What is the green list in New Zealand?
The Green List may be just what you're looking for! This innovative New Zealand government program represents one of the most efficient routes for qualified professionals to achieve not only a job, but also a solid future in one of the safest and most prosperous countries in the world.
Understanding the Green List: Your Gateway to the Residence
The New Zealand Green List is much more than just a list of professions. It is a strategic system developed by the government to attract international talent in areas where the country faces a critical shortage of qualified labor.
Created by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), this list represents a direct commitment: if you have the right qualifications in the right area, the path to permanent residence will be clearer and faster than any other traditional migration route.
The program works very directly. Professionals whose occupations are listed have privileged access to work visas and, consequently, a faster route to establish permanent roots in the country. It's a perfect two-way street: New Zealand solves your market needs while offering real growth opportunities for international professionals.
Tier 1: The Fastest Path to Permanent Residency
Tier 1, also known as “Straight to Residence”, is the most privileged level on the Green List. Here are the professions that the government considers to be absolutely essential for the country's development.
How it works in practice:
- You get a job offer from an accredited employer
- You can apply for permanent residence immediately
- You don't have to work for a specific period before applying for residency
- The process is significantly more agile
Featured professions in Tier 1:
Engineering Area: Civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical engineers are in very high demand. New Zealand invests heavily in infrastructure, especially after seismic events and with urban expansion projects.
Technology: Software developers, system architects, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists are essential to the country's growing digital economy.
Specialized Health: Medical specialists, particularly in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and psychiatry, are in high demand in the public health system.
Sciences: Researchers and scientists in areas such as biotechnology, environmental sciences, and sustainable agriculture.
For professionals in these areas, study and work in New Zealand through a local university may be a smart strategy to qualify directly for Tier 1.
Tier 2: Work to conquer your residence
Tier 2, known as “Work to Residence”, offers a structured path for professionals in important areas, but who require a period of practical proof in the New Zealand market.
The Tier 2 process:
- Get a job offer in your area
- Work for two consecutive years in New Zealand
- After that period, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence
- The employer must be accredited and the position must meet wage requirements
Tier 2 core professions:
Health: Registered nurses, physical therapists, radiology technicians. The New Zealand healthcare system highly values these professionals and offers excellent working conditions.
Education: High school teachers, especially in math, science, and technology. The country invests significantly in quality education.
Specialized Trades: Electricians, plumbers, welders, heavy vehicle mechanics. These professionals are fundamental to the maintenance of the national infrastructure.
Construction: Carpenters, bricklayers, construction technicians. With the housing boom and infrastructure projects, demand is constant.
For those seeking jobs in high demand in New Zealand, Tier 2 represents a concrete opportunity for professional growth with migratory security.
Important changes in the New Zealand labor market
New Zealand has undergone significant transformations in its labor policies that directly benefit international professionals.
New minimum wage and impact on the Green List
The minimum wage reached NZ$ 23.50 per hour in 2025, an important milestone that reflects the country's commitment to decent working conditions. For Green List professionals, this represents:
Fair compensation guarantee: All Green List positions must meet specific salary requirements, normally well above minimum wage.
Real purchasing power: With the Current minimum wage, professionals can maintain a comfortable standard of living while settling in the country.
Protection against exploitation: The established values ensure that employers cannot offer compensation below international standards.
Flexibility in working hours
A revolutionary change was the easing of working hours rules for international students:
- Students taking courses of 16 weeks or more can work 20 hours a week during term time
- Full-time work is allowed during academic holidays
- For already qualified professionals, there are no restrictions on hours as long as they meet the Green List requirements
This flexibility is especially advantageous for those who are building local experience before applying for Green List positions.
Practical strategies for taking advantage of the Green List
Academic route: the investment that pays off
Studying in New Zealand may be your smartest strategy for accessing the Green List. New Zealand universities offer programs that are directly aligned with market demands.
Advantages of the academic route:
- Locally recognized qualification
- Networking during studies
- Practical experience through internships
- Time to adapt to local culture
- Access to post-study visa To gain experience
Targeted professional preparation
For already trained professionals, strategic preparation is essential:
Recognition of qualifications: Make sure that your Brazilian credentials are recognized by the competent New Zealand bodies.
Development of English: Fluency is essential, especially for positions that involve direct communication with patients, students, or clients.
Specific experience: Some Green List professions require specific experience that can be gained through complementary courses or targeted practical experience.
Comparison: New Zealand vs other destinations
The Green List makes New Zealand especially attractive when compared to other popular destinations for immigration. Different from Australia, which has more complex processes for family immigration, New Zealand offers:
- More direct and transparent process
- Fewer complex evaluation points
- Easier family integration
- Quality public health and education system
- Welcoming multicultural environment
For Brazilians specifically, How to live legally in New Zealand through the Green List, it offers a much clearer path than other migratory programs.
Practical requirements to apply
Essential documentation
- Diploma and transcripts translated and certified
- Professional certifications recognized in New Zealand
- Proof of professional experience
- Certificate of English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent)
- Specific medical tests
- Criminal record certificate
Application process
Step 1: Confirm that your profession is on the current Green List
Step 2: Get recognition of your qualifications
Step 3: Achieve the required level of English
Step 4: Search for job offers from accredited employers
Step 5: Apply for the appropriate visa Step 6: (For Tier 2) Complete the required work period
Step 7: Apply for permanent residence
Future Perspectives of the Green List
The New Zealand government reviews the Green List regularly, adjusting it according to the country's economic needs. Current trends indicate:
- Continued growth in demand for technology professionals
- Expansion in the areas of mental health and geriatric care
- Greater focus on sustainability and renewable energy
- Strengthening the education sector, especially STEM
This flexibility means that the Green List will remain relevant and will provide increasing opportunities for qualified professionals in the coming years.
Be Easy: turning your New Zealand dream into reality
New Zealand and its Green List represent a unique opportunity for professionals seeking not only a change of country, but a complete transformation of life. With clear processes, concrete opportunities, and a system that genuinely values international talent, the country offers what many destinations promise but few deliver: a solid future built on its own competencies. Contact Be Easy and discover how we can help you navigate this process safely, turning your professional experience into your passport to an extraordinary life in New Zealand!
