Green List pathway to residence
Who it's for: A residence pathway for people working in roles on New Zealand's Green List. The official page explains which roles.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 1 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: Yes
- Language: speak and understand English
- Age limit: Up to 55
- Main fee: NZ$6,450
- Salary threshold: NZ$35
- Family can join: Yes
- Can lead to permanent residence: Yes
- Decision time: 3.5 months
- Occupation list: Official occupation list
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | NZ$6,450 | — | immigration.govt.nzOfficial · 1 Nov 2026 |
| Salary threshold | NZ$35 | — | immigration.govt.nzOfficial · 1 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
9 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededYesOfficial wording
“You must have the offer of a job or already work in a Green List Tier 1 job.”
Languagespeak and understand EnglishOfficial wording
“speak and understand English”
Age limitUp to 55Official wording
“You must be aged 55 or younger when you apply.”
Main feeNZ$6,450Official wording
“Cost From NZD $6450”
Salary thresholdNZ$35Official wording
“NZD $35.00 an hour (the 2025 median wage) if a wage rate is not specified for your Green List job.”
Family can joinYesOfficial wording
“include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in your visa application.”
Can lead to permanent residenceYesOfficial wording
“After you have had this visa for 2 years in a row, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa that lets you travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely.”
Decision time3.5 monthsOfficial wording
“Processing time 80% within 3.5 months”
Occupation listOfficial occupation list ↗Official wording
“Green list roles — jobs we need people for in New Zealand”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Money to show. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other skilled, points-based routes in New Zealand
All visa types in New Zealand
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
New Zealand visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.