New Zealand announces new rules for permanent residence in 2026

The New Zealand government has just announced significant changes to the Skilled Migrant Category residence visa. The changes take effect in August 2026 and promise to ease the path for Brazilian professionals who wish to build a life in the country.

The new rules are part of the government's “Going for Growth” program and seek to retain international talent that already contributes to the local economy. For those who plan study and work in New Zealand, these changes represent a concrete opportunity for permanent permanence.

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Two new paths to permanent residence

The previous system primarily required specific academic qualifications. Now, practical experience gains greater weight in the assessment. The New Zealand government created two new paths:

Qualified Professional Experience Pathway

This path benefits professionals in specialized roles (ANZSCO levels 1 to 3). Requirements include:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience directly related to the function
• At least 2 years working in New Zealand
• Salary of at least 1.1 times the country's median wage

Pathway for technical professionals and skilled workers

Aimed at those who work in specific technical areas. The requirements are:

• Level 4 or higher qualification (with at least 120 credits)
• 4 years of post-qualification experience
• 18 months of work in New Zealand with a salary equal to or above the median

These changes value the real contribution of professionals, not just diplomas. Those who are already working in the country can finally have a clear path to permanence.

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Reduced experience time

One of the most positive changes is the reduction in the required New Zealand experience time. The maximum period falls from 3 to 2 years in most cases.

For professionals with a New Zealand master's or doctorate degree, just 1 year of local experience already guarantees sufficient points. Graduates from local universities also earn extra scores, encouraging those who have already completed their studies in the country to remain.

The change makes New Zealand more internationally competitive. Other developed countries also compete for these professionals, and shorter waiting times make a real difference.

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Salary doesn't have to increase anymore

Previously, candidates needed to prove a salary increase between the start of work and the application for residence. That rule is over.

Now it is enough to maintain the same wage level for the entire required period of work. Professionals who earn the median wage from the start can apply for residency without worrying about mandatory adjustments.

This flexibility recognizes that not all professions have automatic increases, especially in regulated sectors. The important thing becomes the consistent contribution, not forced wage progression.

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New Zealand diplomas are worth more points

Graduates and postgraduate degrees obtained in New Zealand now receive higher scores in the point system. A New Zealand master's degree, for example, already guarantees 6 points alone.

This valuation directly benefits those who invest in quality local education. The government recognizes that international students bring resources, knowledge and later become integrated professionals.

To apply for postgraduate points, it will also be necessary to have an undergraduate degree. This ensures a solid academic foundation before more advanced studies.

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Red and amber lists: pay attention to restrictions

Not all professions will have equal access to new paths. The government created two checklists:

A Red list completely excludes certain occupations from the new experience and technical pathways. Professionals in these areas can still apply through other paths, such as higher qualifications or salaries of 1.5 times the median.

A Amber list imposes additional criteria for the experience pathway. These occupations are totally out of the technical path.

The full lists will be released in the coming months. They exist to manage migratory risks and ensure that the paths meet real skill needs in the New Zealand market.

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General requirements remain

The new rules don't eliminate basic immigration requirements. Every candidate continues to need:

• Current qualifying employment or job offer
• Approval of medical exams
• Proof of eligibility
• Proficiency in English

Language mastery remains a fundamental pillar. Without adequate communication, professional and social integration is compromised.

Applicants must also earn at least the relevant median wage at the time of applying. This rule ensures that only duly paid professionals access the residence.

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Those who are already in the country come out ahead

These changes primarily benefit those who are already working in New Zealand. By reducing the local experience time needed and valuing practical skills, the government facilitates the transition from temporary to permanent resident.

For Brazilians who are considering taking this step, it is worth researching the Jobs in high demand in the country. Sectors such as construction, health, technology, and engineering continue to need professionals.

Those who are not yet working there can start planning. Um work and study exchange allows you to get to know the country, gain local experience and build a professional network. Then, with the new rules, the path to residence becomes clearer.

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Comparison with the current system

The changes bring concrete advantages compared to the current model:

Current system: requires up to 3 years of New Zealand experience, proven salary increase, greater focus on academic qualifications.

New system: reduces time to 2 years in most cases, eliminates the need for a salary increase, creates specific paths for practical experience and technical professions.

For professionals with solid academic qualifications, deadlines are even shorter. Those with a New Zealand master's degree need only 1 year of local experience.

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Financial planning is essential

Living in New Zealand requires adequate financial preparation. Auckland, the largest city in the country, has considerable cost of living, especially in housing and food.

Professionals need to prove that they are able to support themselves during the residency process. Having financial reserves makes a difference, as a few months may pass between the application and the final approval.

Wages in New Zealand generally offset the higher cost. The current median wage is around NZ$ 23.50 per hour, providing adequate quality of life for those who work full time.

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Next steps for interested parties

The changes take effect only in August 2026. Until then, the current system is still valid. Those already in the country can start preparing to apply as soon as the new rules begin.

For Brazilians who haven't been there yet, The process for living legally normally begins with a student visa or temporary work. After gaining local experience, new paths to residency open up.

The government promises to release detailed information in the coming months. Lists of eligible occupations, updated forms, and specific guides will come before August 2026.

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Be Easy

Planning an exchange that could become a permanent residence requires expert guidance. A Be Easy has experience in processes for New Zealand and can help from a student visa to long-term planning. Contact us and discover how to take the first steps towards your life abroad.