Skilled residence pathways
Who it's for: Resident visas based on your skills, for people who want to live in New Zealand permanently.
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: You must be able to speak and understand English.
- Age limit: Up to 55
- Main fee: NZ$6,450
- Family can join: Yes
- Can lead to permanent residence: Yes
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | NZ$6,450 | — | 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
6 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededYesOfficial wording
“You can submit an expression of interest (EOI) if you have a job or job offer from an accredited employer, and meet the requirements for one of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) pathways.”
LanguageYou must be able to speak and understand English.Official wording
“You must be able to speak and understand English.”
Age limitUp to 55Official wording
“be aged 55 or younger when you apply”
Main feeNZ$6,450Official wording
“Cost From NZD $6450”
Family can joinYesOfficial wording
“include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in your visa application.”
Can lead to permanent residenceYesOfficial wording
“Skilled residence is a way to live in New Zealand permanently if your skills are needed here.”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Minimum education; Work experience; Money to show; Salary threshold; Decision time; Occupation list. 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.