Working Overseas from New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

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The Remitly editorial team is a global group of writers and editors passionate about helping Kiwis thrive in New Zealand and beyond.

Key Highlights

Thinking about working overseas from New Zealand? Here’s a quick look at what you need to think about before you get on the plane.

Getting international work experience can really help you in your line of work.
You need to know about the different types of work visa options, like the working holiday visa.
Many people from New Zealand like to go to Australia, Europe, or Asia. Each of these places has its own labour market.
It is good to get a job offer before you leave. This can make your visa application easier.
You should get ready for rules about tax and changes to your money. This will help make your move go well.
You need to plan so you get the most out of your time working and travelling in another country.

Introduction

Many people in New Zealand dream about working overseas, and now more get to make this dream come true. Some want work challenges. Some want a new place to live. Others want to get to know a different culture. There are lots of options out there for you. This guide is here to help you with every step. It will walk you through what happens from the start, right up to feeling at home in a new country. You will see tips on visas, money things, and how to get a job. These helpful steps should make your relocation from New Zealand straightforward.

Deciding to Work Overseas from New Zealand

Making the choice to work overseas is a big step for any New Zealander. It gives you the chance to use your qualification and work experience in a new place. This change can be very good for you in your personal life and it can help in your job too.

Before you go, it’s important to find out if your skills will be accepted there. You might need an international qualification assessment. You may also have to get a special registration for your job in that country. Let’s take a look at some countries you could go to and what you could do with your work experience.

Popular destinations for Kiwi workers

Kiwis like to get out and try new things, and the world has many fun places where you can work. Australia is always popular because it is close and the way of life is a lot like New Zealand. Now, more people want to look at other places and see what is out there.

There are many chances for work in Asia, and you get to see new ways of life. Europe is good too, with lots of places to visit and things to learn about its past. The Middle East and Canada also have many roles for people who have important skills. To start working overseas from New Zealand, you need to find out more about these countries. This will help you see which one fits with your job plans and how you want to live.

Where you go will depend on what line of work you are in and what you want. Queenstown and the Bay of Plenty have good jobs in New Zealand, but working in other countries can give you much more to choose from.

Types of overseas jobs for New Zealanders

The types of jobs you can get overseas are just as many as the places you can go. If you live in New Zealand, it’s very possible to find overseas travel jobs, especially in industries that are wanted in many countries. Many people from New Zealand work in areas where their skills are needed.

Getting local experience in another country can be a great help for your CV. Jobs in hospitality and healthcare are often looking for people with the right skills. Seasonal work is a great option too. It lets you travel and make money at the same time. Many people get jobs in:

Tourism and hospitality
Orchard or vineyard work
Ski season roles
Farm work

If you want more freedom in your life, being a digital nomad is also a good path. You can work from anywhere in the world for a company, not just in New Zealand. This gives you a lot of choice, but you need to think carefully about things like visas and tax.

Choosing between permanent, temporary, and remote roles

When you want to work overseas, you need to pick the type of job that is the best for your goals. Your specific situation will help you decide if a permanent role, a short-term job, or remote work is the right one for you.

A permanent role is a great option if you want to stay in a new country for a long time. Temporary work, like those short working holidays, is a good way to get experience while you travel. Remote roles let you work from home or anywhere you want, and, these days, more people are doing this. If you are from New Zealand and you want to work this way, you need to know about tax residency and tax rules in the country you are working from. These things can bring tax jobs for you and your boss.

Think about these things before you choose:

Long-term career goals
Want for travel and more choices
Visa rules (some visas do not let you get a permanent role)

Understanding Visas and Work Permits

Getting the right work visa and work permits is an important part of moving to another country for your job. Every country has its own rules, so it is good to know there are different types of work visa that you can get. The one you need depends on your job, what skills you have, and how long you want to stay.

Some countries, like New Zealand, have special systems like the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List. These can help people in jobs that are needed get approved faster. When you know about things like a temporary work visa or a residence visa, it becomes easier to plan out your move. Take some time to learn the different types of work visa. That way, you can find the one that is best for you.

This guide will help you understand the rules and what you need to do to get your visa for New Zealand or any other country.

Common visa requirements for New Zealanders

Visa rules can be different in every country. As a New Zealander, you will often see the same things needed for most places. The kind of visa you need will be based on where you want to go, what work you plan to do, and your age.

You usually have to show who you are, prove you are healthy, and show you are of good character. You may also have to show you have enough money to live there and a job offer that is real. Some jobs need you to have occupational registration in the country before you can start your visa application.

Most countries ask for these things:

A valid passport
Proof of a job offer
Evidence of qualifications and work experience
Health and character checks

Your first step should be to look at the visa options and registration details for the country you want to go.

Finding the right visa for your destination

Choosing the right visa is crucial. A visitor visa, for example, typically doesn’t allow you to work, so you’ll need a specific work visa. The right visa for your destination depends on whether you have a job offer, your age, and your long-term plans.

Working Holiday Visas are a popular choice for young Kiwis. These allow you to travel and take on temporary work for a set period, usually 12-24 months. If you plan to stay longer or have a specific skilled job, you might apply for a sponsored work visa or even a residence visa.

Here’s a simple breakdown of common visa types to help you understand your options.

Visa Type	Best For	Key Features
Working Holiday Visa	Young travellers (usually 18-35)	Allows temporary work and travel for 12-24 months. No permanent roles.
Sponsored Work Visa	Professionals with a job offer	Tied to a specific employer and role. Can be a pathway to permanent residency.
Skilled Migrant Visa	Highly qualified professionals in demand fields	Based on a points system for skills, experience, and age. Leads to a residence visa.
Remote/Digital Nomad	Location-independent workers	Specific visa categories are emerging for this. Rules vary widely by destination.

Tips for a successful visa application

Getting your visa approved takes good planning and careful work. The rules set by Immigration New Zealand, and other overseas immigration offices, are strict and must be followed closely. One thing you should do if you want to work overseas is to organise your documents early before you plan to go.

Begin by making a checklist to keep track of every document you’ll need. Make sure you know the terms of use for the visa you want. If you don’t, you could run into problems. Go over your list of applications and all supporting papers to be sure you have given full and true details. Check that you have not left anything out before you send your forms in.

For an easier journey, use these ideas:

Apply for your visa a long time before you want to travel.
Give simple, true, and full answers for every question.
Keep copies of everything you send in with your application.
If you have to speak with an embassy or consulate, find out if they have a priority phone line for help and when you should call. You might have to pick an option to speak with the right person too.

Preparing for Your Move Abroad

After you get your visa sorted, you start to think about the real side of your relocation. Getting ready to move overseas means more than just booking your flight. You have to plan your travel, set up your insurance, and put together all the important work papers you may need.

This part might seem like a lot, but making a list of small jobs can help. If you plan things ahead, you will get to your new place ready to begin and you won’t have to worry at the last minute. Here is what you should get sorted before you go.

Organising travel, work documents, and insurance

If you are about to move overseas for work from New Zealand, there are a few main things to sort out first. These are your travel plans, your most important documents, and travel and health insurance. You should book your flights as soon as your visa is ready, and you know what date you start your new job. Buying a one-way flight is best if you are not sure when you will return to New Zealand. Just make sure your visa doesn’t ask for proof that you plan to leave later.

Collect all your work papers, including your job contract, school records and any papers that show you can work in your area. It is smart to keep these as scans and as paper copies in a safe spot. Don’t forget things like your birth cert and driver’s licence.

You must have good health and travel insurance before you go, as your New Zealand health cover does not work once you are outside New Zealand. Make sure what you get will help you if you are unwell in your new country.

Book flights and arrange temporary accommodation for your arrival.
Organise and copy all essential personal and work documents.
Purchase comprehensive travel and health insurance.

Planning accommodation and living costs

Another thing to think about is your budget. It’s important to look into accommodation options and learn what living costs in your new city will be. The rent you pay in wellington or auckland could be very different from what you pay in London, Vancouver, or Kuala Lumpur.

Start by finding out the average price of rent, utilities, public transport, and groceries in your new city. There are websites that let you compare the cost of living in different places, and they are really helpful. This lets you know what income you will need to get by and be comfortable.

It’s good to get temporary accommodation for your first couple of weeks. This gives you some time to find a more permanent place to stay.

Research the rental market in your destination city.
Create a detailed budget based on estimated living costs.
Book a hotel, hostel, or short-term rental for your arrival.
Have enough savings to cover your initial expenses before your first paycheck.

Healthcare and safety considerations

Your health and safety matter most when you move out of New Zealand. Before you go, look at the New Zealand government’s SafeTravel website for tips and warnings about where you are going. You will find good info there about local laws, safety issues, and what to do if there is an emergency.

Find out how the healthcare system works in your new country. Ask if you will get care through public health or if you need private health insurance. Make sure you choose a plan that will cover your needs, like going to see a doctor or staying at a hospital during an emergency.

It is smart to look up how safe your new area is before you move.

Register your travel plans on the SafeTravel website.
Get to know how healthcare works where you are going and make sure your insurance is enough.
Learn local emergency numbers and where you can find the closest New Zealand embassy or consulate.

Managing Finances and Tax While Overseas

If you work overseas, you will have new money matters to deal with. Tax is often one of the biggest. You should know what you must do for New Zealand’s Inland Revenue, and also the tax people in the new country. It is important to know if you are still a tax resident. This will show where you have to pay tax.

It is not just about sending in a tax return. It can also change how your KiwiSaver and other superannuation plans work. If you get your money issues sorted out before you go, it will help you later. We will talk about banking, tax rules, and how you may use your savings.

Opening local and multi-currency bank accounts

Setting up the right bank accounts is one of the first things you need to do with your money. You will need a local bank account in your new country so you can get your pay and pay your bills. It is good to look up how to open a bank account as a non-resident, because the rules can be different.

A multi-currency account is also helpful. With this, you can hold, send, and get money in different currencies. This can help you save money on changing money when you move cash between your New Zealand (NZ) account and your new local account. There are a lot of new companies that can help you do this online.

Before you leave NZ, have a chat with your bank about what you are going to do.

Research the steps to open a bank account in your new country.
Think about getting a multi-currency account to make it easy to move money between countries.
Let your New Zealand bank know you plan to move so you do not have problems with your old accounts.

Handling New Zealand and overseas tax obligations

Knowing how tax works when you are working in another country is important. Your tax obligations in New Zealand depend on your tax residency status. If you leave New Zealand for a long time, you may become a non-resident for tax. This often means you only pay tax in New Zealand on money you still earn there, such as from a rental property.

But, if you are still a tax resident of New Zealand, you need to pay tax in NZ on all your income. This includes what you get from other countries. To stop paying tax twice, you can often use a tax credit for money paid in the other country. The tax rules can be tricky, and your tax residency may change based on how long you are away and where your family lives.

It is very important to know the tax rules in both places.

Work out your tax residency status for New Zealand.
Learn about the income tax rules in your new country.
Keep good records of all your income and the tax you have paid.
Ask for help from a tax professional if you are not sure what you need to do.

https://www.ird.govt.nz/

Accessing KiwiSaver or superannuation from abroad

Your KiwiSaver account will not vanish if you leave NZ and move overseas. But the rules for adding money or taking it out do change. Normally, you can’t make regular payments from your overseas pay. You also won’t get any help from the government or your boss with contributions when you are not in NZ.

If you have lived overseas for one year (except for when you go to Australia), it may be possible to take out your KiwiSaver money. But, this does not work if you move to Australia. In that case, you can shift your KiwiSaver money to an Australia superannuation scheme.

When you think about your superannuation, keep in mind:

You can leave your money in your KiwiSaver while being overseas.
In some cases, after one year away (not for australia), you can take out your savings.
If you move to australia, you may shift your KiwiSaver money to an australian super fund.

Finding Reliable Job Opportunities

Getting the right job is one of the first steps when you want to work outside New Zealand. You can begin your job search even while you are still in New Zealand. This is possible because of online tools and international job agencies. If you get a job offer before you leave, this can make getting your visa much easier.

Many organisations and websites want to help people from New Zealand find jobs in other places. It does not matter if you want a full-time position, a short job, or to help as a volunteer. The key is to know where to begin your search. Let’s take a look at some good ways you can start your job hunt.

Job search websites and recruitment agencies

To find job listings you can trust, begin your search online. You can use global job sites like LinkedIn or Indeed. There are also job boards that are set up just for each country. These are good places to start. Many new zealand employers with offices in other countries will share job roles inside the company.

There are also recruitment agencies that can help, especially if you are one of the highly qualified specialists. Try to find agencies that know your line of work and have offices in more than one country. They might show you jobs that you might not see anywhere else, and they know about the latest job trends in the area.

It is wise not to forget about the power of networking. Talk to people in your field who work overseas. They may know about open jobs or have good advice for you.

Use global job search websites.
Connect with international recruitment agencies.
Leverage your professional network on platforms like LinkedIn.
Tailor your CV and cover letter for each specific country and role.

Working holiday schemes and volunteering options

Working holiday schemes are a great way for young people from New Zealand to work and travel. New Zealand has deals with many countries, so working holiday visa holders can take short-term jobs. These jobs are often in hospitality, tourism, or farming. It lets you really get to know another country and its people.

There are organisations in New Zealand that help people find these working holiday options. Some companies set up the whole trip. They help with your visa, finding jobs, and sorting out a place to stay. Volunteering is a good way to learn new things and help others. You can help out on nature projects, teach in schools, or join in community work in different parts of the world.

You get more than just money from these jobs, no matter what you do or where you work.

Explore countries that have a working holiday visa deal with new zealand.
Use special agencies if you want help planning your working holiday.
You could volunteer if you want something different and special.
All these options are a great way to meet people from all over, both travellers and locals.

Government resources for New Zealanders working overseas

The New Zealand government has many resources that can help Kiwis who want to work overseas. You will find the SafeTravel section on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) website. This part of the site is a key tool for planning before you leave the country. It gives travel advice and information from consular services.

While you are in another country, you can get help from New Zealand embassies and consulates if you have an emergency. These places will not look for jobs for you, but they are an important support if you need help. There are also organisations, like Kea New Zealand, that let Kiwis overseas keep in touch. They are part of a big network that helps people find both work and friends while away from New Zealand.

You can call government contact centres with questions. Most of these centres are open from Monday to Friday during usual work hours.

Check the SafeTravel website to get advice about the country you want to go to.
Register your information with the embassy in your new country.
Get in touch with Kiwi groups like Kea.

If you are a Kiwi and want to know what the New Zealand government and organisations can do for you while you are away from New Zealand, these services can make a big difference.

Practical Advice for Starting your Overseas Career

Starting your international career is an exciting time. You have your job offer. Your visa is sorted. Now, you get ready to begin. The next thing to do is make a good impression and work on building a strong career overseas. This can help you get more relevant work experience.

Getting some local experience while in a new country is very important. You show you can adapt to new things. It can also help you find more chances for growth or even lead to permanent residence if that is what you want. Here is some simple advice to help you get started.

Building your CV and portfolio for international roles

One thing you need to do when starting a career overseas is to update your CV and portfolio for people outside New Zealand. What is normal for a CV in New Zealand could be very different in another place. Check what type of CV the country you want to work in uses. Some countries will ask for a photo, but others will not.

Make sure you show your skills that can be used anywhere. Be clear about your New Zealand qualifications, because people in other countries might not know what they mean. If you worked in the Bay of Plenty, do not just name the place. Tell more about your work there, what you did, and what you achieved, using words that people everywhere understand.

Have your portfolio show your most relevant work for the jobs you are aiming for overseas. Use it to show, in a simple way, what you can do.

Customise your CV to fit each job and country.
Use strong action verbs so others understand what you did well.
Explain your New Zealand qualifications and experience in a way anyone can understand.
If you can, add numbers to show what you have done. Use data when talking about your success.

Navigating workplace culture and communication

Another tip for a good career in another country is to be alert and ready to adjust to workplace culture and how people talk. This is true even in other English-speaking places. The way people act with the bosses, how meetings go, and what is okay at work may be very different from your home country. It is very important to get this local experience.

In your first few weeks, the best thing is to listen and look around. Watch how the team talk with each other. Notice how choices are made and how long things take at work. If you do not get something, do not feel bad about asking questions. This lets people see you want to be part of things and are ready to learn.

Good talking at work is more than using the right words. It means you get the small things in each culture.

Be ready to try new ways at work and keep an open mind.
Look at what your mates do and learn how they talk to each other.
Ask if you need something explained.

Staying connected with New Zealand while abroad

A good tip is to stay in touch with home. Living overseas can be a great adventure, but it is normal to miss New Zealand sometimes. Keeping in touch with your friends and family back in NZ helps you not feel alone.

Set up regular video calls to have a chat, and remember the different time zones. Following New Zealand news and sports also helps you feel closer to home. If you are a New Zealander living in another country, meeting other Kiwis in your city is a good way to make new friends and feel more at ease. You can use social media to find local Kiwi groups.

Finding new accommodation in your new city matters, but you should still keep your connections strong.

Schedule regular calls with family and friends back in NZ.
Follow New Zealand news and events to stay in the loop.
Connect with other Kiwis living in your new city.

Conclusion

Working overseas can change your life. It lets you see new cultures and opens new doors for you. You can grow as a person. If you want to do this, you need to think about your choices. Pick the right place to move to. Make sure you know about visa rules. Plan your money for living in another country. Each of these things will help you get ready for this new part of your life.

The tips in this blog will give you the knowledge you need. You can use them to find your way as you start this next chapter. If you want to try something new and see what is out there, reach out for a free talk with us. We are here to help you at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do taxes work for New Zealanders working overseas?

Your tax duties will depend on your tax residency in New Zealand. If you are a non-resident for tax reasons, you will mainly pay tax in the new country you stay in. But, if you are still a NZ tax resident, you need to tell Inland Revenue about all your income from around the world. Most times, you can get credits for tax you pay in other places.

Can I work remotely from New Zealand for an overseas employer?

Yes, you can work from New Zealand for a company based outside the country. If you are a digital nomad or remote worker, you need to follow New Zealand’s tax laws for your income from over the sea. This can also affect the tax rules for your employer. So, it is best for both of you to know what the law says in New Zealand.

What organisations support New Zealanders seeking jobs abroad?

There are a number of organisations that can help. International recruitment agencies work to put New Zealanders in jobs overseas. The New Zealand government gives support with the help of MFAT and its embassies. There are also online job search sites and networking organisations like Kea New Zealand. These are useful for anyone who wants to find work out of New Zealand.