Moving overseas advice
New Zealand Green List 2025
Key takeaways
- Green List jobs in New Zealand are roles with skill shortages that offer faster pathways to residency.
- New Zealand Green List jobs include agriculture labourers, business professionals, civil machinery operators, construction workers, engineers, factory process workers, health and social service workers, ICT, electronics and telecommunications operatives, scientists, protective service workers and tradespeople.
- The Straight to Residence visa is a fast-tracked route for skilled foreign workers who wish to settle permanently in New Zealand.
- The Work to Residence visa is for skilled migrants who want to move to New Zealand and gain permanent residency after working there for a set period.
What are the Green List jobs in New Zealand?
Green List jobs in New Zealand are roles with skill shortages that offer faster pathways to residency. Skilled expats moving to NZ can apply for positions like health professionals, engineers, tradespeople, and teachers, receiving New Zealand residency immediately (Tier 1: Straight to Residence) or after two years (Tier 2: Work to Residence).
The list simplifies hiring for accredited employers and is key to New Zealand's long-term immigration strategy. Immigration New Zealand periodically updates the Green List to reflect the country's evolving labour needs. For instance, in May 2025, primary school teachers moved from the Work to Residence pathway to the Straight to Residence pathway.
- Tier 1 occupations: eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa, allowing immediate residency applications. Current tier 1 roles include general practitioners, speech-language therapists, structural engineers and construction project managers.
- Tier 2 occupations: eligible for the Work to Residence Visa, permitting residency applications after 24 months of employment in New Zealand. Current tier 2 roles include construction equipment operators (backhoes, bulldozers, and excavator operators), trades like electricians and plumbers, as well as special education teachers and corrections officers.
Eligible professionals should consult the official Immigration New Zealand website for the latest information on Green List occupations and their associated visa pathways.
In 2025, New Zealand's Green List has
205 roles
offering fast-track pathways to residence
New Zealand Green List jobs
New Zealand Green List jobs include agriculture labourers, business professionals, civil machinery operators, construction workers, engineers, factory process workers, health and social service workers, ICT, electronics and telecommunications operatives, scientists, protective service workers and tradespeople.
All applicants must have a job offer from an accredited employer and meet strict criteria, such as qualifications recognised in New Zealand and relevant work experience.
For example, a Tier 1 neurologist requires a medical degree recognised by the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), passing an English language test and health and character assessments, and demonstrating clinical competence in their chosen field.
The image below shows all the industries offering Green List roles for expats and some of their in-demand jobs as of 2025:
The Tier 1 pathway is for applicants with in-demand qualifications in sectors like health, engineering, and IT who have demonstrable field experience.
Straight to residence visa NZ
The Straight to Residence visa NZ is a fast-tracked route for skilled foreign workers who wish to settle permanently in New Zealand. It's available to immigrants with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer in a Tier 1 Green List role. The Tier 1 pathway is for applicants with in-demand qualifications in sectors like health, engineering, and IT who have demonstrable field experience.
Dependents, including spouses and children under 24, can be included in the same application. Immigration New Zealand processes Straight to Residence visas faster than standard residence routes as they are a key part of the government's strategy to attract highly skilled migrants for urgently needed roles.
Requirements include:
- Meeting specific criteria for the nominated role, usually at least a relevant degree and registration with an appropriate industry body in New Zealand.
- Having a full-time, permanent, or at least 12-month fixed-term job or job offer from a NZ employer in a Tier 1 Green List role.
- Being 55 years old or younger when you apply.
- Meeting health and character requirements.
You can apply from offshore or once you arrive in New Zealand. There's no minimum time requirement for working in the role before applying. The application process involves submitting evidence of the job offer, qualifications, and other supporting documents.
Successful applicants receive an indefinite stay, allowing them to live in New Zealand permanently. As of 2025, the application fee starts from NZ$6,450 (US$3,679/£2,844).
Work to residence visa NZ
The Work to Residence visa NZ is for skilled migrants who want to move to New Zealand and gain permanent residency after working there for a set period. It's aimed at individuals with a job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer in a Tier 2 Green List role – covering sectors like trades, technology, and mid-level health or education roles.
Applicants must work in their nominated role in New Zealand for 24 months before becoming eligible to apply for residence. During this period, they hold a temporary work visa linked to their job and employer.
Dependents, including partners and children under 24, can be included in both the temporary and residence stages of the visa.
Requirements include:
- A full-time job or job offer in a Tier 2 Green List role from an accredited NZ employer.
- Evidence of relevant qualifications, training, or registration, where applicable.
- Being 55 years old or younger at the time of applying.
- Meeting health and character requirements.
Temporary visas, known as Accredited Employer Work Visa, cost NZ$1,540 (US$878/£679) as of 2025. After 24 months of employment in an eligible role, you can apply for residence, which gives you an indefinite stay to live, work, and study in the country. As of 2025, the Work to Residence Visa application fee starts from NZ$6,450 (US$3,679/£2,844).
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