JamesNew Zealand has always been known for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly communities, and high quality of life, but in 2026, it’s also becoming one of the most attractive destinations for skilled workers looking for stable careers and permanent residency. With ongoing worker shortages in healthcare, construction, education, technology, and trades, the government is actively inviting skilled migrants through its Green List—a list of roles that come with faster visa processing and easier residency pathways.
For international professionals, this is one of the best times to move to New Zealand. Whether you’re a nurse, engineer, teacher, or IT expert, you’ll find competitive salaries, strong labor protections, and a clear route to settling permanently. This guide will break down Green List jobs, salary expectations, visa processing timelines, and tips to secure your future in New Zealand.
What is the Green List?
The Green List is a list of occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand. Workers in these roles get access to fast-track residency pathways, which means you can move to New Zealand, start working, and apply for residency much faster than through standard immigration programs.
There are two main Green List categories:
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Straight to Residence (STR) Pathway:
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Apply for residence immediately after securing a job offer in New Zealand.
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Work-to-Residence (WTR) Pathway:
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Work in New Zealand for 2 years before applying for residence.
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Why New Zealand is a Top Choice for Migrants
New Zealand offers benefits that make it stand out globally:
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High Salaries: Skilled professionals often earn NZD $70,000–$120,000/year, with some specialists earning much more.
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Clear Immigration Pathways: Unlike many countries, the Green List program is straightforward and transparent.
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Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, generous annual leave, and a focus on family life.
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Safety and Stability: New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s safest countries.
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Scenic Lifestyle: Beaches, mountains, and national parks are part of everyday life.
High-Paying Green List Jobs in 2026
The Green List covers a wide range of professions. Here are some of the top-paying roles:
| Sector | Example Roles | Salary Range (NZD/year) | Residency Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Doctors, Nurses, Midwives | $70,000 – $200,000+ | Straight to Residence |
| Construction | Civil Engineers, Quantity Surveyors | $80,000 – $130,000 | Work-to-Residence |
| Technology & IT | Software Engineers, Cybersecurity | $90,000 – $140,000 | Straight to Residence |
| Education | Secondary School Teachers | $65,000 – $95,000 | Work-to-Residence |
| Skilled Trades | Electricians, Plumbers, Welders | $70,000 – $95,000 | Work-to-Residence |
| Agriculture & Dairy | Farm Managers, Veterinarians | $65,000 – $120,000 | Work-to-Residence |
Specialists in surgery, engineering, and tech leadership can command salaries well over NZD $150,000/year.
Healthcare Opportunities
Healthcare roles dominate the Green List because of New Zealand’s growing population and healthcare worker shortages.
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Registered Nurses: NZD $70,000 – $95,000/year
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Specialist Doctors: NZD $180,000 – $250,000/year
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Midwives: NZD $70,000 – $90,000/year
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Radiographers: NZD $80,000 – $100,000/year
Nurses, midwives, and many allied health professionals are eligible for immediate residency.
Technology & Engineering Roles
New Zealand’s tech industry is growing fast, attracting software developers, IT security specialists, and cloud computing experts.
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Software Engineer: NZD $90,000 – $130,000/year
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Cybersecurity Expert: NZD $100,000 – $140,000/year
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Civil Engineer: NZD $85,000 – $120,000/year
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Mechanical Engineer: NZD $80,000 – $110,000/year
Skilled Trades and Construction
Construction is booming thanks to housing demand and infrastructure investments.
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Electricians: NZD $70,000 – $90,000/year
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Plumbers: NZD $75,000 – $95,000/year
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Welders & Fabricators: NZD $65,000 – $85,000/year
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Quantity Surveyors: NZD $85,000 – $110,000/year
Trade professionals often get fast-tracked residency because demand exceeds local supply.
Education and Agriculture
Teachers and agricultural specialists are also on the Green List:
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Secondary Teachers: NZD $65,000 – $95,000/year
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Farm Managers: NZD $70,000 – $100,000/year
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Veterinarians: NZD $85,000 – $120,000/year
Green List Visa Categories
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | Processing Time | Residency Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight to Residence Visa | Critical roles (healthcare, tech, engineering) | 2–4 months | Apply for PR immediately |
| Work-to-Residence Visa | Other Green List roles | 2–4 months | PR after 24 months of work |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | General skilled workers, not Green List roles | 2–3 months | Pathway varies |
| Partnership & Family Visas | For spouses and children of visa holders | 1–3 months | Linked to main applicant’s status |
How to Apply for a Green List Role
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Check Your Occupation:
Visit Immigration New Zealand’s website to see if your job is on the Green List. -
Get Qualifications Recognized:
Use the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to verify your degree or certifications. -
Secure a Job Offer:
Apply through job boards (Seek, Trade Me Jobs, Kiwi Health Jobs) or work with recruitment agencies. -
Apply for a Visa:
Your employer must be an Accredited Employer to sponsor your visa. -
Move and Register:
Upon arrival, get your IRD number (tax ID) and settle into housing and healthcare.
Salary Insights by City
| City | Average Salary (NZD) | Rent (1-Bedroom City Centre) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | $85,000 – $120,000 | $2,200 – $2,800/month | Tech hub, highest salaries, higher living costs. |
| Wellington | $80,000 – $110,000 | $2,000 – $2,600/month | Capital city, government roles. |
| Christchurch | $75,000 – $100,000 | $1,700 – $2,200/month | Growing construction jobs, affordable rents. |
| Hamilton | $70,000 – $95,000 | $1,500 – $1,900/month | Strong agriculture and dairy hub. |
Advantages of Moving to New Zealand
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Simple Residency Pathways: Clear visa options for skilled migrants.
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Family Inclusion: Dependents can live and work in NZ too.
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Healthcare & Education: Public healthcare and schools are affordable and high quality.
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Work-Life Balance: Outdoor lifestyle and flexible work arrangements.
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Future Security: Pathway to permanent residency in as little as 2 years.
Future Job Market Outlook
New Zealand’s workforce shortages are expected to increase over the next decade:
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Healthcare: Projected shortage of 4,000+ nurses and specialists by 2030.
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Construction: Billions invested in infrastructure, fueling demand for engineers and trades.
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IT: Tech sector growth is projected at 11% annually, creating 50,000+ roles.
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Education: More international teachers needed for growing population.
How to Boost Your Chances
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Get Accredited: Register with NZQA or local professional boards (like Nursing Council of NZ).
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English Proficiency: IELTS or equivalent proof required for many professions.
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Target Accredited Employers: Only approved employers can sponsor AEWVs.
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Plan Early: Immigration spots are limited; apply well before you intend to move.
Key Takeaways
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Green List Jobs offer one of the fastest routes to residency in New Zealand.
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Salaries are competitive, with many roles paying NZD $70,000–$120,000+ per year.
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Professionals in healthcare, tech, engineering, and trades are in critical demand.
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The Straight to Residence Visa lets you apply for permanent residency as soon as you get a job offer.
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New Zealand offers safety, stability, and a family-friendly lifestyle, making it a top destination for migrants in 2026.
Conclusion
If you’re a skilled professional looking for better pay and a better lifestyle, New Zealand’s Green List immigration system is one of the most attractive programs worldwide. With salaries well over NZD $100,000 in specialist fields, family-friendly benefits, and the ability to apply for residency within months, New Zealand stands out as a destination where talent is truly valued.
Whether you’re a healthcare worker, engineer, tech expert, or tradesperson, 2026 offers a golden opportunity to build a career and life in a country known for its natural beauty, safety, and work-life balance. Start by checking your role on the Green List, securing an accredited job offer, and taking your first steps toward residency in one of the world’s most desirable countries.
