Immigration to New Zealand

Panoramic view of Auckland, New Zealand, featuring the Sky Tower, city skyline, harbour, sailboats, and a coastal neighbourhood in the foreground.

Why work and live in New Zealand?

New Zealand is a developed destination known for its stunning scenery, diverse culture, and relaxed lifestyle. Its immigration system is open and fair, welcoming applicants from all countries who meet legal and character requirements. International students can gain up to a three-year post-study Open Work Visa after completing an undergraduate degree or higher, allowing valuable practical experience and career development. Permanent residency provides access to benefits such as healthcare, housing support, education, and government services. In short, New Zealand offers strong opportunities for professional growth, quality of life, and long-term settlement.

SOL NZ Immigration Service

SOL Immigration’s advisors are highly experienced in delivering safe, accurate, and reliable immigration guidance. They act as your trusted partner throughout the migration journey, from initial planning and relocation to settlement support, employment assistance, education enrolment, and business or investment pathways, helping ensure a smooth and well-structured transition to successful migration.

  • Support with visa applications across multiple visa types for diverse migration needs requirements purposes
  • Providing clear, accurate guidance through a carefully structured and organized process

Why New Zealand?

People enjoying outdoor dining at a busy café in New Zealand on a sunny day
Balanced Lifestyle​

New Zealand consistently ranks high for work-life balance and livability. With Auckland 5th globally in the 2024 Mercer “Quality of Living” study, the country offers strong working conditions alongside a relaxed pace of life and excellent living standards.

Family hiking together in the New Zealand countryside with lake and mountain views
Family friendly

New Zealand provides quality education, accessible healthcare, and family-oriented communities. Shorter commutes and supportive public policies make it an ideal place to raise children while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Child sitting on a parent’s shoulders at a sunny community event in New Zealand
Safe and secure

Known for its peaceful atmosphere and welcoming communities, New Zealand offers low crime rates and a strong sense of safety. Residents enjoy a stable society, freedom, and a relaxed lifestyle in a friendly environment.

People cycling beside a turquoise New Zealand lake with snow-capped mountains in the background
Clean and beautiful

With strict environmental protections and over 30% of land as national parks, New Zealand offers pristine landscapes and abundant outdoor activities. Residents benefit from clean air, waterways, and natural surroundings, making nature part of daily life.

New Zealand wage & employment standards

Competitive minimum wage

As of 1 April 2026, the minimum wage in New Zealand is NZD $23.95 per hour before tax. This rate is set nationally and applies to most employees aged 16 and over, ensuring a fair baseline income for full-time, part-time, and casual workers across the country.

Flexible work options

Standard full-time employment in New Zealand is commonly around 37.5 to 40 hours per week, depending on the employer and industry. Part-time and casual roles are widely available, offering flexible working arrangements to suit different lifestyles and career needs.

Overtime & benefits

Many roles in New Zealand include overtime pay, annual leave entitlements, and employer contributions to KiwiSaver retirement savings, helping support financial stability, employee wellbeing, and long-term financial planning.

Workplace rights & safety

New Zealand’s labour laws ensure safe workplacesfair treatment, and strong employee protectionssupporting secure and reliable working conditions. 

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