JoshNew Zealand has always been famous for its breathtaking landscapes, quality of life, and friendly communities. But in 2025, it’s also making headlines for something else: fast-tracking immigration for foreign workers.
With critical shortages in healthcare, construction, education, and technology, the government has launched new policies to bring in skilled workers quickly. The centrepiece of this is the Green List of in-demand jobs and the Straight-to-Residence visa, which allows certain professionals to gain permanent residency almost immediately.
Salaries for these roles are attractive too, ranging from NZD $60,000 to $90,000 per year, with healthcare specialists and IT professionals often earning more. For those seeking not just a job, but a new life for themselves and their families, New Zealand has become one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations in 2025.
Why Is New Zealand Fast-Tracking Immigration?
New Zealand is facing a skills shortage crisis. Its population is just 5.2 million, yet demand for workers in essential industries continues to grow. Several factors explain the new urgency:
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Healthcare pressures: An aging population and post-pandemic staffing gaps mean thousands of nurses and doctors are needed.
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Housing demand: A booming construction sector requires more builders, carpenters, and electricians.
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Digital transformation: Businesses are modernizing, creating demand for IT professionals and engineers.
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Global competition: Countries like Canada and Australia are also competing for the same skilled migrants.
To remain competitive, New Zealand has chosen to simplify and accelerate its immigration system for critical jobs.
What Is the Green List?
The Green List is a set of occupations that New Zealand considers high-priority. If your job is on the Green List, you get access to fast-tracked residency pathways.
There are two categories:
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Straight-to-Residence roles – You can apply for permanent residency as soon as you start working in New Zealand.
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Work-to-Residence roles – You work for 2 years in New Zealand before applying for residency.
Green List Jobs in 2025
Healthcare & Social Care
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Registered Nurses (all specializations)
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Midwives
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General Practitioners (GPs)
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Medical Laboratory Scientists
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Specialist Doctors (psychiatrists, surgeons, anesthetists)
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Aged Care & Disability Support Workers
Construction & Trades
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Civil Engineers
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Structural Engineers
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Quantity Surveyors
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Plumbers
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Electricians
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Welders and Fabricators
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Carpenters & Joiners
Education
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Secondary School Teachers (maths, physics, computer science, chemistry, technology)
IT & Digital
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Software Engineers
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ICT Security Specialists
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Data Analysts
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ICT Business Analysts
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Cloud Architects
The government updates this list regularly, but in 2025 these are the most critical shortages.
How Much Can You Earn? (Salary Figures 2025)
New Zealand salaries are competitive by international standards, especially given the lower cost of living compared to countries like Australia and the UK.
| Occupation | Average Salary (NZD/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $65,000 – $85,000 | Higher for senior/experienced nurses |
| General Practitioner (Doctor) | $150,000 – $200,000 | Rural roles pay more |
| Midwife | $70,000 – $90,000 | Often shortage areas |
| Secondary School Teacher | $60,000 – $85,000 | STEM roles prioritized |
| Software Engineer | $80,000 – $100,000 | IT hubs in Auckland & Wellington |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $90,000 – $110,000 | High growth sector |
| Civil Engineer | $75,000 – $95,000 | Major construction projects |
| Electrician/Plumber | $65,000 – $85,000 | Strong demand in housing sector |
Regional Salary & Cost of Living
| City/Region | Average Salary Range | 1-Bed Rent (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | $70,000 – $100,000 | $1,800 – $2,300 |
| Wellington | $72,000 – $105,000 | $1,600 – $2,100 |
| Christchurch | $65,000 – $95,000 | $1,300 – $1,700 |
| Regional NZ | $60,000 – $85,000 | $900 – $1,300 |
Regional areas often offer cheaper housing and sometimes extra incentives for foreign workers.
What Is the Straight-to-Residence Visa?
The Straight-to-Residence Visa is a game-changer introduced in New Zealand’s immigration system.
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Who qualifies? People working in Green List Straight-to-Residence roles (e.g., nurses, doctors, engineers, IT specialists).
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When can you apply? As soon as you arrive in New Zealand and start working.
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What are the benefits?
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Immediate permanent residency.
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Your spouse/partner and children can also apply.
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Full access to healthcare, education, and work rights.
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This is one of the fastest PR visas in the world, giving immigrants stability from day one.
Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for Work & Residence in New Zealand
Step 1: Check the Green List
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Confirm if your occupation is on the Green List (Straight-to-Residence or Work-to-Residence).
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer
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Apply through NZ Immigration Job Check portal or platforms like Seek.co.nz, Trade Me Jobs, and government job boards.
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Employer must be an Accredited Employer.
Step 3: Employer Completes Job Check
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The employer verifies the role, pay, and conditions with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Step 4: Apply for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
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Submit documents: passport, job offer, qualifications, health check, police certificate.
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Pay visa fee (approx. NZD $750).
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Processing time: 2–8 weeks.
Step 5: Arrive in New Zealand & Start Work
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Your visa will allow you to live and work in NZ.
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Spouse/partner gets an open work visa; children can study.
Step 6: Apply for Residence
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If on Straight-to-Residence list → apply immediately.
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If on Work-to-Residence list → apply after 2 years of full-time work.
Step 7: Path to Citizenship
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After 5 years as a resident, you can apply for New Zealand citizenship.
Benefits of Moving to New Zealand in 2025
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Fast-track PR via Straight-to-Residence Visa.
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Family-friendly: spouse open work permits, kids access free schooling.
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High salaries: NZD $60,000–$90,000 for many jobs.
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Lower cost of living than Australia or the UK in regional areas.
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Work-life balance: 4 weeks paid leave, shorter working weeks.
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Safe, welcoming society with strong immigrant communities.
Challenges for Migrants
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High rent in big cities like Auckland and Wellington.
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Credential recognition for healthcare roles can take time.
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Limited job market compared to bigger economies (fewer openings overall).
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Distance from home — New Zealand is far from many countries.
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Weather adaptation — colder winters in the South Island.
Quick Comparison: Straight-to-Residence vs Work-to-Residence
| Factor | Straight-to-Residence | Work-to-Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Occupations | Nurses, doctors, engineers, IT | Care workers, trades, some education roles |
| When Can You Apply for PR? | Immediately on arrival | After 2 years of full-time work |
| Family Sponsorship | Yes | Yes |
| Processing Time | 4–12 months | 2–3 years (work first) |
Conclusion
In 2025, New Zealand stands out as one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants. By introducing the Green List and the Straight-to-Residence visa, it has made moving, working, and settling faster than almost anywhere else in the world.
If you’re a nurse, doctor, engineer, teacher, or IT professional, you could earn NZD $60,000–$90,000 per year and gain permanent residency from your first day in the country. For families, this means stability, healthcare, education, and a long-term future in a safe and beautiful nation.
For anyone considering immigration, New Zealand in 2025 isn’t just an option — it’s one of the smartest moves you can make.
Josh
