New Zealand Visa Categories
A guide to New Zealand's primary visa pathways: the 6-Point Skilled Migrant Category, Partner Resident visas, and the Active Investor Plus resident program.
Request a Visa Eligibility VettingAccredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is New Zealand's primary temporary work pathway. Before hiring, the employer must hold active INZ accreditation and secure a **Job Check** approval.
The Skilled Migrant Category: 6-Point System
Introduced in October 2023, the simplified **Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)** resident visa operates on a straight **6-point threshold**. To qualify, you must have a skilled job offer in New Zealand paying at least the median wage (or higher depending on ANZSCO level), and accumulate at least 6 points.
**Claiming Points**: You can claim between **3 to 6 points** from one of three primary categories (choose the highest single value; you cannot combine them):
- **NZ Professional Registration**: (3 to 6 points depending on registration requirements).
- **Academic Qualifications**: Bachelor's degree (3 pts), Master's (5 pts), or PhD (6 pts).
- **High Income**: Earning 1.5x median wage (3 pts) or 2x median wage (4 pts).
**Skilled Work Experience**: If your primary category awards under 6 points, you can supplement it with **NZ Skilled Work Experience** (1 point per year of work, capped at 3 points).
6-Point Formulation Example:
- **Scenario A**: Holds a PhD (6 points) + NZ Skilled Job Offer = **Qualifies Immediately**.
- **Scenario B**: Holds a Bachelor's Degree (3 points) + 3 years of NZ Skilled Experience (3 points) + Skilled Job Offer = **Qualifies (6 Points)**.
- **Scenario C**: Earning 1.5x Median Wage (3 points) + 2 years of NZ Skilled Experience (2 points) = **Ineligible (5 Points)**. Needs 1 more year of work.
The Active Investor Plus Resident Visa
The **Active Investor Plus** visa is New Zealand's premium residency program for high-net-worth individuals, replacing the older Investor 1 and 2 categories. It carries a nominal investment requirement of **$15 million NZD** over a 4-year term.
**Direct Investment Incentive**: To channel capital into high-growth local businesses, the framework awards **weighting multipliers** based on asset classes. Direct investments in private NZ companies receive a 3x multiplier—allowing you to secure residency with a **$5 million NZD** actual cash outlay.
**Excluding Passive Holdings**: Under current regulations, passive investments like NZ government bonds or direct residential property acquisition do not qualify for the Active Investor Plus visa. Listed equities are permitted but capped at 50% of the total portfolio.
Active Investor Plus Conditions:
- **Physical Presence**: Must spend at least **117 days** in NZ over the 4-year investment period.
- **English Language**: Must satisfy minimum English proficiency requirements (IELTS General level 5 or equivalent).
- **Audited Funds**: Funds must be legally owned, unencumbered, and audited for clear source of wealth.
- **Qualified Investments**: Managed funds, direct private equity, listed equities, or philanthropy.
Partner & Family Reunification Visas
The Partner Cohabitation Requirement
To secure a Partner Resident Visa in New Zealand, the applicant and their NZ sponsor must prove they have lived together in a **genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months**.
**Cohort Evidence**: Joint leases, shared mortgages, utilities billing, and joint bank accounts are required. INZ rigorously audits partner files. If the 12-month living threshold is not met, the applicant can only secure a temporary partner work visa to build cohabitation duration.
**Parent Retirement Resident**: An option for parents of NZ citizens or residents. The parent must invest $1 million in NZ, hold $500,000 in settlement assets, and demonstrate an annual income of at least $60,000, with no age limits.
Partner Evidence Vetting:
- **Shared Housing Records**: Joint tenancy agreements or council rate demands.
- **Financial Interdependence**: Joint bank account statements showing active daily usage.
- **Official Correspondence**: Letters addressed to both partners at the same address.
- **Support Letters**: Declarations from relatives, colleagues, or neighbors.
Consult Our NZ Immigration Lawyers Before Filing
Vett your 6-Point SMC eligibility, review your Active Investor Plus portfolio weighting, or organize your partner cohabitation evidence. Request a quote today.
Request an Immigration QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
ANZSCO is the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations. Immigration New Zealand uses ANZSCO codes to classify job roles (from Skill Level 1 to 5). To secure a Skilled Migrant Resident visa, your job must match the ANZSCO description, meet minimum hourly pay rates, and fall within appropriate skill categories.
No. Under the Active Investor Plus rules introduced in late 2022, government bonds and direct residential property investments are completely excluded from acceptable asset categories. The visa is designed to drive active investments into private companies, venture capital, listed equities, or philanthropy.
The maximum age limit for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) resident visa is **55 years**. You must submit your application before your 56th birthday. Temporary work visas (like AEWVs) do not have strict age limits, but residency pathways are closed to applicants over 55.
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