Topic Blog Published July 9th, 2024 Written By Kerry Daniels Kerry is Crown's Director of Sales and Customer Success for the UKI, Nordics and European region based in Prague. Kerry joined Crown in 1994 in Dubai and has lived in various countries around the world. Kerry is an expert in relocation and understands the challenges faced when moving. Get in touch! Subscribe to our newsletter! Name Email Subscribe Are you considering a move to New Zealand? You’re not alone. New Zealand is a top destination, known for its breathtaking landscapes, relaxed lifestyle, and welcoming communities. Before we dive into some specifics about moving to New Zealand, lets cover some of the key facts you may need to know: Living in New Zealand: Key Information Here are some essential details about New Zealand for prospective movers: Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Language: English Population: Approximately 5 million Popular cities for expats: Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Tauranga Now we’ve reviewed this, let’s delve into the specifics you will need to know before making the move abroad: Will I need a visa when moving to New Zealand? To become a permanent resident in New Zealand, citizens must apply for a ‘Permanent Residence Visa’, which allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely without immigration restrictions (total.law). However, there are a number of visa options that you can consider before making the move to New Zealand: Resident Visas: Residence visa qualifications vary depending on the overall benefits to the country at that time. For most new migrants successfully employed in qualifying professions through other temporary work visas, pathways to residence are clear. Work Visas: There are a number of work visas that allow you to work in New Zealand, including an Accredited Employer Work Visa. For more information on the different visas you may require, check out this in-depth piece by ‘Live and Work New Zealand’. What’s the easiest way of getting to New Zealand? Flying is the most common way to reach New Zealand. According to Travel Supermarket, cheaper flights can be available in Spring (September to November) or Autumn (March to May) and booking well in advance usually results in better prices. How long does it take to get to New Zealand? Flight times vary based on the destination and number of stops, but on average a flight can take around 24 hours with one stop (usually in Dubai or Singapore). Budget flights with multiple stops can extend travel time significantly. Can I retire in New Zealand? Did you know: New Zealand does not have an official retirement age? The common age is to retire at 65 years old, as this is when pension payments begin, including from the government-funded New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super). The NZ Super Fund is “a global portfolio of investments that will help pay for the increased cost of universal superannuation payments (New Zealand Superannuation) in the future.” How can I find a house in New Zealand? Major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are popular among expats. However, other options, such as Hamilton or Tauranga, are worth considering. Initial research and visits can help you decide on the best location for you. Here are some helpful property search websites: TradeMe.co.nz RealEstate.co.nz PropertyValue.co.nz What is the healthcare system like in New Zealand? New Zealand’s healthcare system has a great reputation. In fact, the International Citizens Insurance claims that it is “one of the top 20 healthcare systems in the world” and is “on par with the United States and the United Kingdom.” The public system offers free or subsidised healthcare services. For permanent residents, paying income tax funds public healthcare access, though private health insurance is recommended to cover additional services. For more information on best insurance for expats, and the different healthcare options you may be eligible for, read this full blog by International Citizens Insurance. How do I open a bank account in New Zealand? A New Zealand bank account simplifies financial transactions, from paying rent to everyday expenses. Major banks like ANZ, ASB, and BNZ may allow you to open an account while still in your home country. Requirements typically include your passport, visa documents, a New Zealand address, arrival date, and employment details. Securing Employment in New Zealand To work in New Zealand, start your job search through platforms such as Hays Globalink and local job sites. If you’re moving on a work-stream visa, you might already have a job lined up. Hays Globalink specialises in supporting skilled professionals relocating to New Zealand. With over 15 years of experience, they have assisted thousands of professionals in securing both permanent and temporary jobs in New Zealand, offering a wealth of knowledge and resources to make your transition as smooth as possible. Their team can be reached at globalinkteam@hays.com. New Zealand slang terms you may need to know! As important as visas, bank accounts and healthcare are, it’s almost as important to be able to speak with people once you arrive in your new home country! It starts off simple with “Sweet/Sweet As” (meaning ‘Thank you’, ‘It’s all good’, or ‘No worries’), or “Bro” (used similarly to ‘Mate’, ‘Man’, or ‘Dude’). However, there are some other key slang terms you may need to know, including: Choice – meaning ‘great’ or ‘excellent’ Snag – another word for ‘sausage’ Yarn – a friendly chat Dunny – the toilet Far out – meaning ‘wow’ or ‘awesome’ For a full list of terms you may need to know to show off the local lingo, click here! Relocating to New Zealand This is where Crown Relocations can help! We are here to guide you through every step of your move to New Zealand, ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Whether it’s navigating visa applications, finding the perfect home, or understanding the healthcare system, Crown Relocations offers comprehensive support to make your move as seamless as possible. Contact our friendly team now and get a quote!