When considering working in New Zealand as a foreigner, one of the significant aspects to factor into your plans is the cost of the visa. The expense of a New Zealand visa can vary widely based on several factors, such as the type of visa, your nationality, and whether you’re applying as an individual or as part of a family. This article will break down the costs associated with different New Zealand visas commonly sought by foreigners for work – related purposes.
Skilled Work Visas
Essential Skills Work Visa
Base Application Fee: The base application fee for an Essential Skills Work Visa is currently around NZ$495. This fee is non – refundable, regardless of the outcome of your application. It covers the administrative costs of processing your request by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Accompanying Family Members: If you’re applying with family members, there are additional costs. For a partner or spouse, the application fee is also NZ$495. For each child under 19 years old, the fee is NZ$250. These fees are important to note as they can significantly increase the overall cost of the visa application if you’re bringing your family along.
Additional Costs: There may be extra costs depending on your situation. For example, if you need to provide certified translations of your documents (if they are not in English), you’ll have to pay for translation services. Also, you’ll need to cover the cost of a medical examination by an approved panel doctor, which can range from approximately NZ$200 – NZ$500 depending on the complexity of the examination and the location of the doctor. Additionally, obtaining a police clearance certificate from your home country and any other countries where you’ve lived for an extended period (usually 12 months or more in the past 10 years) may incur costs, which can vary from country to country but are often around NZ$50 – NZ$100.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (if applicable during work – to – residence transition)
Expression of Interest (EOI) Fee: Before applying for the actual residence visa, you first need to submit an EOI. The EOI fee is NZ$330. This fee is paid to enter the pool of potential immigrants. If your EOI is selected, you’ll then be invited to apply for the residence visa.
Residence Application Fee: Once invited, the residence application fee for the Skilled Migrant Category is much higher. It’s currently around NZ$2,160 for the principal applicant. For a partner or spouse, the fee is NZ$1,080, and for each child under 19, it’s NZ$540. Similar to the Essential Skills Work Visa, there may be additional costs for medicals, police clearances, and document translations.
Working Holiday Visas
General Working Holiday Visa
Application Fee: The application fee for a Working Holiday Visa is relatively lower compared to some other work – related visas. It’s typically around NZ$165. This fee allows you to apply for the visa, which gives you the opportunity to work and travel in New Zealand for a limited period, usually 12 months.
Additional Requirements Costs: Although the application fee is not high, you still need to meet certain requirements that may come with costs. For example, you’re required to have a valid return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one. You also need to show that you have at least NZ$4,200 to support yourself during your stay. While these aren’t direct visa costs, they are necessary expenses to consider. Additionally, you’ll need to pay for a medical examination (if required, which is often the case for longer stays or if you have certain health conditions) and a police clearance certificate, adding to the overall cost.
Business – Related Work Visas
Entrepreneur Work Visa
Application Fee: The application fee for an Entrepreneur Work Visa is NZ$610. This visa is for those who want to start a business in New Zealand. Along with the application fee, you’ll need to invest a certain amount in your business, which is a significant cost factor. The minimum investment requirement is usually at least NZ$100,000, depending on the nature of the business.
Business Setup Costs: Besides the visa application fee and the investment, you’ll also have costs associated with setting up your business. This includes registering the business, renting premises, purchasing equipment, and hiring staff. These costs can vary greatly depending on the type of business you’re starting. For example, if you’re opening a small retail store, you may need to budget for leasehold improvements, inventory, and marketing, which could amount to tens of thousands of New Zealand dollars.
Residence Pathway Costs: If you plan to transition from an Entrepreneur Work Visa to residence, there will be additional costs. The residence application fee for the entrepreneur – related residence category can be around NZ$2,160 for the principal applicant, with similar additional fees for family members as in the Skilled Migrant Category.
Investor Visas
Investor 1 Visa
Application Fee: The application fee for an Investor 1 Visa is NZ$610. However, the major cost associated with this visa is the investment requirement. You need to invest at least NZ$10 million in New Zealand for at least three years. This investment can be in various forms such as government bonds, shares in New Zealand companies, or real estate development projects.
Due Diligence and Advisory Costs: Given the large – scale investment involved, you may need to hire financial advisors, lawyers, and accountants to assist with the investment process. These professional services can cost a significant amount, often in the tens of thousands of New Zealand dollars, depending on the complexity of the investment and the scope of services required.
Investor 2 Visa
Application Fee: The application fee for an Investor 2 Visa is also NZ$610. For this visa, you’re required to invest at least NZ$3 million in New Zealand for at least four years. Similar to the Investor 1 Visa, you may incur costs for professional advice during the investment process. Additionally, you need to meet other requirements such as having an IELTS overall score of at least 3.5 or equivalent, and if you need to take an English language test, there will be a test fee, which is around NZ$300.
Family – Sponsored Work – Related Visas
Partner of a New Zealand Resident or Citizen (Work Rights Included)
Application Fee: The application fee for a partner visa, when the partner will have work rights, is NZ$1,650 for the principal applicant. If you’re applying as a couple, the total cost can be significant. There are no additional fees for dependent children included in the application. However, as with other visas, you’ll need to cover the costs of medical examinations and police clearances for all family members.
Sponsorship Costs: The sponsor (the New Zealand resident or citizen) may also have some costs associated with the sponsorship process. They may need to provide financial statements and other documentation to prove their ability to support the partner, which could involve some administrative or professional service costs if they need help in preparing these documents.
Hidden Costs and Budgeting Tips
Hidden Costs
Currency Exchange Fees: When paying your visa application fees, especially if you’re using a foreign – issued credit or debit card, you may be charged currency exchange fees by your bank. These fees can add a small percentage (usually around 2 – 3%) to the total cost of the application.
Post – Approval Costs: Once your visa is approved, there may be costs associated with traveling to New Zealand. For example, airfare can be a significant expense, especially if you’re coming from a long – haul destination. Additionally, when you arrive in New Zealand, you may need to pay for accommodation, transportation, and initial living expenses until you start working and receiving income.
Budgeting Tips
Research Thoroughly: Before applying for a visa, research all the potential costs involved. Make a detailed list of the application fees, additional requirements costs, and any post – approval expenses. This will give you a clear picture of how much you need to save.
Plan Ahead: If possible, plan your application well in advance. This way, you can spread out the costs over time. For example, you can start saving for the visa application fee months before you actually apply. You can also look for ways to reduce costs, such as getting multiple quotes for translation services or medical examinations.
Consider Family Options: If you’re applying with family members, look into family – package deals or discounts if available. Some visa types may have reduced fees for family members applying together.
Conclusion
The cost of a New Zealand visa for work – related purposes can vary significantly depending on the type of visa you choose. From the relatively inexpensive Working Holiday Visa to the high – investment – required Investor Visas, it’s crucial to understand all the costs involved. By carefully researching, budgeting, and planning ahead, you can ensure that you’re well – prepared financially for the visa application process and your subsequent move to New Zealand for work. Remember to factor in not only the direct application fees but also the additional costs such as medicals, police clearances, and post – approval expenses. This comprehensive approach will help you make an informed decision and avoid any financial surprises along the way.
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