Key Takeaways

  • The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the primary pathway for non-NZ/AU nationals to work in New Zealand; employers must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) before sponsoring a worker.
  • Employers must pay workers at or above the median wage (NZD 29.66/hour in 2024) for most AEWV roles; lower-paid roles require employers to meet additional requirements.
  • New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents may work freely in New Zealand; all other nationalities require a work visa.

New Zealand is a Pacific island nation southeast of Australia, comprising two main islands (North Island and South Island) and numerous smaller islands. Wellington is the capital; Auckland is the largest city and main commercial hub. New Zealand’s economy is driven by agriculture (particularly dairy and meat exports), tourism, technology, and professional services. New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s most liveable and least corrupt countries, making it an attractive destination for international talent. Immigration New Zealand (INZ), within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), administers all immigration matters.

When Is a Work Visa Needed in New Zealand?

New Zealand and Australian citizens and permanent residents may work freely in New Zealand. All other nationals require a valid work visa before commencing employment. The main circumstances requiring a work visa are:

  • Non-NZ/AU nationals taking up employment with a New Zealand-registered employer
  • Skilled professionals applying under the Skilled Migrant Category
  • Intra-company transferees to a New Zealand subsidiary or branch
  • Seasonal workers in the horticultural and viticultural sectors
  • Working holiday makers engaging in paid employment (permitted under the WHV)

Types of New Zealand Work Visas and Permits

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is the primary work visa for most non-NZ/AU nationals. The employer must first be accredited with INZ, then obtain a Job Check approval for the specific role, and finally support the worker’s visa application. The AEWV is valid for up to three years and may lead to residence. The role must generally pay at or above the median wage (NZD 29.66/hour in 2024).

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is a points-based residence visa for skilled workers who want to settle permanently in New Zealand. Points are awarded for age, qualifications, skilled work experience, and a job offer in New Zealand. Successful applicants receive a Resident Visa directly without going through the AEWV pathway.

Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa

For work that is specific in nature and limited in time — such as filming, sports events, or specialist technical installation — a Specific Purpose Work Visa may be issued. This is employer-independent and relates to the specific activity rather than the employer.

Working Holiday Visa (WHV)

Citizens of 43 countries with which New Zealand has working holiday agreements may work in New Zealand for up to 12 months (some nationalities up to 23 months). The WHV allows open work rights — the holder may work for any employer. This is not an employer-sponsored visa but is a common pathway for younger workers.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in New Zealand

1

Employer Obtains Accreditation with INZ

The employer must apply for accreditation with Immigration New Zealand. Accreditation requires the employer to meet employment standards, pay obligations, and demonstrate a genuine business operation. Standard accreditation is valid for 12 months; high-volume and franchisee accreditation options are also available.

2

Employer Applies for a Job Check

For each AEWV role, the employer submits a Job Check to INZ confirming the job details, salary, and whether the role needs to be advertised to New Zealand residents first (roles paying below twice the median wage must typically go through a Labour Market Test).

3

Worker Applies for the AEWV

Once the Job Check is approved, INZ issues a Job Check token to the worker. The worker submits an AEWV application online via the INZ portal. Required documents include: valid passport; evidence of qualifications; a police clearance certificate; a medical certificate (if applicable); and the Job Check token.

4

Pay the Application Fee

AEWV application fees are paid online at the time of submission. Fees vary by visa duration and complexity. The employer may choose to pay the fee on behalf of the worker, though this is optional.

5

Await INZ Decision

Standard AEWV processing takes 3–8 weeks for complete applications. INZ may request additional information. Processing times for the Skilled Migrant Category are longer. The INZ online portal provides real-time application status.

6

Enter New Zealand and Commence Employment

Once the AEWV is approved, the worker may travel to New Zealand. On arrival, immigration officials verify the visa. The worker must commence employment with the accredited employer within three months of arrival. A change of employer requires a new Job Check and visa application.

New Zealand Work Permit Costs and Fees

New Zealand visa fees are denominated in New Zealand Dollars (NZD):

Application Type
Fee
AEWV (up to 3 years)
NZD 750–1,000
Employer Accreditation
NZD 740 (standard); NZD 1,220 (high-volume)
Job Check
NZD 610
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
NZD 4,000–5,000
Working Holiday Visa
NZD 300–400

Immigration adviser fees add NZD 1,500–5,000. Total first-year employer costs for AEWV pathway typically range from NZD 3,000 to NZD 7,000.

New Zealand Work Visa Sponsorship

The AEWV is tied to the accredited employer and the specific Job Check. Workers may not change employers without a new Job Check and visa application. Employers must notify INZ within 10 working days if the employment relationship ends before the visa expires.

Employers must comply with New Zealand employment law, including the Employment Relations Act 2000, minimum wage obligations (NZD 23.15/hour in 2024 — note: most AEWV roles require the higher median wage of NZD 29.66/hour), KiwiSaver employer contributions, and ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) levies.

For international companies without a New Zealand entity, an EOR registered and accredited in New Zealand can sponsor the AEWV, manage payroll in NZD, KiwiSaver, and Employment Relations Act compliance.

Work in New Zealand with Confidence

New Zealand’s AEWV system is well-designed and digital, making it one of the more navigable employer-sponsored work visa systems in the Asia-Pacific region. The accreditation step is the main upfront investment for new sponsors; once in place, the Job Check and visa application process is efficient.

Remote People’s New Zealand team provides INZ accredited employer services, AEWV applications, Job Check management, payroll in NZD, KiwiSaver administration, and full Employment Relations Act compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most AEWV roles must pay at or above the New Zealand median wage — NZD 29.66 per hour (NZD 61,693 annually) as of 2024. This is updated periodically by MBIE. Some lower-paid roles may be eligible under specific sector agreements (e.g., care and support workers), but these have additional employer obligations including training commitments.

KiwiSaver is New Zealand's voluntary (but auto-enrolled) workplace savings scheme. Employees are automatically enrolled when they start work in New Zealand; they may opt out within 56 days. Employer contributions are mandatory at 3% of gross salary for enrolled employees. Temporary visa holders who are not intending to remain in New Zealand permanently can make a savings withdrawal when they leave.

Yes. Australian citizens and permanent residents may live and work in New Zealand indefinitely without a visa, under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement. They are automatically granted a Special Category Visa on arrival at a New Zealand port of entry.

Workers on an AEWV who have worked in New Zealand for two years and earn at or above the median wage may be eligible to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category or other residence pathways. INZ periodically opens residence ballot draws; eligibility depends on current policy settings at the time of application.

Yes. An EOR that holds accredited employer status with INZ can sponsor AEWVs, submit Job Checks, and employ workers on behalf of international companies without a New Zealand entity. This is increasingly common for tech and professional services companies entering the New Zealand market.

Relocate to New Zealand

Remote People is an INZ accredited employer and provides full EOR services in New Zealand. We manage AEWV sponsorship, Job Checks, payroll in NZD, KiwiSaver, ACC levies, and full Employment Relations Act compliance.

Contact Remote People to start hiring in New Zealand today.

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