Moving to New-Zealand: A Comprehensive Guide 

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand attracts a growing number of expats each year. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, relaxed lifestyle, and dynamic economy, it appeals both to nature lovers and professionals seeking new job opportunities. With a relatively low unemployment rate and strong demand in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and construction, the country offers promising prospects to foreigners.

Before taking the plunge, careful preparation is essential: administrative procedures, house and job hunting, as well as healthcare: this guide will walk you through every step of moving to New Zealand.

Why Move to New-Zealand?

New Zealand attracts expatriates from around the world with its exceptional quality of life, preserved environment, and relaxed atmosphere. With spectacular landscapes, the country provides an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts and those who enjoy nature-based activities.

Its stable economy and dynamic labor market make it an attractive destination for workers seeking new opportunities. Additionally, administrative procedures are relatively straightforward, making it easier for newcomers to settle.

It is also an excellent opportunity to improve English skills while working in a welcoming and open society. Combined with a pleasant climate, reversed seasons, and proximity to the Asia-Pacific region and Australia, New Zealand represents an ideal destination for a new life marked by adventure and tranquility.

How to Move to New Zealand? The Key Steps

Required Documents

Here are the main documents you will need to move to New Zealand:

• A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. It is recommended that it remains valid for at least 15 months after your arrival, as some visa applications may require it.
• A visa appropriate to your situation (see the following section for details).
• Proof of funds: You may need to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to come live in New Zealand.
• International health insurance covering medical expenses, hospitalization, and repatriation.
• An international driving permit if you plan to drive in New Zealand.

In the following sections, we explain how to apply and obtain each of these documents.

Applying for a Visa

All extended stays in New Zealand require a visa. Several options are available depending on your situation:

• NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority): Required for stays of less than 3 months, this electronic visa is valid for 2 years and allows short-term visits for tourism or business purposes (meetings, conferences).
• Visitor Visa: This temporary visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months, primarily for tourism or family reasons.
• Working Holiday Visa (WHV): Designed for young people aged 18 to 30, it allows you to live and work in New Zealand for 12 months and is renewable.
• Work Visa: Required for individuals who have received a job offer from a New Zealand employer. It is granted under certain conditions and can be a first step toward permanent residency.
• Student Visa: A student visa is mandatory for studying in New Zealand for more than 3 months. Admission to a New Zealand institution and proof of sufficient funds are required.

For more information on visa options or to start your visa application, please visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.

Getting an IRD Number

The IRD number (Inland Revenue Department Number) is also essential for settling in New Zealand. Serving as a tax identifier, it allows you, among other things, to receive your salary and calculate your tax rate.

To obtain an IRD number, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport
• An immigration number (provided when your visa is approved)
• Proof of a New Zealand bank account (a bank statement or a confirmation letter from the bank)

The IRD number application can be completed online via the Inland Revenue Department website.

Obtaining an International Driver’s License

If you plan to drive in New Zealand, you must comply with certain requirements:

• You can use your valid foreign driving license for up to 12 months after your arrival, provided it is translated into English by a certified translator or you hold an International Driving Permit (IDP).
• After this period, you must exchange your foreign license for a New Zealand license, which involves passing a theory test and, in some cases, a practical driving test.

The International Driving Permit is free and typically obtained before departure from your local licensing authority. You will generally need to provide:

• A photocopy of your ID
• Two recent passport-sized photos meeting official standards
• A photocopy of your valid driving license
• Proof of residence dated within the last 3 months
• The official application form from your local licensing authority

Choosing a New Health Insurance Plan

The New Zealand healthcare system includes the ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), which covers costs related to accidents for all people in the country, regardless of nationality. However, this coverage is limited to accidents and does not include illness or routine medical care.

When moving to New Zealand, you will no longer be covered by your home country’s public health system. If you hold a work visa for more than 2 years or have permanent resident status, you may be eligible to access New Zealand’s public healthcare system.

For all other cases (temporary visas, working holiday visas, students, or short-term residents), it is highly recommended to obtain international health insurance, as medical care can quickly become very expensive.

To choose the most suitable insurance, compare offers from specialized international providers or private insurers that cover expatriates and temporary residents.

How to Import Your Personal Belongings into New Zealand?

New Zealand Customs Regulations

New Zealand enforces strict customs controls. Upon arrival, you must declare the contents of your luggage, including food, plants, animal products, and other items that may pose a biosecurity risk. It is therefore essential to ensure in advance that all imported goods comply with local regulations and are properly declared.

For more information, please visit the official New Zealand Customs website.

Sea or Air Freight: Which Option Should You Choose?

There are two main options for shipping your personal belongings to New Zealand: sea freight and air freight.

• Sea freight is generally more cost-effective and suitable for large-scale moves. However, it requires advanced planning, as average transit times range from 6 to 8 weeks, not including customs clearance and potential quarantine requirements.
• Air freight is faster and ideal for small shipments or items you need urgently. This option, however, is more expensive and recommended for limited volumes.

What to Bring with You to New Zealand

New Zealand enforces strict import restrictions on certain items.

Prohibited or restricted items include (non-exhaustive list):

• Acids
• Aerosols
• Microbial and etiological agents
• Matches
• Explosive materials
• Gas cylinders
• Lighters
• Counterfeit goods
• Fuels
• Mercury
• Perfumes
• Paints
• Corrosive products
• Flammable products
• Household chemicals
• Radioactive materials
• Toxic substances
• Narcotics and psychotropic drugs
• Varnishes and solvents

Items subject to special restrictions, permits, or customs formalities include:

• Weapons and ammunition
• Batteries and accumulators
• Cultural property
• Alcoholic beverages
• Generators
• Pornographic material
• Animal products
• Tobacco products

Before moving to New Zealand, make sure to check the latest import restrictions and regulations with the official New Zealand Customs website.

It is recommended to sort your belongings in advance to reduce the number of items shipped, as weight and volume can significantly impact moving costs. Be particularly careful with restricted or prohibited items and ensure your electronic devices are compatible with local standards. For example, New Zealand operates on 230–240 volts, 50 Hz, which may damage or render incompatible devices without a proper adapter.

For further details, visit the official New Zealand Customs website.

Importing Your Vehicle into New Zealand

Importing a vehicle to New Zealand involves several steps:

1. Provide all required documents related to your vehicle, translated into English.
2. Deregister your vehicle in your country of origin.
3. Undergo a compliance inspection (entry certification) upon your vehicle’s arrival in New Zealand.
4. Pay inspection fees and customs duties.

Note that left-hand drive vehicles require a special authorization issued by the New Zealand Land Transport Authority (NZTA).

For more detailed information, please refer to our comprehensive guide on how to prepare an international move.

Moving to New Zealand with Your Pet

To bring your cat or dog to New Zealand, you must follow a strict health protocol, including vaccinations, treatments, tests, and mandatory administrative procedures. Careful planning is essential, as some steps need to be completed several months before departure.

Veterinary Procedures

All dogs and cats must be microchipped and undergo a rabies antibody titre test between 3 and 24 months prior to departure.

The following tests are also required for dogs:

• Heartworm antigen ELISA: within 30 days before departure
• Leptospirosis MAT test: within 30 days before departure
• Babesia gibsoni ELISA test: within 16 days before departure
• Brucella canis TAT or CPAg-AGID test: within 16 days before departure

In addition, New Zealand requires that dogs and cats receive two antiparasitic treatments before departure:

1. First treatment: within 30 days before departure, covering nematodes, cestodes, ticks, and fleas
2. Second treatment: within 2 days before departure, covering nematodes, cestodes, ticks, fleas, and a heartworm (Dirofilaria) treatment, administered with a 14-day interval between the two doses

Finally, the following vaccinations must be administered more than 30 days and less than 12 months before departure:

• For dogs:
  • Leptospirosis
  • Brucellosis
  • Rabies (if it is the first vaccination, the animal must wait 6 months before traveling)
• For cats:
  • Feline panleukopenia (feline enteritis)
  • Feline viral rhinotracheitis
  • Feline calicivirus
  • Rabies (with the same 6-month waiting period if it is the first vaccination)

Mandatory Documentation

To import a pet into New Zealand, several documents are required:

• Import permit
• Quarantine reservation, mandatory for a minimum of 10 days upon arrival
• Veterinary Certificate A, to be completed by your veterinarian within 4 days before departure
• Veterinary Certificate B, completed on the day of departure (provided by a specialized service)

All documents must be validated and stamped by the relevant authority in your region.

Upon Arrival in New Zealand

Once in New Zealand, your pet must remain in quarantine for at least 10 days at an approved facility. During this period, your pet will undergo a veterinary inspection to confirm its health before being allowed to join you at your residence.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, it is strongly recommended to use a professional international pet transport company !

For more information, please visit the official Ministry for Primary Industries website.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to New-Zealand?

Moving to New Zealand represents a significant investment, which can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Volume of belongings: The more personal items you bring, the higher the cost.
• Distance between your current city and your destination: The journey can span up to approximately 19,000 km.
• Optional additional services: Packing, temporary storage, customs formalities, insurance, etc.

As an example, a move from France to Auckland or Christchurch for a 3-room apartment typically costs between €8,000 and €11,000.

These prices are indicative only and may vary depending on the moving company and selected options (shared shipment, private container, packing services, etc.).

What You Should Know for a Successful Expat Life in New-Zealand

Costs of Living in New-Zealand

The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD), with an approximate exchange rate of 1 NZD = 0.53 EUR (as of March 2025). The cost of living is roughly 6% higher than in France, with variations depending on the city.

The main expenses include housing, transportation, and food. In Auckland or Wellington, the rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs between €230 and €350 per week.

Fuel is generally cheaper than in France, with an average price of 2.73 NZD per liter. However, long distances and ferry costs between the North and South Islands can quickly increase transportation expenses.

Finding Housing in New-Zealand

The rental market in New Zealand operates differently from many other countries. Many rents are quoted weekly and are typically paid on a weekly basis. Security deposits usually range from 2 to 4 weeks’ rent.

To find accommodation, popular platforms include TradeMe, Airbnb, and Flatmates. Shared housing or flat-sharing is also a common option to help reduce costs.

Expats can also benefit from online communities and social media groups focused on living in New Zealand, which provide practical tips and support for newcomers.

Working in New-Zealand

New Zealand has a dynamic job market, with high demand in sectors such as IT, healthcare, engineering, and construction for skilled roles, and in horticulture (fruit picking), hospitality, and food service for unskilled positions.

The standard workweek is 40 hours over 5 days, with 4 weeks of paid annual leave, and the minimum wage is 23.50 NZD per hour.

Several options exist for working in New Zealand:

• Working Holiday Visa (WHV): for young people aged 18–30 wishing to work temporarily.
• Work Visa: requires a prior job offer from a New Zealand employer.
• Skilled Migrant Visa: for qualified professionals who meet the country’s labor market needs.

Opening a Bank Account in New-Zealand

To open a bank account in New Zealand, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Valid identification (passport)
• Visa confirming your right to reside in New Zealand
• Proof of address (electricity bill, rental agreement, or a letter confirming accommodation)

We recommend you to start the process before arrival, as some banks allow accounts to be opened remotely. The main banks in New Zealand include ASB, ANZ, BNZ, and Westpac.

What to Expect When Moving to New-Zealand?

Expat life in New Zealand is an exciting journey full of new experiences but may require some cultural adjustments.

• Life is relaxed, safe, and balanced, with communities that are friendly and welcoming.
• The country values work‑life balance. You can expect to find flexible working hours, generous leave, and plenty of time to make the most of the outdoors.
• People are warm but can be a little reserved at first, so simple gestures like casual greetings, bringing a small gift when visiting someone’s home, and respecting Māori customs, like removing your shoes indoors, go a long way.
• Daily life is closely connected to nature, whether it is beaches, mountains, or parks, while cities offer vibrant cafés, cultural activities, and modern conveniences.
• Practical things like housing, healthcare, and transportation are easy to manage with some planning. However, building social circle might take some time.

Overall, New Zealand offers a welcoming, safe, and naturally beautiful environment perfect for families, professionals, and anyone who loves the outdoors.

What Are the Best Cities to Live in New-Zealand?

 Auckland

The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland, is a bustling hub of career opportunities, particularly in finance, technology, and international trade. It offers a multicultural environment, a wide range of restaurants and entertainment options, and easy access to beautiful beaches and nearby islands for weekend getaways. Perfect for those seeking an energetic urban lifestyle.

Wellington

Known as New Zealand’s cultural and political capital, Wellington boasts a vibrant arts scene, boutique cafés, and a thriving film industry. Its scenic harbor views, rugged coastline, and nearby walking trails make it ideal for those who want city life without losing touch with nature.

Christchurch

Often called the “Garden City,” Christchurch offers a mix of modern urban amenities and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. Families appreciate its safe neighborhoods, quality schools, and parks, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy nearby mountains, rivers, and beaches for hiking, skiing, and cycling.

Queenstown

The adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, is famous for skiing, bungee jumping, hiking, and water sports. Surrounded by breathtaking mountains and lakes, it is ideal for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, though the cost of living can be higher due to its popularity as a tourist destination.

Hamilton & Tauranga

These growing cities in the North Island are known for their affordable living, strong local communities, and access to quality healthcare and schools. Hamilton is a university town with a youthful vibe, while Tauranga offers a relaxed coastal lifestyle with beaches, boating, and outdoor leisure activities.

Each city has its own unique character, so your choice will depend on your career goals, lifestyle preferences, and family needs. Whether you prefer bustling urban life, cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, or a quieter community feel, New Zealand has a city for everyone.