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
All 14 countries ranked by average composite score across all professions. Scores combine visa accessibility, salary competitiveness, cost of living, quality of life, and career growth (1–10 scale).
| Rank | Country | Avg. Score | QoL | Visa Pathways | Cost of Living | Top Professions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 6.8/10 | 9.0 | 18 | €3,140 – €5,650 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Hotel Manager |
| 2 | New Zealand | 6.5/10 | 9.0 | 15 | €2,200 – €4,100 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Hotel Manager |
| 3 | Samoa | 5.4/10 | 6.0 | 1 | €1,200 – €2,400 | Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Accountant |
| 4 | Fiji | 5.1/10 | 6.5 | 14 | €1,000 – €2,800 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist |
| 5 | Tonga | 4.9/10 | 6.0 | 2 | €1,400 – €2,800 | Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Nurse |
| 6 | Vanuatu | 4.7/10 | 5.0 | 24 | €980 – €1,960 | Software Engineer, AI Engineer, Cybersecurity Specialist |
| 7 | Tuvalu | 4.7/10 | 5.0 | 1 | €620 – €1,200 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| 8 | Marshall Islands | 3.9/10 | 5.0 | 1 | €1,350 – €2,850 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| 9 | Palau | 3.9/10 | 6.0 | 1 | €1,200 – €2,700 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| 10 | Papua New Guinea | 3.9/10 | 3.0 | 2 | €510 – €1,240 | Software Engineer, Civil Engineer, Nurse |
| 11 | Kiribati | 3.8/10 | 4.0 | 1 | €850 – €1,850 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| 12 | Nauru | 3.4/10 | 3.0 | 1 | €665 – €1,400 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| 13 | Micronesia | 3.2/10 | 4.0 | 1 | €890 – €2,250 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
| 14 | Solomon Islands | 3.2/10 | 4.0 | 2 | €1,800 – €3,200 | Software Engineer, Nurse, Civil Engineer |
Top 5 Countries in Oceania for Immigration
#1 Australia (Avg. Score: 6.8/10)
Top professions:
- Software Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Hotel Manager
Compare Australia vs New Zealand →
#2 New Zealand (Avg. Score: 6.5/10)
Top professions:
- Software Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Hotel Manager
#3 Samoa (Avg. Score: 5.4/10)
Top professions:
- Software Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Accountant
#4 Fiji (Avg. Score: 5.1/10)
Top professions:
- Software Engineer
- AI Engineer
- Cybersecurity Specialist
#5 Tonga (Avg. Score: 4.9/10)
Top professions:
- Software Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Nurse
Emigration Guides by Origin Country
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Get Full Report — €10Frequently 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 Immigration Guide 2026
- Americas Immigration Guide 2026
- Asia Immigration Guide 2026
- Europe Immigration Guide 2026
- Middle East Immigration Guide 2026
See also: Compare Countries Side by Side · All Pathways by Country · Immigration Glossary · FAQ
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified March 2026. Scores are indicative and should be used alongside professional immigration advice.