New Zealand Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Who Needs a Work Permit in New Zealand

In New Zealand, anyone who is not a New Zealand citizen or resident will generally require a work permit to be employed. This applies to both temporary and long-term employment, including skilled workers, seasonal employees, and those in specific industries. Employers must verify that their international employees have the appropriate work visas or permits before hiring them.

Temporary work permits are commonly required for employees coming to New Zealand for specific job roles, such as seasonal labor or short-term contract work. In contrast, longer-term permits may be needed for workers filling roles in shortage occupations or those seeking to reside and work in New Zealand for extended periods.

Types of Work Visas in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a range of work visas catering to different employment needs and circumstances. The most common visa types include options for skilled workers, essential workers, and temporary or long-term employment. Understanding these different categories will help you determine which visa is best suited for your employees.

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Requirements For a Work Permit in New Zealand

To apply for a work permit in New Zealand, employees must meet certain criteria depending on the type of visa being applied for. These requirements are designed to ensure that workers possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to contribute to the New Zealand workforce.

• Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must be in good health and have no criminal convictions.
• Employment Offer: The applicant must have a job offer that meets the skill and pay criteria for the visa type.
• Skills and Qualifications: Workers may need to show proof of their qualifications, relevant experience, and skills to be eligible for certain visa categories. Generally, the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) classification framework is used to determine eligibility for various New Zealand work visas.
• Labor Market Test: As of March 10, 2025, employers are required to declare, in good faith, that they have engaged with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) by advertising the role and considering suitable candidates for lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5). Formal evidence of this engagement is no longer required at the job check stage but employers should keep documentation for potential audits.

New Zealand Work Permit Application Process

The process for applying for a work permit in New Zealand typically involves the following steps. Employers should ensure they have all the necessary documentation in place to avoid delays.

1. Verify employee eligibility: Ensure the employee meets the criteria for the work permit, such as having the right skills and qualifications.
2. Offer a valid job: The employee must have a formal job offer from a New Zealand employer that meets the visa requirements.
3. Submit application: Complete the application online or by paper, providing all required documents such as the job offer letter, qualifications, and proof of identity.
4. Wait for approval: The application is assessed by New Zealand Immigration, and if approved, the employee will receive their work permit.
5. Finalize the visa: Once the work visa is granted, the employee can travel to New Zealand and begin employment.

Process for Visa Sponsorship In New Zealand

Visa sponsorship in New Zealand involves the employer providing a job offer and supporting the employee's application for a work visa. As an employer, you must ensure the role meets the necessary criteria for the visa and that the employee complies with all health and character checks. The employer must also demonstrate that the job was not suitable for a New Zealand citizen or resident before hiring a foreign worker.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in New Zealand

The cost of applying for a work permit or visa in New Zealand can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s specific circumstances. Fees are typically paid at the time of application.

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Additional Costs:

• International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): NZD $100 (~USD $60), applicable to most visa applications.

Note: Fees are subject to change; refer to the official Immigration New Zealand website for the most current information.

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Processing Time for a Work Permit Or Visa in New Zealand

Processing times for work permits and visas in New Zealand vary based on the type of visa and the applicant’s individual circumstances. On average, the processing time can range from a few weeks to several months. Factors such as the complexity of the application, the workload of the immigration office, and the completeness of the documents submitted can all affect the timeline.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in New Zealand

Work permits in New Zealand are typically granted for a specific period, depending on the visa type. For example, the AEWV is valid up to 5 years for ANZSCO skill levels 1-3 and up to 3 years for skill levels 4-5, whereas a Working Holiday Visa is generally valid for up to one year. Renewals can be applied for if the worker continues to meet the requirements.

Key Changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

​As of March 10, 2025, New Zealand has implemented several significant changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Below is an overview of these key changes:

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1. Removal of Median Wage Requirement: Employers hiring under the AEWV are no longer mandated to pay the median wage. Instead, wages must meet or exceed the New Zealand minimum wage (which is NZD $23.50 as of April 1, 2025) and align with the market rate for the role.

2.Reduction in Work Experience Requirement: The required work experience for AEWV applicants has been reduced from three years to two years.

3. Extended Visa Duration for Lower-Skilled Roles: The maximum visa duration for AEWV holders in ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 has been extended to three years.

5. Increased Income Threshold for Supporting Dependent Children: The income threshold for AEWV holders to support dependent children has increased from NZD $43,322.76 to NZD $55,844 per year.

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Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in New Zealand

New Zealand has introduced a new policy that allows digital nomads to work remotely for overseas employers while staying in the country. This initiative, effective from January 27, 2025, enables digital nomads to legally reside in New Zealand for up to 90 days without breaching visa conditions.

Key Features:

• Remote Work Eligibility: Visitors can work remotely for foreign employers or clients. This includes activities such as coding, writing, and attending virtual meetings. However, working for New Zealand-based employers or providing services to local businesses is prohibited when working under this visa type.
• No Minimum Income Requirement: Unlike many other countries, New Zealand does not impose a minimum income threshold for this arrangement. This makes it accessible to a wide range of remote workers.
• Tax Considerations: While working remotely, visitors are generally not subject to New Zealand's income tax for the first 90 days in a 12 month period.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in New Zealand

Hiring foreign workers in New Zealand comes with a few challenges. Understanding the visa process, complying with immigration laws, and ensuring a smooth transition for international employees are just some of the issues employers may face. However, with proper planning and knowledge, these challenges can be overcome.

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• Challenge 1: Navigating the visa system. New Zealand’s work visa options can be complex, with specific criteria and documentation required for each visa type.
• Challenge 2: Meeting the labour market test. Employers may face difficulties proving that no New Zealand citizens or residents were available for the role.
• Challenge 3: Processing time delays. Immigration processing times can be lengthy, and employers may experience delays when trying to bring foreign workers to New Zealand.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.