Move to New Zealand from the USA

New Zealand offers plenty of options to move from the USA

In an era of geopolitical tension, economic uncertainty, and social upheaval, New Zealand stands out as a beacon of stability and a possible haven. For Americans weary of polarisation, crime, and institutional distrust, this island nation offers something increasingly rare: a country that consistently ranks as one of the safest, most resilient, and least politically volatile nations.

Speaking first-hand as a migrant to New Zealand, I can vouch for this being a fantastic place to have and bring up children for several reasons including an education system that encourages critical thinking, creativity and holistic development; a sense of safety that encourages exploration of the great outdoors with a sense of independence; family friendly policies around leave and childcare and an overall focus on wellbeing that's not easy to find elsewhere.

If you’ve been considering a move, now might be the perfect time. Here’s why New Zealand is attracting so much interest from the US and what you need to know before making the move.

Why New Zealand?

Before packing your bags, it’s worth understanding what makes New Zealand a top destination for skilled or high-net-worth Americans:

✅ Natural Beauty & Temperate Climate – From snow-capped mountains to pristine beaches, NZ offers breathtaking scenery and a four-seasons, temperate climate. From growing mangos & bananas in the North to cherries in the South, by and large, New Zealand's climate is varied and highly liveable.

✅ Work-Life Balance – Kiwis genuinely still prioritise leisure and a relaxed pace of life compared to the USA. Getting ahead is not all about the size of your paycheck. With 4 weeks' minimum annual leave and 11 public holidays, New Zealanders have ample time to unwind, explore their stunning natural surroundings, and spend quality time with family and friends. This work-life balance reflects the cultural emphasis on well-being over relentless productivity, making it a standout feature of Kiwi life.

✅ Social Cohesion  – While New Zealand is not perfect, a sense of community prevails. Neighbours borrow sugar without hesitation; kids walk to school alone; indigenous culture and traditions hold New Zealand to account and help foster connections. Core values around social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and being a welcoming, inclusive society continue to thrive.

✅ Political Consensus Over Chaos - The major parties (Labour and National) are centre-left and centre-right by US standards. According to the OECD's 2023 Trust Survey, 46% of New Zealanders reported high or moderately high trust in the central government, surpassing the OECD average of 39%. 82% of New Zealanders were satisfied or very satisfied with their most recent government service, according to a January 2025 Public Services Commission report.

✅ Economic Resilience - NZ’s economy isn’t flashy, but it’s durable with diversified industries, conservative banking and self-sufficiency in food/energy.

✅ Publicly Funded Healthcare  – Access to state-funded healthcare is a universal right for all "Kiwis". Our Accident Compensation Corporation ("ACC") is an extraordinary, unique, no-fault tax-funded insurance system that covers every single person in New Zealand for accidental injuries and blows Americans' minds! The ACC levy is 1.67% of liable income & is typically deducted at source from wages.

✅ English-Speaking – No language barrier makes settling in easier. Te reo Māori (the Māori language) and sign language are also official languages, with plenty of options to learn te reo Māori, which is not just a language, but a window into the Māori worldview, culture (tikanga), values, and identity.

✅ Adventure Lifestyle – Hiking, skiing, surfing, sports of all kinds, and bungee jumping are all part of the Kiwi way of life.

Basic health and character requirements

All New Zealand visas require you to be in "acceptable health" and to be of "good character". Certain health conditions are deemed to place too high a costs/needs burden on the state health system. With two different standards of health (one for temporary entry and one for residence class visas) it is imoprtant to seek advice if you have or your dependent has a serious health condition (which can be physical, developmental or psychological). Here at Into NZ we have a team with experience in complex health matters on hand to advise.

Temporary versus Residence, Permanent Residence Visas & Citizenship

Temporary visas are exactly that. They are time-limited and your rights on a temporary visa are less than if granted residence status. While on a temporary visas, you will need to meet visa conditions and you do not have the right to, e.g. buy property, vote or claim superannuation as a percentage of your wage or salary. Temporary work visa holders whose work visa, together with time spent in NZ on any earlier visa = 2+ years are eligible for state-funded healthcare. Dependent children of some temporary student or work visa holders may study in school as "domestic students" free of charge.

Residence visas give you the right to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely, to buy a house and vote (once you have lived here for 12 months) and to also join our superannuation scheme, plus access other benefits (including tertiary education without paying international fees). After 5 years on residence visas, provide you intend to live in New Zealand and have spent at least 8 months a year per year in New Zealand, you can apply for Citizenship. Citizenship gives the right to a New Zealand passport which ranks consistently higher than a US passport in world standing.

Options For Americans Moving to New Zealand

There are many visa options for Americans to move to New Zealand on a temporary or permanent basis. If you are looking just to come for a visit, the USA is one of over 60 countries whose nationals may travel to New Zealand "visa-free". You will need an NZeTA (or NZ Electronic Travel Authority) and pay a visitor levy (combined cost of NZ$117) for a two-year authority. Entering New Zealand on an NZeTA, you can be granted a visa on arrival for up to 3 months, provided you have proof of sufficient funds (NZ$1000 per intended month of stay, which reduces to $400 if you have proof of pre-paid accommodation) and an onward ticket or funds to buy one. You must also demonstrate you are a genuine "bona fide" visitor, not intending to come to NZ for any unauthorised purpose. Once in New Zealand, you can do certain remote work as a "digital nomad". You can decide to extend your visit by making a visitor visa application, or you can go offshore and travel back in visa-free. There is a limit of 6 months in 12 visa-free, or 9 months in 18 if applying for a visitor visa. Digital nomad rights are for up to 9 months

For young Americans, aged 18-30, the Working Holiday Visa (for up to 12 months) is a fantastic starting option. The objective of working holiday schemes is to allow young citizens of approved countries, whose primary intention is to holiday in New Zealand, to undertake employment and study during their stay under their scheme. The visa allows work for any employer in any occupation. It can be a great way to get a foot in the door with a New Zealand employer that may want to keep you and support you onto longer work visas.

If you are over 30 or have already used up the 12-month Working Holiday Visa entitlement, to work in New Zealand, there are work visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa ("AEWV"), for which you have to have an acceptable job offer from an Accredited Employer. AEWVs are for either 3 or 5 years depending on the job type and/or pay rate. If you have skills on the Green List or can command a high wage, the process for you/the employer will be easier and faster. However, there are many AEWV visas granted that are not on the Green List and are not in the "highly paid" bracket. The reality is, New Zealand has shortages even in industries where you might not think there would be a lack of locals - hospitality would be a good example. Some AEWV holders can also support their partner and dependent children.

Business/Investor Options

New Zealand offers one of the world's most attractive "Golden Visa" options. There are two categories: "Growth" and "Balanced". The Balanced category requires a minimum investment of $10 million over 5 years, while the Growth category requires a minimum investment of $5 million over 3 years, with the ability to reduce the required time spent in NZ based on investment amount. The visa aims to attract investors who actively participate in New Zealand's economy and generate higher business productivity and job growth. This visa leads to residence as soon as the investments are made. Residence visas are then conditional on maintaining the investment for the stipulated time period.

We also have an Entrepreneur Visa for those who are willing to buy or set up a business that will bring significant benefit to New Zealand. This is aimed at those with relevant business experience and sufficient capital to invest and live off during the start-up period. This visa category is a work-to-residence category that can take from 6 months to 2+ years to become eligible to apply for residence.

We even have a two-year temporary retirement visa for the over 65s who can invest NZ$750,000 and have an additional NZ$ 500,000, plus an income equivalent to NZD$ 60,000.

Student Visas

Studying in New Zealand is an increasingly popular option for Americans. For a small country of just 5.3 million people (about the size of South Carolina), New Zealand boasts an impressive academic reputation. All eight New Zealand universities rank in the global top 500, outperforming many U.S. state universities and smaller colleges that don’t make global rankings at all. 

Choosing a course wisely can help develop a pathway to residence, as many students go on to be offered skilled jobs that qualify them for one of our Skilled Residence Categories. For more on study options, see https://www.intonz.co.nz/study-and-work.

Skilled Residence Visas

Currently, New Zealand has 4 different Skilled Residence Categories which Americans can use to move to New Zealand permanently, all with the following in common:

✅ An age cut-off of 55 years

✅ A need for a "skilled" job or job offer from an Accredited Employer

✅ English language requirements - for which US citizens who have worked or studied in the USA for at least 5 years are exempt.

For those who get a job offer and can meet Tier 1 of the Green List, or who are offered a job earning at least 3 times the "median" wage, it is possible to by-pass all temporary visas and go straight to residence visa either the Straight to Residence or Skilled Migrant Categories.

If your end goal is to gain permanency in New Zealand, you really need to consider your skilled residence options from the outset. Our team is exceptionally experienced in helping aspiring residents form winning strategies to reach their end goal. Sometimes, it can be a simple tweak of approach to your job search or use of the student route to open up your pathway.

Bilateral Fees Waivers

To top it off, New Zealand has a bilateral fee waiver with the USA, which means if you apply to move to study or work here, you don't pay the immigration fees other nationals have to pay. This can be a considerable saving. For example, an international student visa that normally costs NZ$850 will cost you only NZ$100. An Accredited Employer Work Visa is free, representing a saving of NZ$1540. Your partner and children will also pay nothing for their visas. In some cases, this is a saving of over NZ $4500 for a family unit coming to New Zealand on a set of temporary work & dependent visas.

If you would like advice on options for New Zealand, you can fill out our NZ Visa Check and book a first free chat with a Licensed Adviser. We have helped hundreds of Americans successfully make the move to New Zealand. We are one of New Zealand's most experienced immigration teams.

Katy Armstrong, Licensed Adviser #200800243