New Zealand Is Hiring Foreign Workers – These Jobs Include Visa Support

Introduction

New Zealand, with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and high quality of life, has long been a dream destination for many. Beyond its appeal as a tourist hotspot, the country is increasingly becoming a magnet for professionals seeking new career opportunities. In 2025, New Zealand is actively recruiting foreign workers to fill critical labor shortages across various industries, offering visa support to make the transition smoother. This blog post explores the opportunities available for international workers, the types of jobs in demand, the visa options provided, and practical advice for those considering a move to this Pacific paradise.

Why New Zealand Needs Foreign Workers

New Zealand’s economy is robust but faces challenges due to a relatively small population of approximately 5.2 million as of 2025. The country’s aging workforce, combined with emigration trends and a post-pandemic recovery, has created significant labor shortages in key sectors. The government has recognized that attracting skilled and unskilled workers from abroad is essential to sustaining economic growth and maintaining the country’s high living standards.

The New Zealand government, through Immigration New Zealand (INZ), has streamlined visa processes to facilitate the entry of foreign workers. Programs like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and sector-specific agreements ensure that businesses can access the talent they need while offering workers a clear pathway to employment and residency.

Industries with High Demand for Foreign Workers

New Zealand’s labor market is diverse, and several industries are actively seeking international talent. Below, we explore the key sectors offering jobs with visa support, based on the latest information from Immigration New Zealand and industry reports.

1. Healthcare and Medical Services

The healthcare sector in New Zealand is experiencing a critical shortage of professionals. The aging population and increased demand for healthcare services have led to a need for doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals such as physiotherapists and radiographers.

• Job Roles in Demand: General practitioners, registered nurses, anesthetists, psychiatrists, and medical laboratory scientists.
• Visa Support: Many healthcare roles are listed on the Green List, a priority list of occupations that qualify for streamlined visa processing, including the Straight to Residence Visa or Work to Residence Visa pathways.
• Why It’s Attractive: Healthcare workers in New Zealand enjoy competitive salaries, with registered nurses earning between NZD 70,000 and NZD 90,000 annually, and doctors earning upwards of NZD 150,000. The sector also offers opportunities for professional development and a clear path to permanent residency.

2. Construction and Infrastructure

New Zealand is undergoing a construction boom, driven by infrastructure projects, housing developments, and post-earthquake rebuilding efforts in regions like Canterbury. The government’s investment in transport, housing, and renewable energy projects has created a high demand for skilled tradespeople.

• Job Roles in Demand: Carpenters, electricians, plumbers, civil engineers, and quantity surveyors.
• Visa Support: Many construction roles are on the Green List or qualify for the AEWV, with employers often sponsoring visas for skilled workers.
• Why It’s Attractive: Tradespeople can earn between NZD 60,000 and NZD 100,000 annually, with opportunities for overtime. The construction sector is also known for its supportive work environment and potential for career progression.

3. Technology and IT

New Zealand’s tech industry is growing rapidly, with cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch emerging as innovation hubs. The demand for software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity experts is at an all-time high as businesses digitize and adopt new technologies.

• Job Roles in Demand: Software engineers, cloud architects, data scientists, and IT project managers.
• Visa Support: Tech roles are often included on the Green List, offering pathways to residency. Employers in the tech sector frequently sponsor AEWV applications.
• Why It’s Attractive: The tech industry offers competitive salaries, with software engineers earning between NZD 90,000 and NZD 150,000 annually. New Zealand’s tech scene is also known for its collaborative culture and work-life balance.

4. Agriculture and Primary Industries

Agriculture is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy, contributing significantly to exports like dairy, meat, and horticultural products. The sector faces seasonal and long-term labor shortages, particularly in rural areas.

• Job Roles in Demand: Dairy farm workers, horticultural workers (e.g., fruit pickers, vineyard workers), and agricultural engineers.
• Visa Support: The Specific Purpose Work Visa and Seasonal Work Visa are commonly used for agricultural roles, with some employers offering pathways to longer-term visas.
• Why It’s Attractive: While entry-level agricultural jobs may offer modest salaries (NZD 50,000–NZD 70,000), they often include perks like accommodation and training. The sector is ideal for those seeking a rural lifestyle.

5. Education and Teaching

New Zealand’s education system is highly regarded, but there is a shortage of teachers, particularly in early childhood education, primary, and secondary schools. The demand is especially high in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

• Job Roles in Demand: Early childhood educators, primary school teachers, and secondary school teachers in STEM subjects.
• Visa Support: Teaching roles are on the Green List, with options for Straight to Residence or Work to Residence visas.
• Why It’s Attractive: Teachers enjoy salaries ranging from NZD 60,000 to NZD 100,000, along with generous holidays and opportunities to work in diverse communities.

6. Tourism and Hospitality

Tourism is a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy, and the recovery of the sector post-COVID has led to a surge in demand for hospitality workers. From hotels to adventure tourism, businesses are eager to hire international talent.

• Job Roles in Demand: Chefs, hotel managers, tour guides, and baristas.
• Visa Support: The AEWV is commonly used for hospitality roles, with some employers offering visa sponsorship for skilled positions like chefs.
• Why It’s Attractive: Hospitality jobs offer a chance to work in stunning locations, with salaries ranging from NZD 50,000 to NZD 80,000 for skilled roles. The industry is known for its vibrant, multicultural work environment.

Visa Options for Foreign Workers

New Zealand offers several visa pathways to attract and retain international workers. Below are the primary visa options available in 2025 for those seeking jobs with visa support.

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is the most common work visa for foreign workers. It allows employers accredited by Immigration New Zealand to hire overseas talent for specific roles.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have a job offer from an accredited employer, meet health and character requirements, and demonstrate relevant qualifications or experience.
• Duration: Up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension or transition to residency.
• Key Features: Employers must pay at least the median wage (NZD 31.61 per hour in 2025) for most roles, ensuring fair compensation.

2. Green List Visas

The Green List is a collection of high-demand occupations that qualify for streamlined visa processing. It includes two pathways:

• Straight to Residence: Workers in certain roles (e.g., doctors, engineers) can apply for permanent residency immediately.
• Work to Residence: Workers can work for two years before applying for residency.
• Eligibility: Applicants must have a job offer in a Green List occupation and meet specific qualifications or experience requirements.
• Key Features: Faster processing times and a clear path to residency make this an attractive option for skilled professionals.

3. Specific Purpose Work Visa

This visa is suitable for short-term or seasonal work, such as fruit picking or roles in tourism.

• Eligibility: A job offer is required, and applicants must demonstrate they intend to leave New Zealand after the visa expires.
• Duration: Typically up to 6–12 months.
• Key Features: Ideal for those seeking temporary work with the possibility of transitioning to longer-term visas.

4. Seasonal Work Visa

Designed for horticulture and viticulture roles, this visa supports New Zealand’s agricultural sector during peak seasons.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have a job offer from an approved employer.
• Duration: Up to 7 months within an 11-month period.
• Key Features: Offers flexibility for seasonal workers, with some employers providing support for longer-term opportunities.

How to Find Jobs with Visa Support

Finding a job in New Zealand that offers visa support requires a strategic approach. Here are practical steps to get started:

1. Research Job Boards: Websites like Seek (seek.co.nz), Trade Me Jobs (trademe.co.nz/jobs), and Workhere New Zealand (workhere.co.nz) list jobs with visa sponsorship. Filter for roles explicitly mentioning visa support or Green List occupations.
2. Leverage Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like Madison Recruitment and Randstad specialize in connecting international workers with New Zealand employers.
3. Network on Professional Platforms: LinkedIn is widely used in New Zealand. Join groups like “New Zealand Jobs for Expats” and connect with recruiters and industry professionals.
4. Check Immigration New Zealand’s Website: The INZ website (immigration.govt.nz) provides a list of Green List occupations and accredited employers.
5. Attend Job Fairs: Virtual and in-person job fairs, such as those organized by Workhere New Zealand, offer opportunities to meet employers directly.

Application Process and Requirements

Once you secure a job offer, the visa application process involves several steps:

1. Obtain a Job Offer: Ensure the offer is from an accredited employer and meets INZ’s wage and contract requirements.
2. Gather Documents: You’ll need a valid passport, proof of qualifications or experience, health certificates, and police clearance certificates.
3. Apply for the Visa: Submit your application through the INZ online portal. Processing times vary but typically take 3–8 weeks for AEWV applications.
4. Health and Character Checks: You may need to undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates from your home country.
5. Pay Fees: Visa fees range from NZD 700 to NZD 1,500, depending on the visa type and processing location.

Benefits of Working in New Zealand

Working in New Zealand offers numerous advantages beyond competitive salaries and visa support:

• Work-Life Balance: New Zealand is known for its emphasis on work-life balance, with generous leave policies and a culture that values personal time.
• Stunning Environment: From the fjords of Milford Sound to the beaches of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand’s natural beauty is a major draw for expatriates.
• Inclusive Culture: The country is multicultural, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, making it welcoming for international workers.
• Pathway to Residency: Many work visas lead to permanent residency, offering long-term stability for those who wish to settle.

Challenges to Consider

While New Zealand is an attractive destination, there are challenges to keep in mind:

• Cost of Living: Cities like Auckland and Wellington have high living costs, particularly for housing. Rural areas may offer lower costs but fewer amenities.
• Isolation: New Zealand’s geographic isolation can make travel to other countries expensive and time-consuming.
• Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to New Zealand’s laid-back culture and Māori customs may take time for some expatriates.

Tips for a Successful Move

To make your transition to New Zealand smooth, consider the following tips:

• Research the Region: Different regions offer unique lifestyles. Auckland is cosmopolitan, while smaller cities like Dunedin offer a quieter pace.
• Understand Māori Culture: Learning about Māori customs and language (te reo Māori) can enhance your integration and show respect for New Zealand’s indigenous heritage.
• Budget Wisely: Factor in relocation costs, including flights, accommodation, and initial living expenses. A single person may need NZD 3,000–NZD 5,000 to settle in.
• Connect with Expat Communities: Online forums and groups like Expat.com and Meetup can provide support and networking opportunities.

Success Stories

To illustrate the opportunities, here are two hypothetical success stories based on common experiences:

1. Maria, a Registered Nurse from the Philippines: Maria applied for a nursing role in Auckland through a recruitment agency. Her position was on the Green List, allowing her to secure a Straight to Residence Visa. Within two years, she became a permanent resident and now enjoys a fulfilling career and a vibrant life in New Zealand.
2. Liam, a Carpenter from Ireland: Liam found a job in Christchurch through Seek, with his employer sponsoring an AEWV. He loves the outdoor lifestyle and is working toward a Work to Residence Visa, with plans to settle permanently.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s call for foreign workers in 2025 presents a golden opportunity for those seeking new horizons. With visa support available across industries like healthcare, construction, tech, agriculture, education, and hospitality, there’s a role for almost every skill set. By understanding the visa options, researching job opportunities, and preparing for the application process, you can take the first step toward a rewarding career in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of adventure, professional growth, or a pathway to residency, New Zealand is ready to welcome you.

For more information, visit Immigration New Zealand’s website (immigration.govt.nz) or job boards like Seek and Workhere New Zealand. Start your journey today and make New Zealand your new home!