New Zealand - Emigrate to New Zealand

Emigrate To New Zealand


One of our clients described New Zealand as "the nearest place to paradise" and it's easy to see why. Similar in size to Britain, its population of just 3.5 million is less than you'd find crowded into one of our big cities.

Outstandingly beautiful, the islands offer alpine ranges, deep rainforests, sun drenched beaches and a choice of climate from mild to subtropical. This rich and diverse natural heritage is treasured, with a third of the land being protected by the Department of Conservation.

It's true to say that the pace of life is less frantic in New Zealand, but this is certainly a progressive nation. Great importance is attached to education, social security, the environment and sensitive government. New Zealand has also embraced and invested in the high technology industries of the future, being ideally placed with the Pacific Rim economies. Although the government has a positive attitude to emigration, numbers are restricted in view of the small population.


Comparative Cost of Living


ItemAU $CA $NZ $UK £
Honda Civic 1.8 VTi21,490
(£8704)
26,250
(£11586)
27,500
(£9961)
£16,950
MP3 Player (Creative Zen)200
(£81)
180
(£80)
310
(£112)
£100
Microwave 1.6 cu. ft.180
(£73)
200
(£89)
340
(£123)
£100
Fridge/Freezer 18 cu. ft.721
(£292)
900
(£397)
750
(£271)
£733
26" TV/Widescreen LCD944
(£382)
580
(£256)
700
(£253)
£440
Laptop/notebook1,400
(£566)
1,600
(£706)
1,150
(£416)
£500
Double bed - platform type384
(£155)
690
(£304)
800
(£289)
£399
Mobile phone250
(£101)
190
(£83)
160
(£58)
£100
Ave. townhouse price400,000
(£161974)
580,000
(£256000)
300,000
(£108500)
£200,000
Ave. weekly rental310
(£125)
550
(£240)
388
(£140)
£500
Washing machine (5.5kg) Front loader880
(£360)
1,300
(£574)
900
(£325)
£245
DVD Player194
(£78)
150
(£66)
200
(£72)
£80

Quality of life in New Zealand


One of the greatest attractions for migrants to New Zealand is the lifestyle that this country has to offer, not only do 'Kiwis' seem to enjoy a more relaxed living philosophy but, compared to many international countries, the cost of living an enjoyable lifestyle seems to be more attainable.

The cost of living varies depending on where you choose to live in New Zealand. Auckland is a more expensive city in which to live but it seems that the further south you travel, the less expensive the cost of living becomes. Housing may cost more in Auckland than it does in Dunedin but the average employment wage in Auckland will be a lot higher than in Dunedin, so living costs tend to 'balance out', wherever you choose to reside.

New Zealand proudly boasts one of the highest home ownership rates in the world. Housing in New Zealand is very affordable compared to numerous other countries, however, the amount you should expect to pay for a house depends on where in New Zealand you choose to settle.

New Zealand is also highly acclaimed for its clean, unpolluted environment and superior quality of life, ranking 9th in the world on the UN's 1998 Human Development Index.


New Zealand Skilled - Independent Worker Time Line & Costs (sc136)




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Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)


All applicants for a New Zealand SMC visa must:
  • Be aged under 56 years
  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) of at least 100 points including points for a job offer or work experience/qualification in a labour shortage area
  • Meet health and character requirements
Bonus points can be claimed for a job offer outside of Auckland.


Long Term Business Visa


All applicants for a New Zealand Long Term Business Visa must have:
  • Genuine business plans, deemed to represent 'benefit to New Zealand'.
  • Sufficient investment capital
  • Funds to cover living expenses
  • Meet health and character requirements

Note: This category is not a permanent residence visa, but provides nine months to start a business in New Zealand. The visa is then extended for a further 2 years 3 months after this time if you wish to apply for permanent residency you can go on to apply under the Entrepreneur Visa category.

The principle applicant can include their partner and dependent children, providing they meet language health and character requirements.

Alternatives: Investor category


Family Category


All applicants for a New Zealand Family Category Visa must meet:
  • Basic Health, language and character requirements
  • Sponsorship from a New Zealand resident or citizen over 17 years old.
  • Sponsors must have been resident in New Zealand for at least five years prior to the date of application.

Note: to sponsor a partner, proof of a long term relationship must be provided, like shared bank accounts, marriage or civil union certificates. The sponsor must not have successfully sponsored more that one other person under the partner policy before. Under the parent policy, grandparents and legal guardians in some cases are considered parents, but there must be evidence that the 'centre of gravity' is in New Zealand, meaning they have more family or children there than in any other country.

Alternatives: Family Quota visa




Four Corners Emigration Ltd, registered in England and Wales no: 3258982 at Strathblane House, Ashfield Road, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 1BB
Tel : 0845 8419453 - Fax: +44 (0)161 608 1616 - Email: info@fourcorners.net
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