Overview

Generic Work Visa Information – Who Can Work in New Zealand

Who Doesn’t Need a Work Visa?

You do not need a work visa to work in New Zealand if you are:

  • A New Zealand citizen
  • A New Zealand resident visa holder
  • A temporary visa holder with conditions that allow work

 What Is Considered "Work"?

Work means any activity done for gain or reward, including:

  • Wages or salary
  • Free board and lodging
  • Goods or services (e.g. food, clothing, transport)

Volunteer roles may still count as "work" unless clearly exempt (e.g., DOC volunteers).

 Where Is "Work in NZ" Recognised?

Work includes activity done:

  • On land in NZ
  • At sea within NZ’s territorial or economic zone
  • On New Zealand-registered vessels operating offshore

 Full-Time Employment

“Full-time” means at least 30 hours per week, unless stated otherwise.

 What Is NZ’s Market Rate?

Immigration assesses whether your pay matches the New Zealand market rate by looking at:

  • Wages typically paid to New Zealanders for the same role
  • Industry agreements and location-based pay
  • Hours of work and required skills

Work Visa Streams

New Zealand’s work visa system is divided into four streams:

1. Skilled Stream

Covers visas like:

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa
  • Essential Skills
  • Work to Residence
  • Specific Purpose/Event
  • Student Trainees

2.  Family Stream

For:

  • Partners of NZ citizens/residents or work visa holders
  • Some Long Term Business Visa partners

3.  International / Humanitarian Stream

Includes:

  • Working Holiday Visas
  • Humanitarian or reciprocal work agreements

4.  Special Work Policies

For:

  • Seasonal horticulture or viticulture workers
  • Fishing crew
  • Religious workers

Applying for a Work Visa

 General Applicant Requirements

You must:

  • Apply using the official INZ online form
  • Be a bona fide (genuine) applicant
  • Meet health and character standards
  • Have a valid job offer
  • Be qualified or experienced for the role

Some jobs require occupational registration (e.g., medical, trades, teaching)

You cannot apply if you’ve held a Primary Sector Trainee Visa in the last 2 years.

Job Offer Requirements

Job offers must be genuine and sustainable, and include:

  • Employer and employee contact details
  • Full job description and duties
  • Work location and hours
  • Pay, duration, and any required experience or training
  • Conditions matching NZ law and market rate

 INZ will decline any job offer obtained by paying the employer to secure the role.

 Employer Requirements

Employers must:

  • Follow NZ employment law (e.g. minimum wage, leave, health and safety)
  • Only employ workers legally allowed to work
  • Not appear on MBIE’s list of non-compliant employers
  • Not have convictions under slavery, smuggling, or trafficking laws

Financial Requirements

Evidence of Funds

Work visa applicants may need to show:

  • Sufficient salary from the job
  • A written guarantee from the employer
  • Savings or sponsorship from a friend/relative in NZ

Pregnant applicants must show $9,000 for maternity care unless they are eligible for publicly funded health services.

 Onward Travel

You may need to prove you can leave New Zealand by showing:

  • A return or onward ticket
  • Travel bookings
  • A guarantee from your sponsor or employer

Work Visa Conditions & Travel

 Common Work Visa Conditions

Work visas can specify that you must:

  • Work in a specific job, location, or employer
  • Work full-time
  • Be paid a minimum wage level
  • Provide evidence of pay if requested

 Travel Conditions

  • Single-entry visas allow one entry into New Zealand
  • Multiple-entry visas (up to 5 years) are for frequent travellers who have complied with past visa conditions

 Ready to apply or unsure where to start?
JD Immigration can help you secure the right work visa, assess job offers, and ensure your employer meets all requirements.