Are you looking to apply for high-paying jobs in New Zealand where visa sponsorship, guaranteed payments, retirement plans, and immigration support are part of the package?
This quick guide shows you how foreigners like you sign up for real opportunities that pay between NZD $48,000 and $160,000 yearly across tech, healthcare, engineering, and tourism roles. If you’ve ever wanted to relocate without stress, this is where your migration journey starts.
Why Travel to New Zealand as an Immigrant?
New Zealand is one of the easiest countries to apply for immigration if you want stability, high-salary jobs, and a peaceful place for retirement.
Most newcomers choose New Zealand because the government openly welcomes skilled workers through programs like the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which can earn you NZD $29–$80 per hour depending on your industry.
Life here is relaxed. Payments come on time. Employers offer visa sponsorship, relocation bonuses, accommodation support, and even flight reimbursement.
As a foreign worker, you can sign up for healthcare services that cost far less compared to the UK, Australia, or the U.S. More importantly, it’s a safe country, with low crime rates and strong worker protection laws.
New Zealand gives you the chance to grow your career while accessing high-demand jobs in Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and even Christchurch, cities where companies compete for talented immigrants willing to relocate.
High Paying Jobs for Immigrants in New Zealand
If you’re planning to migrate, you should apply for the jobs that offer the highest salaries and the most visa sponsorship slots.
New Zealand’s shortage list is long, covering sectors where foreigners can easily earn between NZD $60,000 and $180,000 yearly.
Some of the most popular high-salary roles for immigrants include:
- Registered Nurses: NZD $68,000–$120,000
- Construction Project Managers: NZD $90,000–$150,000
- Software Engineers & Developers: NZD $95,000–$160,000
- Aged Care Workers: NZD $48,000–$70,000
- Electricians & Plumbers: NZD $65,000–$110,000
- Mechanical Engineers: NZD $85,000–$140,000
- Truck Drivers: NZD $52,000–$90,000
- Farm Workers: NZD $48,000–$72,000
- Hospitality Supervisors & Chefs: NZD $50,000–$95,000
What makes these opportunities even better is that major employers offer sponsorship, settlement payments, and multi-year contracts for foreigners relocating from Nigeria, India, the Philippines, UAE, South Africa, Kenya, and the U.K.
Qualifications for Immigrants in New Zealand
You don’t need a mountain of documents to qualify for jobs in New Zealand. Most employers require simple but professional qualifications, and many even accept foreign certificates, especially for roles in healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction.
Salaries range widely depending on your credentials, usually between NZD $28–$60 per hour for skilled roles.
To migrate successfully, common qualifications include:
- A diploma, degree, or trade certificate
- Work experience (2–5 years recommended)
- Professional licenses for nurses, engineers, or electricians
- English test results like IELTS or PTE
- Clean medical and police records
If you’re applying through the Skilled Migrant Visa or Accredited Employer Visa, your qualification must match the job you are applying for.
But even if you’re a caregiver or farm worker with minimal schooling, New Zealand still has thousands of openings where employers are ready to sponsor your work permit.
Salary Expectations for Immigrants in New Zealand
Here’s the exciting part, New Zealand pays foreigners very well. Even entry-level immigrants earn NZD $48,000–$65,000, while specialized workers take home between NZD $90,000–$180,000 per year.
Many jobs offer overtime payments, relocation allowances, free uniform, transportation, and employer-funded retirement contributions.
Across high-competition cities like Auckland, Sydney-linked companies, and Wellington, employers offer higher salaries because they want you to apply quickly and migrate faster. Roles in healthcare, engineering, finance, and IT top the list.
Below is the salary table you requested:
| JOB TYPE | AVERAGE SALARY (NZD) |
| Registered Nurses | $68,000 – $120,000 |
| Software Developers | $95,000 – $160,000 |
| Construction Managers | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $85,000 – $140,000 |
| Electricians | $65,000 – $110,000 |
| Chefs | $50,000 – $95,000 |
| Hospitality Supervisors | $52,000 – $80,000 |
| Truck Drivers | $52,000 – $90,000 |
| Farm Assistants | $48,000 – $72,000 |
| Aged Care Workers | $48,000 – $70,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Immigrants
Before you apply for any New Zealand visa or job, you must meet certain eligibility rules designed to ensure that immigrants are able to work, settle, and sign up for long-term employment without issues.
These requirements are not difficult, and many foreign workers from Nigeria, India, UAE, the UK, Kenya, and the Philippines qualify easily. Salaries for eligible immigrants usually start from NZD $29 per hour and can rise to NZD $75 per hour depending on your skills.
To qualify, you must meet employer standards, immigration rules, and basic settlement requirements. The criteria generally include:
- Clean criminal record with a police certificate
- A valid international passport
- Relevant job skills or training
- Fitness to work with a medical certificate
- English communication ability
- Ability to meet minimum salary thresholds
Once you tick these boxes, you become a strong candidate for visa sponsorship jobs in major cities like Auckland, Hamilton, and Christchurch, where competition for skilled workers is extremely high.
Language Requirements for Immigrants
New Zealand is an English-speaking country, so employers and immigration officers expect you to have good communication skills.
This doesn’t mean you must speak perfect English, but you must be able to understand instructions, communicate at work, and integrate into society.
Immigrant workers who meet the language requirements usually earn NZD $50,000–$120,000, depending on their job type.
For most visas,especially the Skilled Migrant Category or Accredited Employer Work Visa, you may be asked for proof of English ability. The common tests include:
- IELTS (usually 5.5–6.5)
- PTE Academic (usually 43–58)
- TOEFL (varies by role)
- Workplace communication assessments by employers
Some sponsorship jobs do not require formal test results, especially farm jobs, aged care positions, and factory roles. As long as you can communicate reasonably, employers in Wellington, Canterbury, and South Island will still consider your application.
Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Immigrants in New Zealand
To migrate legally and start earning your salary, you must secure a valid work visa. New Zealand makes this easy with streamlined online applications where you can sign up, upload your documents, pay your processing fees, and track your approval status.
Most work visas allow you to earn between NZD $48,000 and $160,000 yearly depending on your job category.
Common visa types include:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – For sponsored jobs
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa – For long-term residence
- Working Holiday Visa – For younger applicants
- Partner of a Worker Visa – For dependents
AEWV is the most popular because employers handle most of the process and provide sponsorship letters, employment contracts, and salary confirmations. The higher your skill and salary range, the faster your application moves.
Documents Checklist for Immigrants in New Zealand
When applying for visa sponsorship jobs or resident visas, New Zealand requires clear documentation. These documents help employers verify your identity, salary entitlement, experience, and eligibility.
The good news is that the checklist is straightforward and can be uploaded online. With complete documents, you can access jobs paying NZD $28–$55 per hour or more.
Most applicants prepare the following items:
- International passport
- Passport photographs
- CV/Resume (New Zealand format)
- Academic certificates
- Work reference letters
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance
- Proof of English language
- Signed job offer (for sponsored visas)
Having these documents ready increases your chances of being hired by top employers in Auckland, Wellington, Melbourne-partnered companies, and Christchurch.
How to Apply for Jobs as Immigrants in New Zealand
New Zealand’s recruitment environment is straightforward. You apply online, upload your CV, attend interviews, receive an offer, and the employer submits your sponsorship details to Immigration New Zealand.
Most immigrants who follow the process correctly secure jobs paying NZD $50,000–$140,000 yearly.
To apply successfully:
- Create a New Zealand–style CV that focuses on skills
- Search verified employer websites and job boards
- Apply only for Accredited Employer roles
- Prepare for video interviews
- Accept an offer that meets the minimum salary threshold
- Allow your employer to lodge sponsorship approval
- Submit your work visa application online
If you apply consistently, especially to companies in Auckland, Wellington, and South Island regions, you can secure a sponsored job in as fast as 4–8 weeks.
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Immigrants in New Zealand
New Zealand has hundreds of accredited employers actively hiring foreigners for visa sponsorship jobs, especially in healthcare, construction, tourism, agriculture, ICT, and manufacturing.
Salaries depend on your expertise, but most immigrants earn between NZD $48,000 and $160,000 per year with stable payments, bonuses, and retirement contributions from employers.
Leading companies hiring foreign workers include:
- Fonterra: Agriculture & dairy (NZD $55,000–$90,000)
- AFFCO & Silver Fern Farms: Meat processing (NZD $50,000–$78,000)
- Air New Zealand: Engineering, customer service & aviation (NZD $65,000–$150,000)
- Fletcher Building: Construction & engineering (NZD $60,000–$140,000)
- Bupa & Metlifecare: Healthcare & aged care (NZD $48,000–$85,000)
- Woolworths & Foodstuffs: Retail & logistics (NZD $50,000–$100,000)
- Datacom & Xer: ICT & software roles (NZD $80,000–$160,000)
These companies hire immigrants from Nigeria, Ghana, India, UAE, the UK, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. Many offer relocation packages, free uniforms, accommodation support, and visa sponsorship.
Where to Find Jobs for Immigrants
Finding jobs in New Zealand has become easier with accredited job boards, employer websites, and government-approved recruitment platforms.
Immigrants earn an average of NZD $28–$65 per hour depending on industry demand and experience level. If you apply consistently, you’ll get interviews quickly, especially for urgent roles.
The best platforms include:
- Seek
- TradeMe Jobs
- CareersGovt
- WorkHere New Zealand
- Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer List
- LinkedIn Jobs (NZ region)
- Company career pages (Air NZ, Fonterra, Bupa, Datacom)
You can also sign up for job alerts so you get notified immediately when new roles are posted, especially in Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury, and Waikato where salaries tend to be higher.
Working in New Zealand as Immigrants
Working in New Zealand gives you access to top-tier salaries, safe working environments, and strong employee rights.
Immigrants earn competitive wages ranging from NZD $48,000–$150,000 annually, depending on the job location and industry. Payments are weekly or fortnightly, and employers contribute to your KiwiSaver retirement fund.
Foreign workers enjoy:
- Safe workplaces with strict labour laws
- Paid leave, public holidays, and overtime earnings
- Performance bonuses and relocation payments
- Free or subsidized healthcare depending on your visa
- Equal employment rights as New Zealand citizens
Cities like Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton have massive labour shortages, making it easy for immigrants to sign up for jobs, negotiate salaries, and secure work visas that lead to long-term residency.
How to Migrate to New Zealand
Migrating to New Zealand is a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Many immigrants secure employment contracts within 1–3 months and relocate shortly afterward. Depending on your job role, you can earn NZD $28–$75 per hour once you start working.
Here’s how to migrate:
- Apply for jobs through accredited employers
- Receive a job offer that meets salary requirements
- Employer submits sponsorship to Immigration NZ
- Complete your medicals and police clearance
- Submit your work visa application online
- Wait for approval and prepare for travel
- Relocate and begin working in New Zealand
The Skilled Migrant Category, AEWV, and Residence Pathway visas allow you to stay long-term, bring your family, and sign up for permanent residency.
FAQ About How to Relocate to New Zealand
What is the easiest way to migrate to New Zealand?
The easiest method is through the Accredited Employer Work Visa, which offers quick approval and salaries ranging from NZD $48,000 to $120,000 yearly.
Can I get visa sponsorship without experience?
Yes. Roles like caregiving, agriculture, factory work, and cleaning often require little experience and still pay NZD $48,000–$65,000 per year.
How long does New Zealand visa processing take?
Most work visas take 3–8 weeks, depending on your employer, salary level, and how fast you upload your documents.
Do I need IELTS to work in New Zealand?
Not always. Some employers accept basic communication skills without IELTS, especially for farm, warehouse, and care jobs.
How much money do I need to migrate to New Zealand?
Budget at least NZD $2,000–$4,000 for visa fees, medical tests, police certificates, and initial travel costs.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes. If your job meets the minimum salary threshold, your partner and children can apply for dependent visas.
Which jobs are in highest demand?
Healthcare, construction, tech, logistics, and engineering roles dominate, with salaries up to NZD $160,000.
Is New Zealand better than Australia for immigrants?
Many immigrants say New Zealand offers easier visa processing, lower competition, and more friendly employer sponsorships.
Can I study and work at the same time?
Yes. International students can work 20 hours weekly while schooling.
Does New Zealand offer PR?
Yes. The Skilled Migrant and Green List pathways allow you to apply for permanent residency after working in eligible roles.
