Question 1

Can I work remotely in New Zealand on a tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes — since 27 January 2025, NZ visitor visas and NZeTA explicitly allow remote work for overseas employers or clients. You can stay up to 9 months (6 months for most nationalities). The key rule is that your work must be for a company/clients outside NZ — you cannot work for a New Zealand business on a visitor visa.

Question 2

What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa and how do I get one?

Accepted Answer

The AEWV is the primary temporary work visa for skilled migrants. Your employer must be INZ-accredited, the role must appear on the National Occupation List (NOL), and the salary must meet the minimum (NZD $23.50/hr in 2025, rising to $23.95 in April 2026). Your employer applies for accreditation first, then applies for a job check, then you apply for the visa. Processing typically takes 4–8 weeks. If your salary is 1.5× the immigration median wage (~NZD $50.34/hr), your partner and dependent children also get work or study rights.

Question 3

How many points do I need for the Skilled Migrant Category?

Accepted Answer

You need a minimum of 6 skilled resident points under the current SMC framework. Points are earned from your income level, occupational registration, NZ qualifications, and NZ skilled work experience. Applications with occupational registration or earning twice the median wage (NZD $67.12+/hr) are prioritised. From August 2026, two new pathways are being added ('Skilled Work Experience' and 'Trades & Technician') and NZ qualifications will earn 1 bonus point over overseas equivalents.

Question 4

How long does it take to get permanent residency and citizenship in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

After arriving on a resident visa, you need to spend at least 184 days per year in NZ for 2 consecutive years to qualify for a Permanent Resident Visa. Citizenship requires 5 years of residency with at least 240 days/year (1,350 days total). So the fastest timeline is: arrive on AEWV → SMC resident visa (1–2 years processing) → 2 years PR → citizenship at year 5–7.

Question 5

Can foreigners buy property in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

Generally no — the Overseas Investment Act restricts foreigners from buying existing residential property. The main exception since March 2025 is Active Investor Plus visa holders, who may buy or build residential property worth NZD $5 million or more. New development properties may have different rules — check with the Overseas Investment Office. Citizens, permanent residents, and Australian citizens can buy freely.

Visa & Residency

Overview

Key Takeaways

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

Digital Nomads & Remote Workers

Investor & Permanent Residency

Common Questions — Visa & Residency in New Zealand

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