Get high-paying jobs in New Zealand for foreigners up to NZ$100,000
New Zealand is hiring skilled internationals across healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance in 2025. Roles at or above NZ$100,000 are common in shortage areas and often include visa sponsorship through the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Use this guide to target in-demand roles, meet visa rules, prepare documents, and move from application to offer.
Why New Zealand is attractive in 2025
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Strong demand in shortage sectors with accredited employers
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Competitive salaries relative to median wage thresholds
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Work-to-residence pathways for Green List occupations
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Balanced lifestyle with four weeks’ annual leave and public healthcare access
Sectors with frequent sponsorship and NZ$100k potential
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Healthcare
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Information technology and digital
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Engineering and construction
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Finance and professional services
Salary guide and common requirements
| Role | Typical salary range | Core requirements | Sponsorship likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | NZ$75k–NZ$95k | Nursing degree, NZNC registration | High in public and private providers |
| Software engineer | NZ$90k–NZ$120k | Commercial experience, modern stacks | High with accredited tech employers |
| Data analyst or scientist | NZ$80k–NZ$110k | SQL, Python or R, BI tools | Medium to high |
| Civil engineer | NZ$85k–NZ$130k | BE Civil, design or site experience | High across infrastructure |
| Electrical engineer | NZ$90k–NZ$140k | BE Electrical, registration pathways | High in energy and utilities |
| Project manager construction | NZ$110k–NZ$160k | Major project delivery, PM credentials | High on large programs |
| Financial controller or senior analyst | NZ$110k–NZ$155k | CA or equivalent, FP&A, reporting | Medium to high in banks and fintech |
| General practitioner | NZ$120k–NZ$200k | Medical Council registration | High in regional settings |
Visa routes to know
Accredited Employer Work Visa
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Job offer from an accredited employer, 30 hours or more per week
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Pay at or above the median wage threshold
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English, health, and character requirements
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Length commonly up to three years, extendable to five
Green List pathways
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Tier one straight to residence for eligible roles and employers
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Tier two work to residence after required time in role
Other options often used
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Residence pathways after two years in some high income scenarios
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Partner and dependent visas linked to the main applicant where eligible
How to target and apply step by step
Step 1 choose target role and city
Match your profile to a listed shortage occupation. Select one to two cities for focus based on sector clusters.
Step 2 prepare a New Zealand style CV
Two to three pages, reverse chronological, concise bullet points with quantified results, technical stacks and certifications, right to work status and relocation window at the top.
Step 3 assemble a documents pack
Passport, degree and transcripts, professional registration or eligibility, employment letters, referee contacts, skills certificates, English test results if needed, police certificate and medical readiness if requested.
Step 4 search on the right platforms
SEEK, Trade Me Jobs, LinkedIn Jobs, employer career pages for accredited companies. Use filters for visa sponsorship or accredited employer.
Step 5 tailor applications and message recruiters
Mirror keywords from the job ad, align responsibilities to your metrics, and send a short cover note stating availability and willingness to relocate.
Step 6 interview and offer verification
Prepare examples on safety, delivery, stakeholder management, and tools. Request a written offer detailing title, salary, hours, location, and confirmation of sponsorship.
Step 7 file your visa and plan arrival
Submit forms, biometrics, and supporting documents promptly. Arrange temporary housing, register with a GP on arrival, and set up banking and IRD number.
Documents checklist
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Passport and passport-sized photo
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Updated CV and tailored cover note
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Qualifications and professional registrations
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Employment reference letters with contact details
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Skills certificates or portfolios
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English language evidence if required
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Police certificate and medical exam where applicable
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Offer letter, job description, and salary confirmation
Where to find roles
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SEEK with alerts on targeted titles and sponsorship filters
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Trade Me Jobs for regional employers and public sector listings
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LinkedIn Jobs with direct outreach to hiring managers
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Career pages of hospitals, councils, energy utilities, and major tech firms
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Specialist agencies in healthcare, engineering, technology, and finance
Common hurdles and practical fixes
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Limited local experience, show transferable impact with metrics and referenceable outcomes
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Registration timelines, start paperwork early for nursing, medical, and engineering bodies
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Salary threshold gaps, highlight total compensation and skill premiums to meet going rates
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Processing delays, keep documents scan-ready and respond within 24 to 48 hours to requests
Frequently asked questions
Do I need New Zealand experience first
No, but strong references, validated skills, and clear alignment to shortage roles are important.
Can my family accompany me
Partners and dependent children often can, subject to the main visa class and income thresholds.
How fast is the process
Timelines vary by role and case load. Complete applications with accurate documentation move faster.
Are remote or hybrid roles available
Common in technology and corporate functions, with on site requirements for healthcare and construction.
Clear next steps
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Pick two target roles and one to two cities aligned to sector demand
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Build a New Zealand style CV and a single documents pack
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Set job alerts on SEEK, Trade Me, and LinkedIn with visa sponsorship filters
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Submit five to ten tailored applications each week and message recruiters directly
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Secure a written offer confirming accredited employer sponsorship and lodge your visa
