New Zealand Work Visas That Can Lead to Permanent Residency in 2025

New Zealand is an appealing destination for skilled professionals and entrepreneurs seeking long-term opportunities. If you are 55 years old or younger, you can apply for a work visa that leads to permanent residency after working in New Zealand for at least two years. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has updated its processing priorities, favoring certain visas for skilled workers.

Visa Pathways to Residency

INZ offers several work and residency visa options tailored to various professional backgrounds. Here are the main pathways available:

1. Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

This visa is for skilled workers. If you qualify, you can include your family in the application.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be 55 years or younger.
• Have a job offer in a skilled occupation.
• Meet the points-based assessment criteria, which consider age, qualifications, and work experience.
• Demonstrate English proficiency.
• Pass health and character checks.

2. Work to Residence Visa

This visa allows you to work in New Zealand for two years before qualifying for residency.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be 55 years or younger.
• Hold a job in a Green List Tier 2 occupation.
• Work for an accredited employer.
• Meet the salary and experience criteria.

3. Straight to Residence Visa

If your occupation is on Tier 1 of the Green List, you can apply directly for residence.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have a job offer in a Tier 1 Green List role.
• Meet salary or professional registration requirements.
• Be 55 years or younger.

4. Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa

This visa is for those whose employer are relocating their business to New Zealand.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The company must have approval from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.
• You must hold a key position in the company.
• Be proficient in English.

Unique Work Visa Pathways

In addition to skilled work visas, New Zealand offers unique pathways to residency:

1. Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa

If you have a full-time job offer from an accredited employer, you can apply for this visa. After two years of work, you can apply for residency.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be 55 years or younger.
• Have a job offer for at least two years.
• Earn a minimum of NZD 79,560 per year.

2. Entrepreneur Work Visa

If you plan to start or buy a business in New Zealand, this visa allows you to apply for residency after six months if you meet investment and employment criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Have at least NZD 100,000 to invest (excluding ICT and science startups).
• Claim 120 points on the Entrepreneur Visa Points Scale.
• Submit a business plan.
• Demonstrate English proficiency.

3. Global Impact Work Visa

Through the Edmund Hillary Fellowship Program, entrepreneurs or investors can stay in New Zealand for up to 36 months and apply for residency after 30 months.

4. Pacific Access Category & Samoan Quota Resident Visas

Citizens from Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga, and Fiji can apply for indefinite residence through an annual ballot system.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be 18-45 years old.
• Have a full-time job offer for 12 months or more.
• Demonstrate English proficiency.

5. Religious Worker Resident Visa

If you have worked in religious service in New Zealand for three years, you can apply for residency.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Be 55 years or younger.
• Have at least five years of religious training or experience.
• Continue working for a sponsoring religious organization.
• Demonstrate English proficiency.

How to Apply for a Resident or Work Visa

To apply, follow these steps:

• Check if your job is on the Green List (Tier 1 or Tier 2).
• Ensure your employer is accredited.
• Submit an online or paper application.
• Provide the necessary documents, including your passport, qualifications, job offer, and medical certificate.
• Wait for processing and approval from Immigration New Zealand.

By following these guidelines, you can navigate the visa application process successfully and work towards permanent residency in New Zealand.