Moving to New Zealand from the USA in 2025
In recent years, an increasing number of US citizens have set their sights on New Zealand as a desirable destination for either short term or long-term relocation.
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand has long been viewed as a haven for those seeking a change in lifestyle. New Zealand’s combination of political stability, high quality of life, and stunning natural beauty has lured many migrants to our shores.
While New Zealand is welcoming to migrants, there are strict immigration rules. Americans must be prepared for a thorough application process if they want to stay for longer than three months at a time. But for those determined to create a new life in a new country, these challenges are not insurmountable.
As the world continues to change, New Zealand may just become one of the most sought-after destinations.
Finding the right visa for you
There are many factors to consider when deciding which New Zealand visa option is best for you, including:
when you want to come and how long you want to stay;
your age;
your health;
your work and study plans; and
if you want to bring your partner or family with you to New Zealand.
The variety of New Zealand visa options available to US citizens cater to different needs, so choosing the appropriate visa category when planning to apply for immigration to New Zealand is essential, and something we can help you with here at Pitt & Moore.
Available visas, current costs and processing times
As an American citizen, you have several visa options for visiting, working, studying, or retiring in New Zealand. Here’s a summary of some key visas available to US citizens wishing to stay in New Zealand for longer than 3 months at a time:
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With this visa you can stay for up to either 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry). You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.
You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.
80% processed within 4 weeks.
From NZD $341.
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For Americans aged 66 years or older, who can invest NZD $ 750,000 in New Zealand this visa allows a stay in New Zealand for up to 2 years (multiple entry). You also need to show that you have NZD $500,000 to live on and an annual income of NZD $60,000 or more. Travel/health insurance is a must for this type of visa.
You can include your partner in this visa application.
80% processed within 4 weeks.
If applying outside NZ - free. If applying in NZ - NZD $7,791.
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For Americans aged 18–30, this visa allows travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
With this visa you cannot accept a permanent job or bring children with you. If you have a partner who wants to come to New Zealand, they’ll need to apply for their own visa.80% processed within 2 weeks.
From NZD $670.
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With this visa, you can study full-time at the course stated on your visa (schools, tertiary and English language study). You will need to pay the full cost of your courses and enrol with an approved education provider. Permits work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks.
If you want to bring your partner or children with you, they may be able to apply for visas based on their relationship to you.80% processed within 6 weeks.
From NZD $750.
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On an AEWV, you can work in New Zealand for an accredited employer who has offered you at least 30 hours work a week, for up to 3 or 5 years, depending on the skill level of your role.
You may be able to support a work visa for your partner and visitor or student visas for your dependent children.
80% processed within 15 weeks.
From NZD $1,540.
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With this visa, people 55 and under can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. You must have a job, or a job offer in New Zealand to apply and also qualify for 6 points.
Your employment must be with an accredited employer and either full-time and permanent, for a fixed term of at least 12 months or a contract for services of at least 6 months.
You can include your partner, and dependent children aged 24 and under, in your residence application.
80% processed within 5 months.
From NZD $6,450.
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You can apply for this visa if you are 55 or younger and currently work, or you have a job offer, from an accredited NZ employer, and your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List in-demand. With this visa you can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Some examples of roles currently considered ‘Tier 1 roles eligible for straight to residence’ include: Registered Nurse, Secondary School Teacher, Medical Practitioner, Ambulance Paramedic, Dentist, Engineer, Surveyor and ICT Project Manager. You can include your partner, and dependent children aged 24 and under, in your residence application.
80% processed within 3 months.
From NZD $6,450.
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You can apply for this visa if you are 55 or younger and currently work, or you have a job offer, from an accredited employer, and have worked in a Tier 2 Green List in-demand for 24 months.
With this visa you can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.Some examples of roles currently considered ‘Tier 2 roles eligible for straight to residence’ include: Automotive Electrician, Dairy Farm Manager, Early Childhood Teacher – registered and electrician.
You can include your partner, and dependent children aged 24 and under, in your residence application.
80% processed within 4 months.
From NZD $6,450.
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With this visa, you can live, work, retire and invest in New Zealand. You must have up to NZD $15 million to invest in ‘acceptable investments’ in New Zealand or the weighted equivalent in available assets or funds. The criteria for acceptable investments can be found here. You can include your parent and dependent children aged 24 and under, in your visa application.
After 4 years of keeping your funds in New Zealand you could apply for permanent residence.
Approval in principle for 80% within 4 weeks.
From NZD $27,470.
This is not an exhaustive list of all visa types available. It is vital to get personalised immigration advice on your visa options.
When applying for your visa, planning ahead and being prepared with an application that meets all applicable criteria is crucial.
How Pitt & Moore can help
Taking the leap to move to New Zealand can be daunting, and the complex immigration policies can be tricky to navigate, so seeking legal guidance is highly recommended. Our team of expert immigration and employment lawyers are here to help and provide advice for your specific situation, contact us today on 03 548 8349 or immigration@pittandmoore.co.nz.
What sets us apart is that we are experts in each step of the immigration process. This means that we can advise on all immigration/visa-related issues as well as employment related issues.
We offer an initial, free 15-minute consultation for immigration matters.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is of a general nature and is not intended as legal advice. It is important that you seek legal advice that is specific to your circumstances.