How to Move to New Zealand
New Zealand is English-speaking with a clear, employer-led system run by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Most work migration goes through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — you need a job with an accredited employer. The Skilled Migrant Category leads to residence, and study offers post-study work rights.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
New Zealand embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
New Zealand has few African missions (mainly Pretoria). Most applications are completed online; some steps use VFS centres. Check the locator for your area.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
125 Middel Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria 0181
+27 12 435 9000 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? New Zealand has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Varies; weeks to a few months across the three checks.
Visa fee (~NZD 750+) + employer accreditation/job-check costs (employer side).
Up to 5 years for higher-paid roles; can lead to residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
- The role passes the job check (advertised, market pay).
- You meet the skills, health and character requirements.
What to do, step by step
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1
Find an accredited employer
Get a job with an employer accredited by Immigration NZ.
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2
Employer completes the job check
The employer proves the role meets pay and advertising rules.
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3
Apply for the AEWV
Submit your work visa application online (the third of the three checks).
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4
Health & character
Provide medicals and police certificates as required.
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5
Travel & work
On grant, move to New Zealand and start your role.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Confirm the employer is accredited before accepting the job.
- Higher-paid roles get longer visas and stronger residence pathways.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your RealMe account first
Create a free RealMe account (New Zealand's shared government login) to apply for almost any visa online through Immigration Online — upload documents, pay fees and track your application status all in one place.
Create accountStart your Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral months.
Residence application fee around NZD 4,290 (including levy).
Permanent residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Enough points from skilled work, qualifications and occupational registration.
- Skilled employment in New Zealand (often via the AEWV first).
- Health, character and English requirements met.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Work skilled in NZ
Typically you first work on an AEWV in a skilled role.
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2
Check your points
Confirm you meet the points threshold (skills, qualifications, registration).
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3
Submit the residence application
Apply for the Skilled Migrant Category resident visa online.
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4
Assessment & checks
INZ assesses your claims and you complete health/character checks.
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5
Residence granted
On approval you become a New Zealand resident.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Working in NZ first on an AEWV is the usual route into this category.
- Occupational registration (e.g. for nurses, engineers) boosts your points.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your RealMe account first
Create a free RealMe account (New Zealand's shared government login) to apply for almost any visa online through Immigration Online — upload documents, pay fees and track your application status all in one place.
Create accountStart your Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationVaries; apply early.
Visa fee + tuition + proof of ~NZD 20,000/year living funds + insurance.
Course length; post-study work visa available after eligible qualifications.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- An offer of place from an approved NZ education provider.
- Proof of funds for tuition and living, plus insurance.
- Genuine study intent.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Get an offer of place
Apply to an approved institution and accept your offer.
-
2
Pay tuition & arrange insurance
Pay fees and get acceptable medical/travel insurance.
-
3
Apply for the student visa
Submit online with proof of funds and your offer.
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4
Travel & study
On grant, travel and study; you can usually work part-time.
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5
Post-study work visa
After an eligible qualification, apply to stay and work.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Post-study work rights help you gain experience toward residence.
- Study in fields aligned with NZ skill shortages.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your RealMe account first
Create a free RealMe account (New Zealand's shared government login) to apply for almost any visa online through Immigration Online — upload documents, pay fees and track your application status all in one place.
Create accountStart your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationSeveral months.
Partner work visa ~NZD 750; partner resident visa ~NZD 4,290.
Work/visit then residence depending on the visa.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A genuine and stable relationship with an NZ citizen or resident.
- You have lived together and can prove the relationship.
- Health and character requirements met.
What to do, step by step
-
1
Confirm partner eligibility
Your partner must be an NZ citizen or resident able to support the application.
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2
Gather relationship evidence
Show you live together in a genuine, stable relationship.
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3
Apply for the partner visa
Choose the right partner visa (work or residence) and apply online.
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4
Checks & decision
Complete health/character checks and await the decision.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Evidence of living together is central — gather it carefully.
- A partner work visa can let you work while building toward residence.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your RealMe account first
Create a free RealMe account (New Zealand's shared government login) to apply for almost any visa online through Immigration Online — upload documents, pay fees and track your application status all in one place.
Create accountStart your Partner of a New Zealander visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost New Zealand work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to New Zealand — both completely free.
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Questions about New Zealand visas
How much does the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) cost?
The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) costs: Visa fee (~NZD 750+) + employer accreditation/job-check costs (employer side). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) take?
Processing for the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) takes varies; weeks to a few months across the three checks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is valid for up to 5 years for higher-paid roles; can lead to residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) cost?
The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) costs: Residence application fee around NZD 4,290 (including levy). These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) take?
Processing for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) takes several months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) is valid for permanent residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the New Zealand Student visa cost?
The New Zealand Student visa costs: Visa fee + tuition + proof of ~NZD 20,000/year living funds + insurance. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the New Zealand Student visa take?
Processing for the New Zealand Student visa takes varies; apply early. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the New Zealand Student visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The New Zealand Student visa is valid for course length; post-study work visa available after eligible qualifications. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the New Zealand Partner of a New Zealander visa cost?
The New Zealand Partner of a New Zealander visa costs: Partner work visa ~NZD 750; partner resident visa ~NZD 4,290. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the New Zealand Partner of a New Zealander visa take?
Processing for the New Zealand Partner of a New Zealander visa takes several months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the New Zealand Partner of a New Zealander visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The New Zealand Partner of a New Zealander visa is valid for work/visit then residence depending on the visa. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.