Living in New Zealand
Migrating to New Zealand: What You Need to Know
New Zealand attracts thousands of migrants every year. Known globally for its natural beauty, safe environment, and relaxed lifestyle, it is a multicultural country of around 5 million people with a strong focus on community, wellbeing, and opportunity.
Living in New Zealand
New Zealanders—often called Kiwis—are generally friendly, open, and down-to-earth. With a land area similar to the UK or Japan but a much smaller population, New Zealand offers more space, cleaner environments, and easier access to nature.
Lifestyle and Recreation
New Zealanders value a balanced lifestyle. Alongside strong career prospects in many industries, people enjoy access to:
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beaches, lakes, and water sports
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snow sports and mountain activities
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hiking and scenic trails
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adventure and extreme sports
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a vibrant arts, culture, and events scene
New Zealand is also known for its food, wine, and distinctive hospitality.
Work and the Economy
New Zealand’s economy continues to grow, creating opportunities across a range of sectors.
The country is active in:
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information technology
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engineering and construction
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healthcare
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biological and medical research
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agriculture and primary industries
Workplaces generally value flexibility, collaboration, and work-life balance.
Language and Culture
English is the primary language used both professionally and socially. Many local expressions and slang terms are unique to Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand), and Kiwis tend to speak quickly, which can take some getting used to.
Preparing for Life in New Zealand
There are extensive government resources available to help new migrants understand:
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finding work
If you have specific questions about migrating, visas, or settling in New Zealand, feel free to contact the NZIHS team. We are here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your move.
Settling into a new country can be challenging, and understanding the settlement process can make a significant difference to your overall experience. The New Zealand government provides dedicated resources to help new migrants navigate life here, including:
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the stages of settling in
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how to get involved in local communities
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understanding Kiwi customs and communication styles
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guidance on managing homesickness
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an introduction to Māori culture, which plays an important role in New Zealand’s identity
These resources are designed to help you build confidence, participate in the New Zealand way of life, and feel more at home as you adjust to your new environment.
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If you plan to come to New Zealand to work—whether for a few years or with the intention of settling—you will need the appropriate work visa. For most work visas (except partner-based work visas or post-study work visas), you must first have a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
A common question is whether you can apply for jobs before you have a visa. The answer is yes. It is completely legal and acceptable to apply for jobs without holding a visa yet. Employers understand this and, once they decide to hire you, they can support you through the visa process.
Keep in mind, however, that you cannot start working—or earning—until your visa has been approved and granted by Immigration New Zealand.
New Zealand has long encouraged skilled workers from overseas to help meet labour shortages across a range of industries. As the economy grows, many sectors continue to experience demand for talent — particularly in highly skilled occupations.
While most new opportunities emerge in specialised or skilled roles, there is also consistent demand across fast-growing sectors where practical experience and technical ability are valued.
Some occupations are in especially short supply and appear on New Zealand’s official skills shortage lists (updated regularly by Immigration New Zealand). If your profession is listed, this can be an advantage when exploring visa pathways or applying for jobs.
