Living in New Zealand
Oceania — Expat guide for moving and living abroad
Country overview
Capital
Wellington
Currency
NZD
Continent
Oceania
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Entry requirements
Check if your passport needs a visa for New Zealand.
Check visa requirementsPopular passport access to New Zealand
| Passport | Status | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Visa Free | 180 days |
| United States | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Austria | Evisa | — |
| Belgium | Evisa | — |
| Bulgaria | Evisa | — |
| Croatia | Evisa | — |
| Cyprus | Evisa | — |
| Czechia | Evisa | — |
| Denmark | Evisa | — |
| Estonia | Evisa | — |
Detailed visa guides for New Zealand
Monthly costs
Auckland
Rent (center)
1,600 USD/mo
Groceries
420 USD/mo
Transport
80 USD/mo
Est. Monthly Total
2,240 USD/mo
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Work permits
-
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Duration: Up to 3 years
Workers with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
-
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Duration: Permanent residence
Skilled workers under 55 with points for qualifications, experience, and job offer
-
Working Holiday Visa
Duration: 1 year (some nationalities can extend)
Citizens of partner countries, typically aged 18-30 (35 for some)
Salary & tax
Income Tax Range
11% – 39%
Social Security (Employee)
0%
No mandatory employee social security contributions. ACC levies apply separately.
Calculate your net salaryUseful services
Insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance for your stay in New Zealand. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
Get a SafetyWing quote →Connectivity
Airalo
New Zealand eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.
Get an Airalo eSIM →Privacy
NordVPN
Stay secure on public WiFi in New Zealand and access services from home.
Get NordVPN →Language
iTalki
Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.
Find a tutor →