Living in New Zealand
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-06)

Information about moving to, living or retiring in New Zealand – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.

Getting help with living in New Zealand

Help from the New Zealand government

For any questions about moving to or living in New Zealand, you may be able to get help from:
- the New Zealand High Commission in London (https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/united-kingdom/new-zealand-high-commission)
- Immigration New Zealand (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/)
You can also get a personalised checklist (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/nz-ready/) to help you prepare for moving to New Zealand.

The UK government, including the British High Commission in Wellington and the British Consulate in Auckland, cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in New Zealand.

Professional help in New Zealand

You can also get help from professionals (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/professional-services-if-you-are-abroad) in New Zealand, including:
- lawyers
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government

Read the travel advice for New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand) to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit New Zealand. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad).

Get help from the UK government abroad (https://www.contact.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/), including in an emergency.

Visas, residency and citizenship

Make sure you meet the entry requirements for New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/entry-requirements) before you travel.

Visas

Check which New Zealand visa (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/find-a-visa-tool/) you need to live in New Zealand.

You can get a visa to:
- work – including on a working holiday
- study
- do business or invest in New Zealand
- live with family in New Zealand
- get medical treatment
- carry out religious activities
Immigration New Zealand explains the different visas available to you (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/?page=1).

If you want to stay longer than your visa allows, you must apply for a new visa. Read the New Zealand government’s guidance on what to do if you need to stay past your visa expiry date (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/once-you-have-a-visa/if-you-stay-in-new-zealand-after-your-visa-expires/).

For more information:
- read guidance from Immigration New Zealand (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/)
- use the NZ Ready planning tool (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/nz-ready/)
- contact the New Zealand High Commission in London (https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/united-kingdom/new-zealand-high-commission)
Permanent residency

You may be able to apply for permanent residency of New Zealand if you have lived there on a resident visa for at least 2 years.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the New Zealand government’s guidance on becoming a permanent resident of New Zealand (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/resident-visas-to-live-in-new-zealand/permanent-residence/becoming-a-permanent-resident-of-new-zealand/).

Citizenship

New Zealand recognises dual citizenship. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a New Zealand citizen.

To find out if you’re eligible for New Zealand citizenship, read guidance on:
- New Zealand citizenship (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/resident-visas-to-live-in-new-zealand/permanent-residence/becoming-a-permanent-resident-of-new-zealand/)
- where to apply for New Zealand citizenship and a passport (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/where-to-apply-for-new-zealand-citizenship-and-a-passport/)
- dual citizenship in New Zealand (https://www.govt.nz/browse/passports-citizenship-and-identity/nz-citizenship/changing-your-citizenship-status/dual-citizenship/)
You can also contact Immigration New Zealand (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/contact-us/).

Help with visa and residency applications

The British High Commission in Wellington and the British Consulate in Auckland cannot help with New Zealand visa and residency applications.

For any questions or issues contact:
- Immigration New Zealand (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/)
- the New Zealand High Commission in London (https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/countries-and-regions/europe/united-kingdom/new-zealand-high-commission#bookmark0)
- a lawyer in New Zealand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=new%20zealand)
Passports

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
ID cards in New Zealand

You may need another form of identification other than your UK passport to:
- open a bank account
- get an Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number
- buy alcohol
If you’re 18 or over, you can apply for a Kiwi Access Card (18+) (https://kiwiaccess.co.nz/). This is a government recognised photo ID and evidence of age card. You can use it as an alternative to a driving licence or passport.

Healthcare in New Zealand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
New Zealand has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK (https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/corporate-information/our-health-system/eligibility-for-publicly-funded-health-services/reciprocal-health-agreements#about-reciprocal-health-agreements). This agreement provides some healthcare cover for UK citizens visiting New Zealand for up to 2 years.

You can also check if you’re eligible for New Zealand public health services. (https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/corporate-information/our-health-system/eligibility-for-publicly-funded-health-services/guide-to-eligibility-for-public-health-services) If you’re eligible, you have the same right to healthcare as New Zealand citizens. This allows you to access free or reduced cost services under the standard New Zealand healthcare system.

If you’re not eligible, or you want to access private healthcare, make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any costs. You can get insurance from New Zealand or international providers.

To find out how to get medical treatment:
- read guidance on health in New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/health) and medical facilities in New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-zealand-list-of-medical-facilities-and-funeral-directors/new-zealand-medical-facilities)
- contact your insurance provider
- read Immigration New Zealand’s guidance on getting healthcare and finding a doctor (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/setting-up-your-life-in-new-zealand/getting-health-care-and-finding-a-doctor/)
- visit the Health New Zealand website (https://info.health.nz/)
Working in New Zealand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.

To work in New Zealand, you need to apply for a work visa (https://www.govt.nz/browse/immigration-and-visas/get-a-visa-to-work-in-nz/apply-for-a-work-visa/).

Immigration New Zealand explains the different work visas (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/visas-for-working-in-new-zealand/) available to you.

To apply for a job, you need to apply for an IRD number. (http://www.ird.govt.nz/how-to/irdnumbers/individuals/#03)

You may also need to:
- register in your occupation (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/green-list-occupations-qualifications-and-skills/check-if-you-need-occupational-registration-for-your-job/?page=1)
- provide a UK criminal records check (https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record) (known as a DBS check)
Recognition of qualifications

If you want to work in New Zealand, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/international/recognise-overseas-qual/).

Driving in New Zealand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
You can drive in New Zealand (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/new-residents-and-visitors/driving-on-nz-roads/) using your UK driving licence for:
- up to 18 months – for cars
- up to 12 months – for motorbikes or trucks
After this time, you must convert your driving licence to a New Zealand driving licence (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/new-residents-and-visitors/converting-to-nz-driver-licence/).

The New Zealand Transport Agency (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/) provides information on driving in New Zealand, including:
- New Zealand driving licences (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/)
- vehicle licensing (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/licensing-rego/)
- vehicle registration (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-registration/)
- importing a used vehicle (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/importing-a-vehicle/)
- road rules (https://www.nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/getting-a-licence/road-code/)
For more information, see our guidance on road travel, in safety and security in the travel advice for New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/new-zealand/safety-and-security).

Disabled drivers

You may be able to apply for a New Zealand mobility parking permit (https://www.ccsdisabilityaction.org.nz/mobility-parking/). For more information, read New Zealand Disability Support Services’ guidance on transport and vehicles (https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/disabled-people/support-and-services/housing-and-transport/transport-and-vehicles).

If you have a UK Blue Badge (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/blue-badge-scheme) and live in New Zealand, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

Tax

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.

The UK has a double taxation agreement with New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-zealand-tax-treaties) so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.

Contact New Zealand Inland Revenue (https://www.ird.govt.nz/) for any questions about double taxation relief.

Consider getting professional advice on paying taxes in New Zealand (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/setting-up-your-life-in-new-zealand/managing-your-money-banking-and-taxes-in-new-zealand/paying-taxes-in-new-zealand/). To do this, find a lawyer in New Zealand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=new%20zealand).

For more information, read the New Zealand government’s guidance on tax (https://www.govt.nz/browse/tax-benefits-and-finance/tax/).

Pensions

Claiming your UK pension

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a New Zealand pension

The state pension in New Zealand is called the New Zealand Superannuation (https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/superannuation/index.html) (or ‘NZ Super’).

You can find out if you can get NZ Super (https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/check/index.html).

Benefits

Claiming UK benefits

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.

Claiming New Zealand benefits

You may be entitled to some New Zealand benefits.

To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim:
- read New Zealand Work and Income’s guidance on moving to New Zealand (https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/moving-to-nz/index.html) and benefits and payments in New Zealand (https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/index.html)
- contact New Zealand Work and Income (https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/contact-us/index.html)
Buying and renting property in New Zealand

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers buying and renting property abroad.

You can also read New Zealand Immigration’s guidance on finding somewhere to live (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/setting-up-your-life-in-new-zealand/finding-somewhere-to-live/).

Contact a lawyer in New Zealand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=new%20zealand) if you’re considering buying property or land.

Voting in New Zealand

UK elections

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
New Zealand elections

You may be eligible to vote in New Zealand elections.

Check if you’re eligible to enrol and vote. (https://vote.nz/enrolling/get-ready-to-enrol/are-you-eligible-to-enrol-and-vote/)

Read the New Zealand Electoral Commission’s guidance on:
- how to vote (https://vote.nz/voting/how-to-vote/what-to-do/)
- enrolling to vote (https://vote.nz/enrolling/enrol-or-update/enrol-or-update-online/)
Studying in New Zealand

If you plan to study in New Zealand, you must meet all student visa requirements (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/study/study-visas/visas-for-studying-in-new-zealand/) before you travel.

For more information:
- visit the Study with New Zealand website (https://www.studywithnewzealand.govt.nz/en)
- read guidance on New Zealand student visas (https://www.govt.nz/browse/immigration-and-visas/get-a-new-zealand-student-visa/)
- read guidance on travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England) (https://www.gov.uk/travel-grants-students-england)
- contact your higher education provider in the UK or New Zealand
Children

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education

The New Zealand Ministry of Education provides information about the education system in New Zealand (https://www.education.govt.nz/our-work/our-role-and-our-people/education-in-nz).

All children aged 6 to 16 must attend school or home school in New Zealand.

Read the New Zealand government’s guidance on childcare, schools and higher education (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/setting-up-your-life-in-new-zealand/childcare-schools-and-higher-education/) for more information. This includes how to enrol your child in school.

Childcare

The New Zealand Ministry of Education is responsible for preschools and early childhood education (https://www.education.govt.nz/parents-and-caregivers/early-learning) in New Zealand.

Read the New Zealand government’s guidance on childcare, schools and higher education (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/live/setting-up-your-life-in-new-zealand/childcare-schools-and-higher-education/) for more information. This includes how to:
- get help to pay for early childhood education
- choose a preschool for your child
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships

Births

If your child is born in New Zealand, register the birth with the New Zealand authorities (https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/having-a-baby/registering-a-new-baby-and-getting-a-birth-certificate/).

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in New Zealand, read:
- our guidance on what to do when someone dies in New Zealand (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-zealand-bereavement-pack-information/new-zealand-bereavement-guide)
- the New Zealand government’s guidance on what to do when someone dies (https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/death-and-bereavement/what-to-do-someone-dies/)
You can also find a funeral director in New Zealand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/funeral-directors?country=new%20zealand).

Marriages and civil partnerships

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.

You can also read the New Zealand government’s guidance on:
- getting married (https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/)
- civil unions (https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/civil-unions/)
Divorce and separation

Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/moving-living-or-retiring-abroad). This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.

The New Zealand government offers guidance on separating or getting divorced in New Zealand (https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/separating-or-getting-divorced/).

Consider taking legal advice from a lawyer in New Zealand (https://find-a-professional-service-abroad.service.csd.fcdo.gov.uk/find/lawyers?country=new%20zealand).

Documents for British people in New Zealand

Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/documents-for-british-people-abroad) This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers and notaries

To find a lawyer or notary in New Zealand, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/professional-services-if-you-are-abroad).

Pets

If you want to bring your pet with you to New Zealand, read guidance on:
- bringing pets into New Zealand (https://www.govt.nz/browse/immigration-and-visas/bringing-things-into-new-zealand/bringing-pets-into-new-zealand/)
- taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to a non-EU country (https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad/travelling-to-a-noneu-country)
Returning to the UK

Read returning to the UK permanently (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/returning-to-the-uk). This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.

Disclaimer

We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the New Zealand authorities.

Read our consular information disclaimer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-commonwealth-development-office-fcdo-consular-information-disclaimer).