Australia and New Zealand consistently rank among the best countries for quality of life, safety, and career opportunities. Their points-based immigration systems prioritise skilled professionals, and both countries offer clear pathways from temporary work visas to permanent residency and citizenship.
Key Highlights for Oceania
- Australia Skilled Independent (189) visa for high-demand professions
- New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category with regional bonus points
- High salaries and excellent worker protections
- Clear pathway from work visa to PR to citizenship
Country Comparison — Oceania
Every country in this region for which we hold visa-pathway data, listed alphabetically. We do not rank them: we had no defensible way to reduce visa rules, salaries and living costs to a single score, so the table shows the pathway count and cost range instead.
| Country | Visa Pathways | Cost of Living | Professions Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 18 | €3,140 – €5,650 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Hotel Manager |
| Fiji | 14 | €1,000 – €2,800 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist |
| Kiribati | 1 | €850 – €1,850 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| Marshall Islands | 1 | €1,350 – €2,850 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| Micronesia | 1 | €890 – €2,250 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| Nauru | 1 | €665 – €1,400 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| New Zealand | 15 | €2,200 – €4,100 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Hotel Manager |
| Palau | 1 | €1,200 – €2,700 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| Papua New Guinea | 2 | €510 – €1,240 | Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Nurse |
| Samoa | 1 | €1,200 – €2,400 | Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Accountant |
| Solomon Islands | 2 | €1,800 – €3,200 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| Tonga | 2 | €1,400 – €2,800 | Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Nurse |
| Tuvalu | 1 | €620 – €1,200 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| Vanuatu | 24 | €980 – €1,960 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist |
Destinations in Oceania in Detail
Australia
Professions covered:
- Software Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Hotel Manager
Compare Australia vs New Zealand →
New Zealand
Professions covered:
- Software Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Hotel Manager
Samoa
Professions covered:
- Software Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Accountant
Fiji
Professions covered:
- Software Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Cybersecurity Specialist
Tonga
Professions covered:
- Software Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Nurse
Emigration Guides by Origin Country
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Get Your Full Report — €10 →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I immigrate to Australia as a skilled worker?
The Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is the most popular route. You need an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, a skills assessment, and enough points (65+). The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) is another strong option.
Is New Zealand easier to immigrate to than Australia?
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category has similar requirements but a smaller pool. Accredited Employer Work Visas are common. New Zealand offers a Straight-to-Residence pathway for some occupations.
What salaries can I expect in Australia and New Zealand?
Australia offers average salaries of 50,000-55,000 AUD for general roles, with tech and healthcare roles paying 80,000-150,000+ AUD. New Zealand salaries are roughly 15-20% lower than Australian equivalents.
How long does Australian PR take?
Processing times vary: subclass 189 takes 6-12 months, subclass 190 (state-nominated) takes 6-9 months. From PR, citizenship is available after 4 years of residence including 1 year as PR.
Browse by Visa Type
- Skilled Worker Visas (2026)
- Digital Nomad Visas (2026)
- Investor & Golden Visas (2026)
- Startup Visas (2026)
- Retirement Visas (2026)
Other Regions
- Africa Emigration Guide 2026
- Americas Emigration Guide 2026
- Asia Emigration Guide 2026
- Europe Emigration Guide 2026
- Middle East Emigration Guide 2026
See also: Compare Countries Side by Side · All Pathways by Country · Immigration Glossary · FAQ
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, re-checked March 2026. Scores are indicative and should be used alongside professional immigration advice.