Main residence routes
New Zealand offers residence through the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List Straight to Residence and Work to Residence, sector pathways such as Care Workforce and Transport, partnership residence and parent residence.
Resident versus Permanent Resident
A Resident visa lets you live permanently in New Zealand, but it may have travel conditions. After meeting requirements, you can apply for a Permanent Resident visa, which removes those travel limits.
Choosing the right path
Your occupation, qualification, pay, age and family situation decide the best route. Workers in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and regional areas should plan early to meet each pathway's experience and pay requirements.
NZ residence pathways at a glance
| Pathway | Best suited for |
|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category | Skilled workers with six points |
| Green List Tier 1 | Hard to fill professional roles |
| Green List Tier 2 | Roles needing NZ work time |
| Sector pathways | Care and transport workers |
| Partnership | Partners of citizens or residents |
- Identify your best residence pathway early in your NZ journey.
- Keep pay and job records that support residence requirements.
- Meet health, character and English standards for residence.
- Plan the move from Resident to Permanent Resident visa.
- Book a Myra Visa residence assessment for a clear roadmap.
Need personalised advice? Speak with Myra Visa, led by Australian Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2519116) and New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA 202507335) Deep Mehta. Book an appointment or browse more visa guides.