New Zealand offers 15 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) | N/A | N/A | 140-245d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Investor Plus (Growth/Balanced) | N/A | €5,625,000 | 120-210d | 8/10 | Yes |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | €1,950/mo | N/A | 15-40d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Active Investor Plus Visa - Balanced Category | N/A | €5,625,000 | 60-105d | 8/10 | Yes |
| Active Investor Plus Visa - Growth Category | N/A | €11,250,000 | 60-105d | 8/10 | Yes |
| Business Investor Work Visa - Fast-Track Pathway | N/A | €750,000 | 40-70d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Business Investor Work Visa - Standard Pathway | N/A | €375,000 | 40-70d | 6/10 | Yes |
| Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa | €1,979/mo | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Green List Straight to Residence Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Green List Work to Residence Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Partnership-Based Resident Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Post-Study Work Visa | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Transport Workforce Work to Residence Visa | N/A | N/A | 60-105d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Working Holiday Visa | N/A | €2,800 | 60-180d | 2/10 | No |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does New Zealand offer?
New Zealand offers 15 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for New Zealand?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in New Zealand?
The path to permanent residency in New Zealand typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to New Zealand?
Most long-term visa categories in New Zealand allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to New Zealand?
Not all pathways require a job offer. New Zealand may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: New Zealand Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries