New Zealand Permanent Residency (Updated 2025-2026)
New Zealand offers several pathways to permanent residence. The system was significantly reformed in 2023-2024 with the introduction of the new Skilled Migrant Category points system and the Green List.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – New Points System
The SMC now uses a simplified 6-point system (minimum 6 points required):
- Skilled employment in NZ (3 points): Must earn at least the median wage (NZD $31.61/hour)
- Qualifications: Level 4-6 (1 point), Level 7-8 (2 points), Level 9-10 (3 points)
- NZ work experience: 1+ years (1 point)
- High salary: 1.5x median wage (1 point), 2x median wage (2 points)
Application fee: NZD $680 (online). Immigration levy: NZD $575.
Green List – Fast-Track to Residence
The Green List identifies occupations in critical demand:
Tier 1 – Straight to Residence: Includes surgeons, psychiatrists, anaesthetists, clinical psychologists, construction project managers, and other critical roles.
Tier 2 – Work to Residence (after 2 years): Includes registered nurses, midwives, physiotherapists, quantity surveyors, software engineers, ICT security specialists, civil engineers, electrical engineers, and more.
Residence from Work fee: NZD $2,480
Active Investor Plus Visa
Replaced the old Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories in 2022:
- Minimum investment: NZD $5 million over 4 years
- Weighted system favours direct investments and growth capital
- Must meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.0 overall)
- Must spend 117 days in NZ over 4 years
Entrepreneur Work Visa
For those who want to set up or buy a business in New Zealand:
- Must invest at least NZD $100,000 in the business
- Business plan must be approved by INZ
- Can apply for Entrepreneur Residence Visa after successfully operating for 2 years (or 6 months for high-value businesses investing NZD $500,000+)
Permanent Resident Visa
After holding a Resident Visa for 2 years, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa if you have been in New Zealand for at least 184 days in each of the 2 years. This visa has no expiry date and allows unlimited travel in and out of New Zealand. Fee: NZD $500.
, and the immediate family members included in your application have been in NZ for at least 184 days in the 2 year period. To apply under this category, you must either:
- own and maintain a family home in New Zealand, or
- have been genuinely employed full-time in New Zealand, in paid employment, for a total of at least 9 months in the 2 period immediately before lodging your permanent resident visa application