Summary
Indians are now the third-largest migrant community in New Zealand — with significant growth over the past five years driven by skilled worker demand in healthcare, IT, engineering and construction; the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the primary pathway for most Indian professionals in 2026
The AEWV requires a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer at or above NZD $35.00 per hour (the median wage as of March 2026); a five-year AEWV requires at least 1.5x the median wage, approximately NZD $50.34 per hour
NZD to INR transfers are NZD $4 flat fee with OrbitRemit — fee-free above NZD $10,000 — with over 85% of transfers arriving within 2 hours
New Zealand’s reputation for natural beauty, quality of life and a well-organised immigration system has made it an increasingly popular destination for Indian professionals, students and families. The country’s workforce shortages in healthcare, IT, construction and education have created sustained demand for Indian-born workers across skill levels — and the immigration system has evolved to reflect that.
This guide covers the visa pathways, what to expect on arrival, and everything you need to know to build a life in New Zealand from India, particularly focusing on moving to New Zealand from India in 2026.
The Indian community in New Zealand
According to Statistics New Zealand, Indians are now the third-largest migrant community in the country — a position reached through sustained growth over the past five years. The Indian community is well-established across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Hamilton, with Indian grocers, temples, community organisations, cricket clubs and cultural festivals present in all major cities.
Auckland has the largest Indian community, concentrated in the South Auckland suburbs of Manukau, Papatoetoe and Otahuhu, and the North Shore. Wellington’s Indian community is smaller but growing, supported by IT and public sector employment.
The community spans a wide range of occupations — IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, accountants, teachers, small business owners and tradespeople — reflecting the diversity of India’s skilled workforce.
Visa options for Indians moving to New Zealand
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — the main work pathway
The AEWV is the primary visa for Indian professionals moving to New Zealand with a job offer. Introduced in 2022, it replaced the previous Essential Skills visa and requires your employer to be accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Requirements:
- Valid job offer from an INZ-accredited New Zealand employer
- Role must meet the applicable wage threshold — at least NZD $35.00 per hour (the median wage as of March 2026) for standard eligibility
- For a 5-year AEWV, your salary must be at least 1.5x the median wage — approximately NZD $50.34 per hour
- English language: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent — exempt if you hold a degree taught entirely in English from a recognised institution
- Meet health and character requirements
What it gives you:
- Live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years (standard) or 5 years (higher salary)
- Your partner can receive an open work visa to work for any employer
- Your dependent children can attend New Zealand schools
Pathway to residence: After 2 years on an AEWV in a skilled role, you can apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List pathway (if your occupation is on the Green List).
Green List — direct pathway to residence for in-demand occupations
The Green List is a curated list of occupations where New Zealand has a critical shortage. Indian professionals in Green List occupations can obtain residence much faster.
Tier 1 (straight to residence): Certain specialist occupations can apply directly for a Resident Visa without meeting a points threshold. This includes specialist doctors, nurses, some engineers and other critical shortage roles.
Tier 2 (2 years to residence): Work in a Tier 2 Green List role for 2 years and you qualify for residence. Many healthcare, construction, IT and trade occupations are on Tier 2.
Check the current Green List at immigration.govt.nz — it is updated regularly to reflect workforce needs.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — points-based permanent residence
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand’s points-based pathway to permanent residence. Major changes take effect on 24 August 2026 — the most significant reform in years.
From 24 August 2026, two new SMC pathways:
Skilled Work Experience pathway: For workers who have been in New Zealand on a work visa and have accrued skilled employment experience. Removes the expression of interest (EOI) ballot and allows direct applications.
Trades and Technician pathway: A dedicated pathway for qualified tradespeople and technicians — recognising the sustained shortage in these occupations.
English language, age and qualification points all apply. Check current requirements at immigration.govt.nz — the 24 August changes mean some pre-existing EOI drafts will be deleted.
Student visa — study and residence pathway
Indian students are a significant and growing group in New Zealand’s education sector.
Key figures:
- Tuition: NZD $20,000-$35,000 per year — generally lower than Australia or Canada
- Post-study work rights: Graduate students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) to work in New Zealand after completing their qualification
- Pathway to residence: Student → PSWV → skilled employment → SMC or Green List
English requirement: Most universities require IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent.
Family and partner visas
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for a Partner Visa. The process involves demonstrating a genuine and continuing relationship across financial, household, social and commitment criteria. Processing times for partner visas are typically 12-24 months.
Where to live in New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland is home to the majority of New Zealand’s Indian community. The South Auckland suburbs — Manukau, Papatoetoe, Otahuhu, Flat Bush — have Indian supermarkets, restaurants, temples (including the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Flatbush), clothing stores and a strong cultural community. North Shore and East Auckland (Botany, Howick) are also popular with Indian professionals.
Auckland is the strongest job market in New Zealand — particularly for IT, finance, construction and healthcare. It is also the most expensive city. Average one-bedroom rent: NZD $2,000-$2,600 per month in the inner suburbs; NZD $1,600-$2,000 in South Auckland.
Wellington
Wellington has a smaller but well-established Indian community, driven primarily by IT, public service and healthcare employment. The cost of living is slightly lower than Auckland. Average one-bedroom rent: NZD $1,800-$2,300 per month.
Christchurch
Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and has seen strong growth since the 2010-2011 earthquake rebuild. Strong demand for construction, engineering and healthcare workers. Lower cost of living than Auckland. Average one-bedroom rent: NZD $1,500-$1,900 per month.
Hamilton
Hamilton is an affordable city one hour south of Auckland with a growing Indian community. Strong in agriculture, dairy, education and healthcare sectors. Lower rents than Auckland or Wellington. Popular with families and those on skilled regional visas.
Cost of living in New Zealand
New Zealand median wages are competitive — the national median wage is NZD $35.00 per hour as of March 2026. The minimum wage is NZD $23.95 per hour.
| City | Rent (1BR) | Groceries | Transport | Total (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland (inner) | NZD $2,000-$2,600 | NZD $500-$600 | NZD $200 | NZD $2,800-$3,500 |
| Auckland (South) | NZD $1,600-$2,000 | NZD $450-$550 | NZD $150 | NZD $2,300-$2,800 |
| Wellington | NZD $1,800-$2,300 | NZD $480-$580 | NZD $150 | NZD $2,500-$3,100 |
| Christchurch | NZD $1,500-$1,900 | NZD $420-$520 | NZD $120 | NZD $2,100-$2,600 |
Biggest cost shocks for Indian migrants on arrival:
- Rental bond (4 weeks) plus first month’s rent upfront — budget NZD $6,000-$10,000 before arriving
- Grocery prices — significantly higher than India
- Healthcare without public coverage — arrange private health insurance if you are on a temporary visa and not yet eligible for the public system
Healthcare in New Zealand
New Zealand does not have a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with India. Indian migrants are not automatically eligible for public healthcare (funded by Te Whatu Ora) until they become permanent residents.
While on a temporary visa:
- Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC): ALL residents and visitors in New Zealand — including temporary visa holders — are covered for accident-related injuries. ACC covers treatment, rehabilitation and income replacement for injuries regardless of visa status.
- Public healthcare: Not funded for most temporary visa holders. You will be charged for GP visits (approximately NZD $60-$100) and non-emergency hospital treatment.
- Private health insurance: Strongly recommended for temporary visa holders. Budget NZD $60-$150 per month for a standard plan.
Permanent residents: Eligible for full funded public healthcare.
Banking in New Zealand
New Zealand’s major banks — ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac and Kiwibank — all accept Indian migrants.
Best for Indians: ANZ has the most flexible pre-arrival account opening (up to 90 days before arrival) and accepts overseas address documentation. ASB’s app-based opening is the most straightforward for pre-arrival.
Documents needed: Passport and proof of address. ANZ accepts overseas documents including foreign utility bills and insurance policies as proof of address — making it the easiest first bank for new arrivals without a NZ address yet.
IRD number: Apply at ird.govt.nz on arrival. Without it, banks withhold 45% on interest earned. The IRD number is also required to work in New Zealand.
For the full guide: How to open a bank account in New Zealand as a new migrant →
Driving in New Zealand
India is not on New Zealand’s exempt country list, meaning Indian migrants must pass both a theory test (35 questions, 91% pass mark — available in multiple languages including Hindi) and a practical driving test to obtain a New Zealand driver’s licence.
You can drive on your valid Indian licence for up to 18 months from your last date of entry. Act early — conversions are in high demand at AA Driver Licensing outlets.
For the full guide: How to get a driver’s licence in New Zealand as a new migrant →
KiwiSaver
KiwiSaver is New Zealand’s workplace retirement savings scheme. You are automatically enrolled when you start a new job. Your employer contributes 3.5% of your salary on top of your wages, and the government adds up to NZD $260.72 per year for eligible members.
Temporary visa holders are generally not eligible for KiwiSaver — check your eligibility at ird.govt.nz before enrolling.
For the full guide: What is KiwiSaver? A plain-English guide for migrants →
Fun facts: India and New Zealand
- Diwali is one of New Zealand’s largest cultural festivals — Auckland’s Diwali Festival of Lights in October draws over 80,000 people annually, making it one of the largest Diwali celebrations outside India
- Cricket is the strongest sporting connection — New Zealand and India play some of the most competitive test cricket in the world; both countries take the game very seriously
- New Zealand has the world’s highest Bollywood cinema density per capita — Auckland’s Indian cinema scene is well-developed, with Bollywood films regularly showing in mainstream cinemas
- New Zealand and India have a Free Trade Agreement — negotiations were concluded in 2023, making business and investment between the two countries progressively easier
- The NZD to INR rate fluctuates — use OrbitRemit’s rate alerts to be notified when the rate hits your target before sending
Sending money from New Zealand to India
OrbitRemit supports fast, affordable transfers from New Zealand directly to all major Indian banks and UPI.
- NZD to INR: NZD $4 flat fee (fee-free above NZD $10,000)
- Direct to SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis, Canara, PNB, Union Bank, Bank of Baroda and all major Indian banks
- UPI delivery supported
- Over 85% of transfers arrive within 2 hours
- Rate fixed at confirmation — no hidden charges
- Supervised by the DIA in New Zealand (FSP7721)
- Rated Excellent on Trustpilot from over 34,000 reviews
FAQ’s (frequently asked questions)
What visa do I need to move to New Zealand from India?
Most Indian professionals move to New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which requires a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer at or above NZD $35.00 per hour. Students come on a Student Visa. Permanent residence is most commonly obtained through the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List pathway after 2+ years of skilled employment.
How much do I need to earn to get an AEWV?
At least NZD $35.00 per hour (the median wage as of March 2026) for a standard AEWV. For a 5-year AEWV, at least NZD $50.34 per hour (1.5x the median wage).
Do I need an English test for a New Zealand work visa?
Yes for most visa types. An AEWV typically requires IELTS 5.0 or equivalent. You may be exempt if you hold a degree taught entirely in English from a recognised institution.
Is healthcare free in New Zealand for Indian migrants?
Not for temporary visa holders. All visitors and residents are covered for accidents under ACC regardless of visa type, but most healthcare costs (GP visits, hospital treatment) are charged to temporary visa holders. Permanent residents receive full funded healthcare. Private health insurance is strongly recommended while on a temporary visa.
What is the Indian community like in New Zealand?
Indians are the third-largest migrant community in New Zealand, with the strongest concentration in South Auckland. There are Indian supermarkets, restaurants, temples, cultural organisations and cricket clubs in all major cities.
How do I send money from New Zealand to India?
OrbitRemit supports NZD to INR transfers at a flat NZD $4 fee, fee-free above NZD $10,000, with UPI delivery supported. Visit orbitremit.com/india for current rates.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Visa requirements, fees and thresholds are subject to change — always verify current requirements at immigration.govt.nz or consult a licensed immigration adviser before applying. Last updated July 2026.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand — AEWV requirements (immigration.govt.nz) | bestmigrationconsultant.com — Migrate to New Zealand from India 2026 | bajwamigration.com — Cost of Living New Zealand for Indians 2026 | Statistics New Zealand — Population by country of birth | relocatedownunder.com — NZ Immigration News
