Moving to New Zealand in 2025 is your chance to embrace the Kiwi (New Zealander) lifestyle, from stunning nature to laid-back and friendly people. At Remitly, we love helping people start their next chapter. Whether you’re navigating visa options, budgeting for your move, or integrating into the culture, this guide is packed with everything you need for a smooth transition.
Why move to New Zealand in 2025?
New Zealand has been attracting more immigrants than ever in the last 10 years for a variety of reasons. It’s consistently ranked among the world’s most scenic countries, with friendly, welcoming people and a relaxed pace of life.
Here are some other reasons why New Zealand may be right for you:
- It ranks high on quality of life metrics and is consistently the top-ranked Anglophone country
- On the HSBC Expat Survey, the country is ranked third in the world in terms of work-life balance
- Unemployment is low, and since the population is smaller, there’s less competition for jobs than in countries like the UK or the US.
- It ranks second in the global peace index, behind Iceland
- Unlike Australia, there are no giant spiders, crocodiles, or snakes
- The weather is sunny and mild year-round
Understanding visa options
If you’re thinking of moving to New Zealand, your visa options will depend on your nationality, goals, and how long you plan to stay.
If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident with an Australian passport, you can live, work, and study in New Zealand without applying for a visa. Otherwise, there are options that let you come to New Zealand and/or stay long term.
Work visas
Here’s an overview of the most common options.
Accredited employed work visa (AEWV)
- The most common long-term work visa
- Requires a job offer from an accredited employer
- You must stay with the same employer and role to keep your visa
- Valid for up to five years and can lead to a residence visa.
Working holiday visa
- Allows citizens of certain countries to live, study, and work in New Zealand temporarily, usually for 12–36 months.
- You’ll need to be between 18–30 years old, pass a medical exam, have proof of funds, and have a certain level of English to be approved
- The exact requirements depend on what country you’re from and its agreement with the New Zealand government
Entrepreneur work visa
- Great if you want to start or run your own business in New Zealand
- Be able to invest at least NZD $100,000 and provide a detailed business plan to qualify.
- Valid for three years and can lead to residency
Post-study work visa
- You can apply if you’ve just completed a level 7 (bachelor’s degree) qualification or higher and studied full-time for at least 30 weeks
- Apply within 30 days of completing your degree.
- Allows you to stay and work either for 3 years or the same amount of time you studied for
Digital nomads
- New Zealand doesn’t have an official digital nomad visa
- However, as of January 2025, all visitor visa holders can work remotely as long as they don’t work for a New Zealand employer or provide goods or services to New Zealand businesses
Resident visas
Straight to residence or work to residence visa
- You need to be under 55 and have a full-time, permanent job offer from an accredited employer, or a job included on the Green List of critically needed jobs
- Depending on which tier (1 or 2) your job is, you can apply for a residence visa immediately (Straight to Residence) or after working in New Zealand for two years (Work to Residence)
Residence via family or partner
- Partners of New Zealand citizens and residents can apply
- You can bring children under 24 when applying for work or study visas
- New Zealand residents can sponsor their parents to become residents
Student and visitor visas
Student visa
- Needed if you’re studying in New Zealand for more than three months and are not already on a working holiday visa
- Many student visa holders can work part-time during school and full-time during breaks
NZeTA
- If you’re a citizen of a visa waiver country, you’ll need to request an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before arriving
- Costs NZD $17 and takes about 72 hours to process
Visitor visa
- If you’re a citizen of a non-eligible country, you’ll need to apply online for a visitor visa before arrival, which allows you to stay in the country for either six or nine months
- It costs NZD $441 and takes about two weeks to process
Cost of living in New Zealand
Due to New Zealand’s remote location, relatively weak currency, and high quality of life, it has a high cost of living. However, it’s typically cheaper to live in than the United States or Australia. Wellington is considered the most expensive city, and Palmerston North the most affordable.
Here are some typical costs in New Zealand as of May 2025. At the time of writing, NZD $1 is about USD $0.59. Keep in mind that costs may vary depending on where you live:
- Rent, 1 bedroom, central business district (CBD): NZD $1,020–2,750
- Rent, 1 bedroom, outside CBD: NZD $800–2,400
- Utilities (gas, electricity, internet): NZD $180–260
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: NZD $15–45
- Weekly food shop for one: NZD $60–$114
- Petrol, 1 litre: NZD $2.50–3
- Auckland public transport weekly fare cap: NZD $50
Finding a place to live
When moving to a new country, you want to have a comfortable place to live. Housing costs in New Zealand can be expensive, and have risen sharply since 2021, so do your research and be prepared before moving.
Renting vs. buying
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to renting or buying property in New Zealand—it all depends on your length of stay, financial situation, and the location. However, only residents can buy property in New Zealand.
If you know you’re staying temporarily or aren’t sure about where exactly you want to settle, renting may be a good choice. It’s more flexible and doesn’t require a big commitment like buying a house. Landlords can only raise rent once a year, and have to notify you 60 days before the increase.
New Zealand’s housing market is cooling after a 2021 spike, but mortgage rates increased from 2% to 7% in 2022. Owning a home takes effort, but it helps you build equity and sets you up for retirement.
Tips for housing searches
While you may want to get your house locked in as soon as possible, many landlords and realtors want to meet in person before signing anything, and some popular property hunting websites don’t let you create an account from outside the country. Book a short-term rental or hostel before you arrive so you have a place to stay while house hunting.
Some popular websites and places to find housing are:
- Trade Me
- Real Estate NZ
- One Roof
- Homes NZ
- Local Facebook groups (particularly for room rentals), search “your city + housing”
New Zealand has a universal healthcare system, often ranked as one of the best in the world. It also has an Accident Compensation Corporation, which covers any medical costs stemming from accidents for everyone, including visitors. Even if an accident was your fault, you’ll still be covered under the ACC.
If you’re planning on staying for a year or longer, you’re encouraged to sign up for a Primary Health Organisation (PHO). We usually recommend signing up for a general practitioner (GP), but any doctor at any location can be your PHO. If you’re on a temporary stay visa, you’ll need to present paperwork proving your eligibility.
How much does all of this cost? Here are some key figures:
- A standard GP visit costs between NZD $19–60, depending on location, services, your age, and the provider
- If you’re not enrolled with a PHO, a standard GP visit can cost between NZD $100–120
- After-hours GP visits usually cost between NZD $75–100
- The public health system covers hospital and specialist visits if your GP refers you. Non-essential specialist costs may vary.
- The government subsidizes many prescription medications, and they usually cost around NZD $5
If you’re staying temporarily or just want more medical coverage, you can also enroll in private health insurance. Some of the most popular private medical insurance providers are Southern Cross and nib.
Employment and job market insights
As previously mentioned, there’s a Green List of high-demand jobs in industries across New Zealand that have shortages. If you work in one of these industries, you might have an easier time finding a job, or may even be offered a residency visa immediately if you get a job offer.
These industries include:
- Healthcare
- Information technology (IT)
- Construction and engineering
- Education, particularly early childhood, special education, and ESL
- Hospitality and tourism
Here are some of our top tips for landing a job in New Zealand:
- The top hiring period for many industries is February and March
- Tailor your CV to New Zealand standards. Only include relevant information and try to keep it to one page. Describe your previous overseas employers, as local employers may not be familiar with those organisations.
- Emphasize skills, as many New Zealand companies prioritize skills-based hiring over traditional qualifications
- Bring original qualifications with you. Keep them safe, but make copies and get them certified by a Justice of the Peace (JP) when you arrive.
- Maintain an active LinkedIn profile for networking, and use New Zealand-specific online job portals like Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and Indeed NZ
Schooling and education
If you’re moving to New Zealand with children, you’ll be happy to know that New Zealand’s education system is currently ranked seventh in the world. Children aged 6–16 are required to be in school or home-schooled.
The school system has three stages: primary, intermediate, and secondary. The country has state schools, state-integrated schools, and private schools. Most children go to a school in the school zone where they live.
To enroll your child in a school, reach out to the ones you’re interested in to find out about the enrollment process and any necessary forms. If you’re arriving in New Zealand in the middle of the school year, your child should be able to start school right away.
New Zealand also has eight state-funded universities that offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in a wide range of disciplines. Many are ranked in the top 500 globally.
Budgeting for your move
Moving to a new country incurs a variety of expenses, and it’s a good idea to know how much things cost so you can budget accordingly.
Pre-move costs
- Visa costs vary, from NZD $17 for the NZeTA to almost NZD $15,000 for the Entrepreneur Visa
- Visa paperwork can include medical examinations, police clearance certificates, and any language tests you have to take. Prices vary based on your home country.
- Flights from Melbourne to Queenstown can cost as little as NZD $450, but flying from most major cities costs between NZD $1,000–$2,000
- If you want to ship your belongings, expect to pay a high cost as well. Prices vary based on volume, origin, and transport method.
- Pet relocation costs can include any necessary vaccinations, microchips, and quarantining.
Post-move costs
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have plenty of expenses to juggle. Here are a few:
- Temporary accommodation, in either hotels (NZD $150–250 a night) or short-term rentals (NZD $100–200 a night)
- Furniture and household items for your new home—unfurnished rentals are common
- Transportation: Outside of major cities, public transportation is scarce. Monthly passes usually run around NZD $215. If you need to buy a car, budget for both the initial price and ownership costs, including driver’s license conversion, insurance, maintenance, and fuel.
Money-saving tips
While all these expenses may seem costly, there are ways to reduce your total relocation costs:
- Buy your flights three to six months in advance, and try to fly on weekdays or during the off-peak season (April-September)
- Get short-term rental discounts by booking longer stays up front
- Look at cities like Christchurch or Wellington instead of the Auckland CBD for cheaper rent
- Buy second-hand on platforms like Trade Me and local Facebook groups
- Shop at discount stores like Briscoes, The Warehouse, and Kmart
Cultural tips and settling into New Zealand life
While the culture of New Zealand can’t be explained neatly in one article, here are a few of the most common norms and etiquette rules:
- New Zealanders don’t love to boast about their achievements. You’ll find people are more modest.
- Even in business settings, people dress casually, and first names are preferred when speaking.
- It’s considered rude to arrive more than 10 minutes late to a business or social gathering.
- New Zealanders often avoid saying no directly. Phrases like “I’m not sure” might be how they refuse.
- Personal space is important in New Zealand. Don’t stand too close to strangers in public.
- New Zealanders drive on the left
- Due in part to their stunning surroundings, New Zealanders are very environmentally conscious. Littering is frowned upon.
- Other big elements of New Zealand culture include rugby and outdoor recreation activities, like tramping (hiking), surfing, and skiing
- Get to know the indigenous Māori and non-Māori (Pākehā) cultures. Both are officially recognized, and their practices, language, and traditions are integrated into the national cultural identity.
Building a support network
A big part of settling in is getting to know the people around you. New Zealanders are kind and welcoming, but may not be as overtly friendly as Americans. Despite that, there are plenty of ways to meet or bond with other people:
- Join local clubs like sports teams, hiking groups, or hobby clubs
- Find local expat groups on Facebook that can provide support and organise social activities.
- Participate in community events like farmers’ markets and neighborhood barbecues
- Join your workplace’s next casual post-work drinks and their office morning or afternoon teas
Whether you’re drawn to its work-life balance, landscapes, or welcoming culture, moving to New Zealand in 2025 is your gateway to adventure. With the right visa and these insider tips, you’ll be ready to start your Kiwi chapter with confidence.
FAQs
Can I move to New Zealand without a job offer?
Yes, if you’re between 18–30 and from a list of approved countries, you can apply for a working holiday visa. You can also come on a student visa and work part-time, or come on a visitor visa and work remotely. However, most residency pathways require a job offer from an accredited employer.
Can I open a bank account in New Zealand before I arrive?
Some banks, like ANZ and Westpac, let you open an account from overseas. However, you’ll usually need to verify your identity in person before the account becomes active.
Can I use my overseas driver’s license in New Zealand?
Yes, you can use your overseas license for 18 months. After that, you’ll need to get a New Zealand driver’s license. Many countries have agreements with New Zealand that make the conversion process simple.
Can I bring my pet to New Zealand?
Yes, but New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules. You’ll need to meet vaccination and microchipping requirements, and in most cases, pets will undergo quarantine. Costs vary depending on the animal and your country of origin.