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Skilled Migration
New Zealand skilled residence through the Green List — Tier 1 Straight to Residence and Tier 2 Work to Residence — alongside the six-point Skilled Migrant Category as amended on 24 August 2026.
About New Zealandنبذة
New Zealand is a highly developed nation that is well-known for its robust economy, high standard of living, and need for qualified workers. For competent individuals in industries including healthcare, engineering, information technology, construction, and education, it provides appealing skilled migration options. New Zealand is a top choice for skilled migrants looking for long-term work and permanent residency because of its safe environment, cutting-edge infrastructure, multicultural society, and good professional prospects and balanced lifestyle.
Green List Tier 1 roles can support a Straight to Residence Visa.
Green List Tier 2 roles can support a Work to Residence Visa after 24 months of qualifying New Zealand work.
A job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer is generally required.
Every Green List role has specific requirements that may include qualification, registration, professional membership, experience, or wage criteria.
Applicants must meet age, English language, health, and character requirements.
New Zealand at a glance
Population
5100000
Capital
Wellington
Language
English, te reo Maori, New Zealand Sign Language
Currency
NZD
Time zone
UTC+12 to UTC+13
Climate
Temperate to Subtropical
Visa routesالمسارات
In detailالتفاصيل
Advising UAE residents on Asia-Pacific migration from our Dubai office.
The Skilled Migrant Category was rewritten again on 24 August 2026
New Zealand moved to a six-point system in October 2023, and then materially rewrote how the points are earned with effect from 24 August 2026:
- New Zealand qualifications now score one point more than the overseas equivalent
- Level 8 and 9 points now require a bachelor's degree
- The Trades experience requirement was reduced
- The wage threshold is now tested as at the date your experience began, not the date you apply
- English-test validity extended to five years for registered occupations
The SMC wage threshold is NZ$35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026, so the points multiples work out at NZ$52.50, NZ$70.00 and NZ$105.00 an hour.
The Red and Amber lists now gate the skilled work experience pathway
This is new and it disqualifies people who would previously have been fine:
- Amber list occupations need 1.2× the wage threshold plus three years of New Zealand experience
- Red list occupations are not eligible for this pathway — including beauty therapists, hairdressers and retail managers
If your occupation is on either list, the arithmetic changes completely. Check both lists before you apply.
Green List additions
Ten trades occupations were added to the Work to Residence pathway on 18 August 2025 — welders, fitters, metal fabricators, panel beaters, vehicle painters and paving plant operators — at NZ$43.63 or NZ$38.59 an hour, each requiring 24 months of New Zealand experience.
New Zealand citizenship and your Indian passport
New Zealand does permit dual citizenship. India does not. So the constraint here is entirely on the Indian side.
New Zealand citizenship becomes possible after 1,350 days over five years, with at least 240 days in each of those years. Taking it would end your Indian citizenship automatically under Section 9(1) of the Citizenship Act 1955, regardless of New Zealand's own generosity on the point.
Residence and permanent residence carry no such consequence. Most Indian families stop at permanent residence for exactly that reason, and there is nothing wrong with doing so.
New Zealand Work visa
New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa offers you the opportunity to move to New Zealand to work and live permanently.
New Zealand is a top destination for immigration aspirants who are looking to work and build their careers. If you are interested in working in New Zealand, there are several types of visas you can apply for. The most common types of work visas include the Skilled Migrant Visa, Essential Skills Work Visa, and Working Holiday Visa.
The Skilled Migrant Visa is designed for individuals with skills and experience that are in high demand in New Zealand, while the Essential Skills Work Visa is for individuals with a specific job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Applying for a New Zealand work visa from Dubai requires careful consideration of the visa requirements and application process. XIPHIAS immigration with our experience, expertise, and skilled immigration agents can guide you through the process and help you prepare your application for the best chance of success.
New Zealand Work Visa Consultant from Dubai, UAE
For aspirants looking to migrate to New Zealand for work, taking the services of a genuine and dependable immigration consultant with the required expertise and experience is important. As a leading immigration agency in Dubai, XIPHIAS Immigration specializes in providing expert assistance and guidance to skilled migrants seeking to obtain a New Zealand work visa from Dubai.
Our team of immigration consultants has extensive experience in guiding clients through the process of skilled migration to New Zealand. We offer personalized services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that you receive the guidance and support you need at every step of the way.
We work closely with our clients to understand their individual circumstances and provide tailored services to ensure a smooth immigration process.
As a trusted work visa agency in Dubai for New Zealand, we are CICC and MARA registered and our team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive the highest quality of service and support for aspirants looking to immigrate under New Zealand skilled immigration programs.
New Zealand Work Visa Eligibility
The requirements may vary depending on the type of work visa you are applying for, but generally include the following:
Skilled Migrant Category: you must meet the points threshold, have an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand, and meet health and character requirements.
Essential Skills Work Visa: If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and possess the necessary skills and experience to perform the job.
Specific Purpose Work Visa: If you are coming to New Zealand for a specific purpose such as a research project, sports event, or religious work.
It is recommended that you consult with a dependable immigration consultancy to determine your eligibility and ensure that you meet all requirements before applying for a New Zealand work visa. We also provide aspirants with accurate and transparent assessments of their eligibility for New Zealand Work visa programs.
Skilled Migrant Visa New Zealand - Requirements, Application Process, and Cost
Visa and Immigration Requirements: It will depend on the type of visa and generally includes meeting the language proficiency, and work experience requirements among other things.
Documents: This generally includes your passport, visa application form, proof of financial support, evidence of your qualifications and work experience, and any additional documents required for the specific visa type.
Process: The process for applying for a Skilled Migrant New Zealand visa involves several steps such as filling out the application form, submitting supporting documents, language test results, and attending an interview if required.
Our immigration agents for New Zealand will guide and assist you in your New Zealand work immigration process and can help you understand the New Zealand visa requirements.
New Zealand Skill Shortage List
The skills shortage lists have been replaced by the Green List. Roles qualifying for a fast-track to the residence, as set out in the original Green List:
- Construction roles
- Engineering roles
- Certain health and social services roles
- Primary industries and science roles
- ICT, electronics, and telecommunication roles
Bus & truck drivers
- Bus and truck drivers will have a time limited residence pathway through a sector agreement.
Bus and truck drivers will have a time limited residence pathway through a sector agreement.
For aspirants looking for top leading work visa and work permit agents for New Zealand in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, XIPHIAS Immigration and our team of experts are here to provide a comprehensive and all-round immigration consultancy service to make sure you have a successful and hassle-free immigration process. Come meet our experts or reach out to us online!
Immigration to New Zealand
New Zealand immigration
If you're planning to migrate to New Zealand, the immigration process can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and cumbersome especially if you're not familiar with the laws and regulations. As one of the best New Zealand immigration service consultants in Dubai, XIPHIAS Immigration strives to deliver results and guide you from the beginning to the end with professionalism and integrity. We understand that immigration can be a tough decision and hence we ensure that we provide the support that will make it a smooth and hassle-free process.
By working with XIPHIAS Immigration, you will be getting the best support and guidance in your immigration journey. Being one of the best immigration consultants in Dubai for New Zealand, our consultants are well equipped with the knowledge and expertise, along with the experience of handling cases of various immigration aspirants and helping them migrate to NZ.
Leading New Zealand Immigration Consultants in Dubai, UAE
We are the leading immigration and visa agents for New Zealand in Dubai. Being an CICC and MARA registered consultancy, we believe that it's important to work with a trusted and reliable immigration consultant. XIPHIAS Immigration is one of the top New Zealand immigration agencies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with a team of experienced immigration and visa agents for New Zealand. We take due diligence in screening profiles and provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate the complex immigration process. We can help you understand the different visa options available, and guide you through the application process. As one of the best New Zealand immigration consultants in Dubai, we are committed to providing exceptional service and support to our clients.
New Zealand Visa & Immigration Requirements, Documents, and Process
Visa and Immigration Requirements: It will depend on the type of visa and generally includes meeting the language proficiency, and work experience requirements among other things.
Documents: This generally includes your passport, visa application form, proof of financial support, evidence of your qualifications and work experience, and any additional documents required for the specific visa type.
Process: The process for applying for a New Zealand visa involves several steps such as filling out the application form, submitting supporting documents, language test results and attending an interview if required.
Our immigration agents for New Zealand will guide and assist you in your New Zealand work visa requirements and requirements for a New Zealand work visa from Dubai.
How much will it cost to migrate to New Zealand?
The cost of immigration to New Zealand will depend on factors such as your visa type, your country of origin, and personal circumstances. Reach out to us and our experts will help you with an accurate personal assessment and guidance throughout your immigration process.
Meet the best immigration consultants for New Zealand from Dubai, UAE
From visa requirements to work permits, we have covered them. And for those seeking the best advice, our immigration consultants and agents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi can help you with your New Zealand immigration. Whether you need help with the immigration process or documents, or just have questions about the program, XIPHIAS Immigration experts can provide you with the guidance you need. For a hassle-free experience, trust the best visa consultants and immigration agency in Dubai to assist with the New Zealand immigration program.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand, a land known for its adventure sports and beautiful wild nature, drags the attention of every vivid travel tourist. This is a country which would leave a strong mark on the psyche of people visiting the country. The population of New Zealand is just over 4 million. And there is a need for the New Zealand government to recruit people into their country to fill in their job vacancies. New Zealand is considered one of the most peaceful and happiest nations across the globe. It has a stable government and economy. However, immigration into New Zealand is not easy as the Government have suggested a set of strict rules against each application.
Talk to an immigration consultant in Dubai
XIPHIAS Immigration has guided families abroad since 2009, and our Dubai team works with UAE residents. We were named Best Immigration Consultant by The Times of India in 2022. Our immigration consultants in Dubai will take you through the current official requirements, costs and timeline.
Sources
- Immigration New Zealand
- Immigration New Zealand — Active Investor Plus visa
- Immigration New Zealand — Skilled Migrant Category
- Immigration New Zealand — Green List
Verified against government sources on 30 September 2026.
The processكيف نعمل
Confirm whether the applicant's occupation is listed on Immigration New Zealand's Green List.
Check whether the role is listed under Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Review the role-specific qualification, registration, professional membership, wage, and experience requirements.
Confirm whether the employer is accredited under New Zealand immigration rules.
Prepare identity, employment, qualification, registration, wage, English, health, police, and family documents.
Submit the correct Green List residence application based on the applicant's tier.
Respond to any Immigration New Zealand request for additional evidence.
Eligibilityالمتطلبات
What it takes to qualify.
Applicant must be aged 55 or younger.
Applicant must meet health and character requirements.
Applicant must speak and understand English.
The role must be listed on Immigration New Zealand's Green List.
The applicant must meet the specific Green List requirements for the occupation.
A job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer is generally required.
Tier 1 applicants may be eligible for the Straight to Residence pathway.
Tier 2 applicants may be eligible for the Work to Residence pathway after 24 months of qualifying New Zealand work.
Questionsأسئلة شائعة
New Zealand, answered.
Only 2 programs are included: Green List - Tier 1 and Green List - Tier 2.
ابدأ الآن
Begin your New Zealand application.
A senior advisor will map your route, costs and timeline — privately, and entirely off the record.