How to Get Paid to Move to New Zealand in (2024)

New Zealand is one of the most breathtaking countries in the world. Everywhere you go, there’s amazing natural scenery.

Besides that, New Zealand ranks high in global quality of life rankings. To top it all off, the locals are friendly, warm, and welcoming.

For these reasons, people from all over the world wish to migrate there. Yet, this is much easier said than done.

That’s because living in New Zealand can get incredibly pricey. Luckily, there’s a way around this issue.

You can get a job that’ll pay for your moving expenses. So, if you’re looking for a way to get paid to move to New Zealand, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the process.

Can You Get Paid to Move to New Zealand?

The simple answer to the question is yes. There are a few businesses in New Zealand that will pay you to relocate there.

That’s because some towns in the country have an incredibly small population. So, there usually isn’t enough labor to go around.

For example, the town of Kaitangata only has about 800 residents. This means they’re always on the lookout for an extra hand.

Because of that, you’ll find about 1,500 vacant jobs in the area.

Besides that, there are a few fields of specialty missing from the town. These include people with experience in:

• Dairy processing
• Tourism
• Agriculture
• Forestry

Experts in these fields will usually get priority when it comes to issuing work visas.

How Much Can You Make by Moving to New Zealand?

Now that you know you can get paid to move, we can take a look at how much money you can make.

The answer to this question will depend on your qualifications. For instance, people with experience in the service industry have lower salaries.

So, waiters, baristas, and chefs can make an average of $63,000 a year. Yet, there are occupations that pay a lot more than that.

This includes jobs in the IT industry. If you have enough experience, your average earning potential is around $112,000 per year. Although, with highly specialized skills, you can push that number to close to $118,000.

Aside from that, some employers will give workers other benefits. They’ll pay for housing and moving expenses.

Are There Tax Benefits to Moving to New Zealand?

Few people know that moving to New Zealand has a few tax incentives. For starters, as a new immigrant, you’ll be exempt from paying taxes on most of your overseas income. This can last up to your first four years in the country.

Besides that, the New Zealand tax system is fair. So, you won’t have to pay for items like:

• Inheritance tax
• General healthcare tax
• Payroll tax
• Social security tax
• General capital gains tax
• Local or regional tax

Places in New Zealand That Pay You to Move

There are many locations in New Zealand looking for new workers. So, if you’re ready to travel and get paid while doing so, we can help you. In this section, we’ll go over a few cities that have job vacancies.  

1. Northland

Northland is one of the least urbanized areas in New Zealand. Yet, there are plenty of job opportunities in the area. That’s because it’s one of the fastest-growing regions. Over the past few years, Northland has seen a major boom in population.

How Much You Can Make

The average yearly salary in Northland is around $67,000. Although, this will depend on your level of experience and qualifications.

Besides that, the industry you work in will play a major role. For instance, some individuals in the business sector can make up to $100,000 a year.

What Makes This Option Great

Aside from the high earning potential, there are a few advantages to moving to Northland.

First up, the views are stunning. Everywhere you look in the area, you’ll find forests and massive trees. This makes it the ideal location for any nature lover out there.

Other than that, the weather is incredible. The summers are warm with gentle breezes, while the winters are mild. So, if you’re not a fan of the cold, Northland may be the perfect destination.

Finally, Northland is an excellent spot to raise a family. The area is quiet and far away from the hustle of the city. Plus, the city boasts many amazing schools.

2. Marlborough

Marlborough is another amazing option. It’s located in the northeast of the South Island. The district is mostly mountainous, with many water passageways in between.

Besides that, Marlborough is home to over 49,000 New Zealand citizens. This includes all sorts of ethnicities and social backgrounds.

How Much You Can Make

The average earning potential in Marlborough is close to $72,000 a year. Yet, this is just an estimate.

So, you may end up make making much more, or less, than that. Some people can earn salaries as high as $113,000.

Although these numbers are typically reserved for specific sectors. That includes people in the executive and general management industry.

What Makes This Option Great

There are countless attractions in Marlborough. First up, it’s the home of an expansive winemaking industry.

Plus, it’s the land of sunshine. That means you can go hiking, climbing, cycling, and swimming for most of the year.

Moving on, Marlborough is one of the safest districts in New Zealand. This makes it ideal for raising a family.

Besides that, there are countless activities for kids to enjoy. They can spend their days by the beach or at youth centers.

Lastly, Marlborough has a laid-back air to it. The area is quiet for most of the year. So, you can enjoy the spectacular views without the competitive nature of cities.

That’s why many people decide to move to the district after they retire.

3. Wellington

We can’t talk about New Zealand without mentioning Wellington. It’s the capital of the country, which means there’s no shortage of job vacancies.

Besides that, the area is bustling with life. Anywhere you go, you’ll find small shops and cafes lining the walls of Wellington. So, if you’re a big-city person, this destination may be for you.

How Much You Can Make

Since it’s the capital, the earning potential there is a little higher than in other locations. On average, people make about $78,649 per year. This translates to around $38 per hour.

Yet, depending on your profession, that can change. For example, the annual salary of a pharmacist can reach $153,000. On the other hand, the salary of a bank teller is closer to $47,000.

What Makes This Option Great

There are many areas in New Zealand that offer a quiet lifestyle. While this can be relaxing, it isn’t for everyone.

Some people need a lot more action in their lives. If that’s the case, then consider moving to Wellington.

The area has an exceptionally lively scene with a vibrant culture. Aside from that, the city boasts a high quality of life. You’ll find all sorts of amenities scattered throughout the destination.

Jobs That Pay You to Relocate to New Zealand

Aside from finding the best destination, you have to think about the work you’ll do. So, to make your life a bit easier, we’ll cover a few businesses that’ll pay you to relocate.

We’ll talk about what type of jobs they have to offer and how much you can expect in terms of salary.

1. Advanced Personal Management Group

The APM Group is looking for qualified psychologists who are willing to move to New Zealand. It’s seeking people with clinical expertise who can support clients with recovery. You’ll guide patients and help them stay on the road to rehabilitation.

On top of that, the APM Group will pay to relocate you to several locations across New Zealand.

How Much You Can Make

While the job listing doesn’t specify, a psychologist can make around $47 an hour. This roughly translates to about $91,000 a year.

Although entry-level positions can start from $80,000 a year. This means that depending on your level of experience, the salary will change.

What Makes This Option Great

APM Group has a diverse team with over 9,000 members. The company doesn’t discriminate and encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. This creates a harmonious environment that you won’t find anywhere else.

Besides that, with APM, you’ll be able to grow your career in Human Services. You’ll have access to countless learning opportunities and networking programs. Because of that, this position can act as a launching pad.

2. CareJobz

CareJobz is an organization that helps place healthcare professionals into new jobs. It offers a wide variety of job opportunities across New Zealand and Australia.

For instance, the company is looking for an MSK Physiotherapist. This individual will need to have a few skills. These include:

• Conducting assessments on patients
• Offering expert advice
• Setting goals
• Collaborating with internal panels and managers
• Monitoring client progress
• Filling out detailed reports

How Much You Can Make

CareJobz boasts a competitive salary in the job description. Because of that, we can assume that the pay is on the higher end for a physiotherapist.

On average, these workers can earn anywhere from $75,000 to $80,000. Yet, as a specialized practitioner, you have the potential to make much more money.

What Makes This Option Great

Other than the high salary, this position offers a few additional benefits. To start off, CareJobz provides health insurance and wellness support to workers. Plus, it gives lifestyle discounts and opportunities for career growth.

Moving on, if you work more than 30 hours a week, you’ll be eligible for a company car. Finally, employees of CareJobz get five weeks of annual leave.

3. WesTrac Cat

WesTrac Cat is another company that’ll help pay for your relocation expenses. The company is a leading provider of construction equipment in the area.

Because of that, it has vacancies in various job roles. For instance, WesTrac is looking for warehouse managers and customer service representatives.

As a client support agent, you’ll have to deal with stock management, among other duties. These include:

• Follow up on customer inquiries
• Call management
• Order management
• Data processing
• Retail sales

How Much You Can Make

Typically, a customer service agent in Otago, New Zealand will make around $24.23 an hour. That means the yearly wages are just above $50,000.

The job description does say that this is negotiable based on your experience. Yet, it’s unlikely that the salary will increase beyond $55,000 a year.

What Makes This Option Great

There are many benefits to working with WesTrac Cat. For starters, the company will pay you up to $8,000 to help you with relocation.

Other than that, it has competitive remuneration. Plus, you’ll get access to an online learning community. There, you’ll find classes that’ll help you develop your professional skills.

Moving on, you’ll be eligible for employee discounts. So, if you’re ever renovating your home, you can get all sorts of expensive tools at a fraction of the price.

Lastly, WesTrac offers employees a 12-week parental leave. If you’re finding it hard to land a gig in New Zealand, don’t give up. It may take a few months to find a suitable position.

In the meantime, consider applying to travel gigs. These jobs will allow you to see the world as you work for a living. You should also be able to find opportunities for seasonal work.

Why You Should Consider Moving to New Zealand

Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. You have to say goodbye to your loved ones and adjust to life in a strange environment.

Although, there are many benefits to moving overseas. This is especially true when it comes to New Zealand. The country has countless attractions to offer.

1. High Quality of Life

New Zealand consistently ranks quite high in global quality of life rankings. This is due to a few reasons.

For starters, the country has an excellent healthcare system. Besides that, there are exceptional schools in every district.

Moving on, Kiwis are some of the most friendly people on Earth. They’ll welcome you with a firm handshake and a smile.

So, you shouldn’t have any trouble making friends and building a life of your own.

2. No Language Barrier

One of the best parts about moving to New Zealand is that there’s no language barrier. The majority of the citizens speak English.

So, aside from a few colloquialisms, understanding the locals should be a breeze. Aside from that, you won’t find many cultural differences.

3. Stunning Views

If you’re a fan of nature, then there’s no better place for you than New Zealand. The country offers spectacular views in every area.

From mountain ranges to pure, crystal-clear seas, there’s no shortage of scenery. That’s why The Hobbit Trilogy and part of The Narnia Chronicles were filmed there.

4. Family Friendly

We talked about how New Zealand has an amazing school system. Yet, there are many other reasons to raise your children there.

Right off the bat, kids can run around freely in the open air. They’ll get to explore the entire country and all it has to offer, from scenery to wildlife.

Besides that, children can enjoy countless facilities and activities during the summer.

5. Progressive Culture

New Zealand is one of the most progressive countries on the globe. When it comes to healthcare, schools, and even politics, the country is ahead of the curve.

There’s almost no discrimination toward gender, race, or social background. Because of that, all walks of life can coexist in peace. This makes New Zealand one of the few ideal oases in the world.

Is It Cheap to Live in New Zealand?

Living in New Zealand is usually on the more expensive side. This is especially true when you first move there.

The relocation costs can be pricey. That’s because you have to factor in expenses for a work visa, shipping costs, and property prices. Yet, once you settle in, your costs will drop considerably.

On average, an expat will pay around 1,200 to 1,500 NZD in rent. This amounts to about $790 to $990 per month. Although, this only applies to housing in the major cities. If you settle down in smaller towns, your rent rates will go down.

Besides that, you need to take into account your personal expenses. These include groceries, transportation, utilities, and other living costs.

Thankfully, the utilities aren’t all that expensive in New Zealand. They’ll run you anywhere from $160 to $200 a month. Plus, most housing facilities build this into your rent. So, you won’t have to worry about sudden electricity bills showing up.

Moving on, transportation is also quite affordable. The price of a bus ticket is less than $1.  

Finally, groceries are the only category that can get a bit pricey. Depending on your diet, you can spend between $30 and $35 a day per person. This roughly translates to a range of $900 to $1,000.

For these reasons, aside from rent, you’ll need an additional 3,000 NZD or $1,900.

What Is a Livable Salary in New Zealand?

To live in New Zealand, you need a minimum annual salary of about $20,000. Although, you’ll only be able to enjoy certain aspects of the city.

With this salary, expats can pay for rent, utilities, and transportation. Yet, other amenities will be out of reach. To lead a comfortable life, your wages should be closer to $75,000 a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Locations to Consider

If you’re not 100% sold on New Zealand, there are a few other locations to consider.

• Get Paid to Move to Scotland: If you’re a fan of whiskey distilleries and bagpipes, this destination may be for you. Plus, you’ll get a chance to hunt for the Loch Ness Monster. Click here to find out if Scotland will pay for relocation.
• Get Paid to Move to Italy: If you’re an art lover, then Italy should be perfect for you. The country is one of the world’s leading cultural hubs. Plus, the fashion scene there is incredible. Click here to find out what it’ll take to move to Italy.  
• Get Paid to Move to Africa: If wildlife is your passion, you won’t find a better spot than Africa. Click here to find out what parts of the continent are hiring.

Wrapping Up

If you’re looking for a way to get paid to move to New Zealand, there are a few factors to consider. First up, the country offers countless opportunities for relocation.

There are several industries that are always on the lookout for more skilled workers. These include the dairy processing, agricultural, and forestry sectors.

Besides that, you’ll find many advantages in moving to New Zealand. For starters, it boasts an exceptionally high quality of life.

Plus, there’s no language barrier, and you’ll get to enjoy stunning views. Finally, New Zealanders are incredibly friendly and have a progressive culture.

Did you find our guide to getting paid to move to New Zealand helpful? Let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share this article with your friends.