IMMIGRATION TO NEW ZELAND
Amazing nature, clean air, stable economy, high standard of living and social security are just a small fraction of the reasons to immigrate to New Zealand in 2024. For many years, small islands in the South Pacific Ocean, located near Australia, attracts an impressive number of foreigners, and not only tourists, but also those wishing to stay here for a long time or permanently, that is, in the future to obtain citizenship of New Zealand.
The population of New Zealand in 2024 is only 5.2 million people. Ethnic groups include 71% Europeans, about 14% indigenous (Maori) and just over 11% from Asia. The remainder are citizens of nations ranging from Africa to North America. In fact more than 90% of New Zealanders are fluent in English, which is used everywhere, although Maori and Sign Language are legally the official languages in New Zealand.
In total, about one-fifth of New Zealand's population are immigrants. Very often foreigners move to the country as families, usually as a result of the employment of a close relative. The local government promotes an influx of skilled and experienced professionals from abroad who can benefit the economy and the state as a whole. Special programs and lists of professions in short supply have been created for this purpose. Below, let's look at all available ways to immigrate to New Zealand in 2024.
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Professional immigration to New Zealand
Working in New Zealand is one of the most realistic immigration options for enterprising and energetic people, provided they have the profession and skills the country needs. The range of economic sectors for employment in New Zealand is quite large. Agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, information technology, and finance are the most prominent. Be sure to check out the list of in-demand occupations in New Zealand in 2024 on the local government portal – skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz.
In addition to in-demand occupations, it is essential to have a good command of the English language, sufficient work experience, and a level of education. You can check the recognition of qualifications in New Zealand here. Regardless of the method of employment, a foreigner must first find an employer and obtain a work visa. There are two main types of visas to New Zealand for professional migration:
Skilled Migrant. The visa is issued to highly skilled foreigners to work in those sectors and regions of New Zealand, where there is an acute shortage of specialists. It is based on the system of points (Expression of interest), which are awarded for certain skills – age (up to 55 years), knowledge of English, experience, qualifications, health, and job offers. You must score a minimum of 140 points.
Resident Visa. The visa allows you to get permanent residency in New Zealand after being temporarily employed in the country for at least 2 years. It is available mainly to qualified foreign specialists with a valid contract of employment.Carefully study the lists of shortage occupations and apply directly to local companies. Immigration to New Zealand for the purpose of employment is quite feasible.
Business immigration to New Zealand
New Zealand laws allow foreign entrepreneurs to make not only temporary business trips on short-term visas, but also provide an opportunity to immigrate to New Zealand with permanent residency and the right to manage their own companies. The country has an open economy and developed international trade, with virtually no corruption and red tape.
The investment attractiveness of New Zealand is confirmed by the prestigious first place in the ranking of Doing Business, where 190 countries are participating. Of course, competition in the local business environment is very intense and strict requirements are imposed on foreign businessmen. First of all, related to entrepreneurial experience and minimum amount of investment.
Types of business visas to New Zealand
Entrepreneur work visa. Requires an investment in the local economy at least 100 thousand New Zealand dollars (58.9 thousand euros). In rare cases, this condition may be waived. For example, if the business is related to science, the sphere of IT or has a high innovative potential. To receive a visa must score at least 120 points in the "system of interest" (Expression of interest). This type of business visa allows you to stay in the country for one year, and in case of successful development of the company for another 2 years, after which you can apply for another visa and get permanent residency.
Entrepreneur resident visa. Suitable for foreign businessmen who have been doing business in New Zealand for at least 6 months and want to make permanent residency. The duration of the visa is unlimited. When applying for a visa, when the experience of doing business in the country less than 2 years requires an investment of 500 thousand New Zealand dollars (294.7 thousand euros) and the creation of at least 3 jobs.
Investor resident visa 1. The minimum amount of investment over 3 years must be at least NZ$10 million (€5.9 million).
Investor resident visa 2. Requires 3 years of experience in business and the amount of investment of at least NZ$ 3 million (€1.8 million) for 4 years. Additional conditions – 20 points in the "system of interest," the age under 65 years and not less than a million dollars to live in New Zealand.
Immigration to New Zealand through education
It is the dream of many international students to get a higher education in New Zealand. The country has created optimal conditions for comfortable learning and recreational activities. In addition to 8 universities, there are technological institutes and colleges, language schools and a large number of vocational training courses in New Zealand. After graduation, there are good chances to find a job and emigrate to New Zealand permanently.
Studying in New Zealand is paid and very expensive. In the prestigious universities annual amount starts from 20 thousand euros and above, depending on the program. Living in the country is also very expensive, especially in cities such as Auckland and Wellington. The cost of the average student in New Zealand is about 15-17 thousand euros per year.
There is no centralized system for admission to New Zealand universities, so you must apply directly to the educational institution. One of the main requirements for admission is a good command of English, which is confirmed by an international certificate (IELTS, TOEFL). To immigrate to New Zealand through education you will need to obtain a student visa in advance.
The main requirements for foreigners to obtain a student visa to New Zealand are to provide proof of enrollment in a particular university and to have sufficient funds to cover the cost of study and living in the country. Only officially at the time of visa issuance the student must have at least 15 thousand New Zealand dollars to live in New Zealand. While studying, it is allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week.
Family immigration to New Zealand
Family reunification in New Zealand is quite common and a popular way of immigration. There are special categories of visas for this purpose, allowing you to move a wide range of relatives, including spouses (partners), children and some other relatives. In each case there are certain requirements for the candidate for a visa. Much depends on the status of the alien already residing in New Zealand.
For example, to move to New Zealand for the spouses of foreign workers in the country are such visas as Partner of a Worker Work Visa and Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. In the first case there is the possibility of employment. In the second case, the partner is not allowed to work. These visas are valid for the duration of the spouse's stay in the country. Prior to issuance, it is mandatory to verify the authenticity of the relationship, health, and lack of a criminal record.
Immigration to New Zealand as a refugee
One of the least affordable options to emigrate to New Zealand in 2024 is to try to apply for refugee status. Even despite the local government's commitment to international humanitarian missions and assistance to foreigners affected by persecution or military conflict in their home countries.
The fact is that New Zealand has an official quota of 750 refugees per year. The large migration flow from countries such as Syria or Afghanistan leaves very little chance for foreigners from other states to immigrate to New Zealand as refugees.
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