand your student visa options.

• Plan your next steps after graduation.

• Connect with migration experts for personalised advice.

Ready to see what your pathway could look like?

What is the easiest way to migrate to New Zealand?

There is no single easiest pathway. It depends on your occupation, qualifications, work experience and whether you have an eligible New Zealand job or job offer.

If you have a Tier 1 Green List job or job offer with an accredited employer, Straight to Residence can be one of the most direct skilled residence pathways because you do not need to complete a set period of New Zealand work first.

Can I migrate to New Zealand without a job offer?

You can come to New Zealand through some pathways without already having a job offer, including eligible study pathways. However, the main skilled residence pathways generally require you to have an eligible job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer.

If you plan to study first, your qualification may help you build towards an eligible career and explore your work and residence options after graduation.

How much does it cost to live in New Zealand?

Your living costs depend on where you live, your accommodation and your lifestyle.

Rent is usually one of the biggest expenses. You should also budget for groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare and other everyday costs when planning your move.

Can studying in New Zealand help me migrate?

Yes, studying in New Zealand can support a longer-term migration plan if your qualification leads towards an eligible occupation and work pathway.

After completing an eligible qualification, you may qualify for a Post Study Work Visa and later explore residence through the Green List, Skilled Migrant Category or another eligible pathway.

Good to know: Studying in New Zealand does not guarantee a work visa or residence. Your eligibility will depend on the immigration requirements in place when you apply.

Do I need a New Zealand job to apply for skilled residence?

Generally, yes. The Straight to Residence, Work to Residence and Skilled Migrant Category pathways require an eligible New Zealand job or job offer with an accredited employer.

The exact requirements for your job, including occupation, pay, hours and experience, depend on the residence pathway you use.

How long does it take to become a permanent resident of New Zealand?

It depends on your pathway. You generally need to qualify for and receive a Resident Visa first.

After holding your Resident Visa for at least two years, you may be able to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa if you meet the requirements.

This means your total timeline depends on how long it takes you to qualify for residence, your residence visa processing time and when you become eligible for permanent residence.

See our full guide to New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa processing times for a closer look at each stage.

Is a New Zealand Resident Visa the same as permanent residence?

No. A Resident Visa allows you to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, but it normally comes with travel conditions.

After holding residence for at least two years and meeting the requirements, you may be able to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows you to travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely.

Can I include my family when applying for New Zealand residence?

Many skilled residence pathways allow you to include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger.

Your family members will also need to meet the applicable identity, health, character and English language requirements.