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For Brits moving abroad
Professional Jobs in New Zealand
Last checked: October 2026
Engineers, IT specialists and many other professionals are on New Zealand's Green List, which shows the roles the country needs people for. For qualified UK professionals, that means real opportunities, and some Green List roles offer a faster route to residence.
But you can't just arrive and start work. You'll usually need a job offer from an accredited employer, and some professions also need registration before you can practise.
This guide covers the professional jobs in New Zealand that are in demand, the main visa routes, and what you'll need to sort before you land.
Professional jobs in demand in New Zealand
All of these jobs are on New Zealand's Green List. Some offer a straight-to-residence route, while others let you apply for residence after two years working in New Zealand.
Engineering
Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Environmental Engineer
IT and cyber security
Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, Analyst Programmer, ICT Security Specialist, ICT Project Manager, Systems Administrator, Database Administrator, Software Tester
Construction and property
Construction Project Manager, Quantity Surveyor, Surveyor
Management
Engineering Manager, ICT Manager, Chief Information Officer
Health and teaching roles are also on the Green List. See our New Zealand Healthcare and Teaching guide.
Visa options for UK professionals
Most professionals move to New Zealand on one of a handful of visas.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). A New Zealand employer that's accredited with Immigration New Zealand offers you a job and supports your visa. It's often the first step towards residence.
Straight to Residence Visa. If your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List and you meet its requirements, you can apply for residence straight away, either before you arrive or once you're here.
Work to Residence Visa. If your role is on Tier 2 of the Green List, you can apply for residence after two years working in that role in New Zealand.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. A points-based residence visa for skilled workers with a job or job offer in New Zealand.
Visa rules change often, so speak to a licensed immigration adviser before you apply.
Skills assessment and registration for UK professionals
Before you apply for most skilled visas, you'll need to show your qualifications meet New Zealand standards. Some overseas qualifications are on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment. If yours isn't, you'll need an International Qualifications Assessment from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
Some professions also need registration before you can practise. Engineers usually register through Engineering New Zealand, and some Green List engineering roles require a recognised degree or chartered status.
Check what your occupation needs early. Assessments and registration can take months, and you'll usually need them before you apply.
Moving to New Zealand from the UK with your family
The good news for families is that most residence visas let you include your partner and children in the same application. On the Accredited Employer Work Visa, your partner and children apply for their own visas based on yours, and they may be able to work or study here.
Your partner can be your husband, wife, civil union or de facto partner. Children usually need to be dependent on you, and older children have to meet extra conditions.
Everyone on the application normally has to pass health and character checks, so it's worth starting early on things like medical appointments and police certificates.
Moving a whole family also means shipping your belongings, finding schools and sorting your money. Plan these alongside your visa, not after it.
See the full cost of moving to New Zealand from the UK.
Wondering what it all costs? See the full cost of moving to New Zealand
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