Moving to New Zealand

Published on 25 October 2004
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Moving to New Zealand is an enormous undertaking - how to be prepared.

Relocating to New Zealand requires planning, patience and a visa!

Are you considering relocation to New Zealand?  Here’s a little about applying for permanent residency in New Zealand.

To visit New Zealand you will need a Visitor’s Visa unless you’re from a ‘visa free’ country like Australia or the UK.  Check before you travel!  New Zealand welcomes thousands of visitors a year and New Zealanders are justifiably proud of their country and happy for you to visit it.

If you are thinking about moving to New Zealand - to move to New Zealand and set up a permanent home there you will have to pass through immigration procedures of course. 

As with immigration to Australia, there are many types of visa available depending on whether you’re moving there to be reunited with family who already live there, or if you wish to move there and work in a skilled profession, or if you want to move and invest in the country, or are considering studying in the country etc. 

Despite this official red tape you will find that the New Zealand Immigration Service and New Zealand authorities are open and helpful in assisting you with immigration procedures. 

If you are eligible for immigration the procedure will probably be far less painful than it is for other eligible people seeking to move to the US or the UK for example. 

If you are successfully accepted to become a permanent resident of New Zealand and you move to New Zealand and set up a new life there you will find the people are friendly, welcoming and that they have a more laid back and healthy attitude to life compared to life in the US or UK for example. 

Take commuting - 15 minutes is considered heavy duty in New Zealand! 

Through your own positive attitude you will receive much more cooperation along the way if you move to any ‘foreign’ country, New Zealand is no exception.

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