Many UAE residents want to know how to migrate to New Zealand from UAE. The country is a great change of pace from the rapidly-changing UAE environment.
New Zealand is a great place to live. It offers a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and great education opportunities.
It also provides plenty of opportunities for work and recreation. The country has a rich culture and natural beauty that is sure to appeal to people living in UAE.
The New Zealand immigration process from UAE can be lengthy and complex. There are several steps to take to complete the migration process.
In this Dbd immigration guide, we will guide you through every step of immigration to New Zealand from the UAE.
How to migrate to New Zealand from UAE?
Before knowing how to migrate to New Zealand from UAE, you must know about the available visas. There are visas based on employment, family, business, skills, etc.
The New Zealand immigration process from UAE is time-consuming. However, you can complete the process if you are prepared and have all the necessary paperwork.
The paperwork includes valid passports, photos, and a lot more. We will help you learn more about immigration to New Zealand from Dubai below.
Method 1. Work visa
A work visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years. However, you can also apply for a permanent visa before this term ends.
New Zealand immigration laws allow you to apply for permanent residence two years after you have worked there.
This way, you can work temporarily when you have a job offer and apply for permanent residence later. [1]NZ government, “Work that leads to residence, https://www.govt.nz/browse/immigration-and-visas/get-a-visa-to-work-in-nz/work-that-leads-to-residence/”
Who is eligible for a work visa for immigration to New Zealand from UAE?
A work visa is available for a variety of jobs. The most commonly issued visas are the long-term skill shortage list, and essential skills work visas.
The general eligibility criteria for these visas are the same. The essential criterion is to have a job offer from New Zealand.
To obtain the job offer, you must find an employer and show them your qualifications and skills. If your employer is willing to invite you, you can travel to New Zealand and start working.
You also need to prove that your intentions are genuine and you intend to work for the specific employer throughout the duration.
What are the work visa requirements to immigrate to New Zealand from UAE?
Following are the general requirements for the work visa in New Zealand:
- Your recent photographs
- Original passport or an identity certificate
- Medical certificate
- Experience certificates
- Job offer from New Zealand
- Proof of your qualification and skills
- Registration of your new occupation in New Zealand
If you are applying as an essential worker, your employer must ensure that there are no New Zealanders available for that work.
The employer must genuinely attempt to hire a local resident before hiring a UAE resident. You may not get a visa if someone in New Zealand is capable and free to do your work.
How to apply for a New Zealand work visa?
New Zealand immigration process from UAE with a work visa is relatively straightforward.
Once you have gathered the necessary documents, you can begin the application process online. You can also apply on paper by visiting an embassy.
You can find the online application on immigration.govt.nz website. But before that, you must create a RealMe account from realme.govt.nz website. [2]NZ immigration, “Information about Essential Skills Work Visa, … Continue reading
You will not be able to complete the process of application without providing accurate information. So be careful when entering the information and details when using this service.
After creating the account and filling out the form, you need to submit it and pay the necessary fees. You will also need to provide all documents while filling out the application.
How much does a New Zealand work visa cost?
The New Zealand work visa application costs $635 for a Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa.
Similarly, for the Essential Skills Work Visa, the application processing costs only $495. [3]NZ immigration, “Process & Cost, … Continue reading
These application fees are non-refundable. So make sure to send all necessary documents and fill up the application form accurately.
What is the processing time for a work visa in New Zealand?
The application processing time for the Essential Skills Work Visa is only four months. Likewise, it takes eight months to process the Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa.
The work visas have some of the shortest processing times out of any long-term visas.
See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to Canada from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.
Method 2. Investor visa
If you’re looking to make a long-term investment in New Zealand, the Investor visa could be for you.
This visa is designed to encourage investment in New Zealand businesses. This contributes to the economic growth in New Zealand, and you will be welcomed to the country for doing so.
Immigration to New Zealand from UAE is possible for your whole family with this visa. You can bring your spouse and children with you, and they’ll be able to live, work and study in New Zealand.
Who is eligible for a New Zealand investor visa?
Two immigration investor visa categories are available for immigration to New Zealand from UAE.
The first category is the New Zealand investor 1 resident visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must have the ability to invest NZ $10 million in New Zealand over three years.
You can also bring your vehicles and household items without custom charges if you obtain the visa.
The second category is the New Zealand investor 2 resident visa. To be eligible for this visa, you must be an experienced businessman possessing at least NZ $3 million in funds or assets.
The investor 2 resident visa is only provided to 400 people per year. So it would be best if you had a strong EOI, which we will discuss further below. [4]New Zealand immigration, “Information about Investor 2 Resident Visa, … Continue reading
In addition to the requirement of funds, your investment also needs to make a commercial return. It must be invested in New Zealand in its local currency.
During the assessment, they will want to see the source of your funds. So show the proof of your funds being obtained from legal sources as well.
The investment must be made in legal enterprises or managed funds. Your assets must also contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
Lastly, investments in things for personal use like a house or a private vehicle do not count. The amount must be explicitly invested in the commercial sector.
Philanthropy or angel investments can also qualify you for an investor visa.
What are the documents required for a New Zealand investor visa?
Following are the requirements to immigrate to New Zealand from UAE with a business or investor visa: [5]NZ immigration, “Meeting the criteria, … Continue reading
- Two photos
- Copy of your original passport
- Copy of your original birth certificate
- Medical certificate
- Police certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate of your child (if applicable)
- Proof of business experience
- Proof and source of investment funds
- Details of investment
How to apply for a New Zealand investor visa?
For an investor 1 resident visa, you must fill out your application form and send it to the embassy. After that, they will process and approve your application.
Next, you must transfer your funds to New Zealand and invest in a business. When it is done, you will be given an investor visa. [6]NZ immigration, “Information about Investor 1 Resident Visa, … Continue reading
Unlike the first investor visa, the investor 2 visa requires a different approach.
Immigration to New Zealand from UAE with an investor 2 resident visa has a two-step application process. They are – submission of an expression of interest and visa application. [7]NZ immigration, “Information about Investor 2 Resident Visa, … Continue reading
You should first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). In it, you should tell them about your business experience, qualifications, and intentions in New Zealand.
Your EOI will then be entered into the processing phase. If it is selected, you will be invited to apply for New Zealand visa.
When you accept the invitation and apply, you must prove everything claimed in EOI. You need to send all necessary documents that fulfill the claims made in your EOI.
After your application has been approved, you must transfer your investment funds to New Zealand. You can then invest in a business and receive a visa.
How much does a New Zealand investor visa cost?
The New Zealand investor visas have slightly different costs for investor 1 and investor 2 visas.
The application cost of an investor 1 residence visa is $4,960 in New Zealand dollars.
Similarly, for the investor 2 residence visa, you must pay $620 as an EOI application cost. After initial application processing, you must again pay a sum of $4,960.
These fees are non-refundable. So it is necessary that you do not enter the wrong information on your applications.
What is the processing time for a New Zealand investor visa?
The processing times for investor 1 and investor 2 residence visas are slightly different.
The investor 1 resident visa takes up to 39 months. Similarly, the investor 2 resident visa takes 40 months to process.
These timeframes also include a 12-month period in which you must transfer and invest your funds in New Zealand. [8]New Zealand immigration, “Fees, decision times and where to apply, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/tools/office-and-fees-finder”
See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to USA from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.
Method 3. Skilled migrant category visa
New Zealand’s skilled migrants’ visa is for people who have skills that can contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth.
Applicants with employment in an area with a skills shortage can have better chances of visa approval. If you are such an applicant, you can take advantage of this policy.
The New Zealand skilled migrant visa allows you to move to New Zealand and live as a resident.
You will need to meet specific requirements, such as an offer of skilled employment, before applying for this visa.
If you are interested, you should start applying for the visa as soon as possible.
Who is eligible for the skilled migrant category visa in New Zealand?
You must meet specific requirements to be eligible for a New Zealand skilled migrants visa from the UAE.
Firstly, you must have the necessary skills and experience. Secondly, you need an EOI and an invitation to apply for a residence visa.
You must also be less than 55 years of age and have reasonable English speaking ability. [9]NZ immigration, “Meeting the criteria, … Continue reading
What are the requirements for a skilled migrant visa in New Zealand?
To get a skilled migrant New Zealand visa, you need to provide the following documents: [10]NZ immigration, “Meeting the criteria, … Continue reading
- Two photographs
- An original passport or its certified copy
- Original birth certificate or its certified copy
- Police certificate
- Health check-up certificate
- Expression of interest (EOI)
- Evidence of work experience and skills
- Invitation letter to apply for residence
- Marriage and birth certificates of spouse and children
In addition, you may have to take an English language test to prove your English-speaking ability. Evidence of your accompanying family’s English language ability is also necessary.
How to apply for a skilled migrant visa?
You must first submit an EOI for the New Zealand immigration process from UAE. This is the first step, indicating your interest in living in New Zealand. [11]New Zealand Immigration, “Create an EOI, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/formshelp/skilled-migrant/create-an-eoi”
You can submit your EOI online. On an EOI form, you need to provide details of how you meet the conditions for a skilled migrant visa.
You can download the EOI form from New Zealand’s official immigration website –immigration.govt.nz.
There’s no need to prove your skills at this stage yet. However, all the details in the EOI must be completely truthful, as fake claims can be found during a later phase.
Once your EOI has been submitted, it will enter a processing phase during which it will be considered for selection. If your EOI is selected, you will be invited to apply for residence.
At this stage, you’ll need to provide proof of every detail you entered on your EOI. This is your chance to show that you’re eligible for a skilled migrant visa and that you’re serious about moving to New Zealand.
Remember that you cannot complete the application process online for skilled migrant visas. You must visit an embassy or consulate near you. [12]New Zealand Immigration, “Immigration office, … Continue reading
The address and contact details of the New Zealand embassy in Abu Dhabi are [13]New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade, “New Zealand Embassy to the United Arab Emirates, … Continue reading
- International Tower Level 25, Suite 2503, Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Telephone number: +971 2 496 3333
- Fax: +971 2 496 3300
- Email: nzembassy.abu.dhabi@mfat.govt.nz
How much does a New Zealand visa for skilled migrants cost?
The New Zealand visa for skilled migrants requires two payments.
First, you must pay the EOI processing fee. It costs NZ $680 if you submit a paper application and NZ $530 if you submit it online.
After your EOI is processed and selected, you must pay the residence application processing fee. It costs NZ $3,310.
The payment can be completed using your bank’s credit card in the UAE. Please remember that all visa application fees are non-refundable.
What is the processing time for the New Zealand visa for skilled migrants?
The processing time for the New Zealand visa for skilled migrants is up to 45 months. This is the time taken to process your application after you have submitted your EOI. [14]NZ immigration, “Fees, decision times and where to apply, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/tools/office-and-fees-finder”
Remember that you only have four months to apply after receiving an invitation.
Since it takes over three years to obtain the visa, you really need to plan for the future. We suggest you apply as soon as possible to receive the visa sooner.
See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to UK from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.
Method 4. Family sponsorship
Immigration to New Zealand from UAE is also possible if you have a family there. If you live in the UAE, you can join your parents or spouse in New Zealand.
Children who want to join their parents in New Zealand must be unmarried, under 24 years old, depending on their parents financially, and have no kids. [15]New Zealand immigration, “Dependent children, … Continue reading
Similarly, spouses must show proof of being legally married. New Zealand also allows couples of the same gender to live together, unlike the United Arab Emirates. [16]New Zealand immigration, “Partnership, … Continue reading
Method 5. Study visa
A study visa allows foreign nationals to study at an educational institution in New Zealand for a specific period.
To apply for a study visa, you must first obtain an offer from an education provider in New Zealand. You can submit your application online or at a New Zealand embassy or consulate. [17]New Zealand immigration, “Explore visa options to study, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/options/study/explore-student-visas”
You must also prove that you have the finances to support your study.
If your application is successful, you will be issued a student visa that will allow you to stay in New Zealand for your studies.
Once you have completed your studies, you can apply for a work visa to remain in New Zealand and work full-time.
This is the best option for immigration to New Zealand from UAE after completing your studies.
See also: Check out this Dbd immigration guide on – How to immigrate to Australia from UAE, where we provide comprehensive information on the immigration process, requirements, and solutions.
How to migrate to New Zealand from UAE with a permanent residence visa?
New Zealand is a beautiful country that many people dream of migrating to. It can be an incredible and relaxing change from the bustling UAE.
You may be wondering how to migrate to New Zealand from UAE. The good news is that several types of visas will allow you to do just that.
One option for immigration to New Zealand from UAE is the skilled migrant visa. This visa is available to those with skills in demand in New Zealand.
Another option is the investor visa. This visa is available to those with enough funds to invest in New Zealand.
Finally, there is the work visa which allows people with job offers from the country to work there. It is an excellent option for those who have exceptional skills in art, culture, or sport too.
This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years. After two years, you will be eligible for a permanent residence visa.
No matter which type of visa you choose, migrating to New Zealand from UAE can be a great way to start anew.
These visas will also allow you to bring your family with you. That way, you do not need to part ways with your partner or kids.
Benefits of immigration to New Zealand from UAE
New Zealand is a country that always welcomes immigrants from all over the world.
Various factors make it an attractive destination for those considering immigration to New Zealand from the UAE.
Free and stable economy
The economy of New Zealand is one of the most stable in the world. The country’s economy is one of the freest in the world too. [18]2022 index of economic freedom, “New Zealand, … Continue reading
Easy going and relaxing place
New Zealand is known for its laid-back and leisurely environment. It is a welcome change from the fast pace of life in UAE.
Cheaper rents
In New Zealand, renting an apartment is considerably less expensive than in the UAE. You will save significant money since monthly payments might leave you with very little cash.
Religious freedom
When it comes to religion and culture, United Arab Emirates is not as tolerant as New Zealand. New Zealand is much more welcoming and open-minded.
Easier citizenship
Citizenship is much easier to obtain in New Zealand. The UAE has one of the most challenging citizenship processes in the world. Anyone who isn’t of Arabic descent is highly unlikely to get it.
Our research methodology on how to migrate to New Zealand from UAE
To let you know how to migrate to New Zealand from UAE, we evaluated multiple visas that are offered.
The country has multiple categories for a resident visa based on eligibility and purpose. Whether it is work, investment, or family, there is a visa for all qualified UAE residents.
Our primary source for this research was the official New Zealand immigration website – immigration.govt.nz. In addition, we also went over a few trusted sites to learn more about New Zealand’s lifestyle.
In our analysis, we found that it is much easier to obtain citizenship there than in the UAE. The immigration process does take a long time due to the lengthy processing period.
In this article, we have only listed visas that grant permanent residence. Some of them give it immediately, while some will take a while.
We also understand that the real-world experience cannot be explained unless we speak to an immigrant. So we wanted to get the opinions of people who have immigrated to the country.
For that purpose, we spoke with the people at the subreddit r/newzealand/. Dozens of respondents gave us valuable feedback that significantly contributed to this article.
Our team is in contact with some immigration consultants as well. They gave us good insights into the visa process and how it is to live in New Zealand.
There were some documents and guides that were very useful for our research. Some of them are as follows:
- “Immigration: The New Zealand Experience” by Rainer Winkelmann of University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand [19]SSRN, “Immigration: The New Zealand Experience, https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=192328″
- “English Language Information” from the official New Zealand immigration website [20]New Zealand immigration, “English Language Information, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/forms-and-guides/inz1060.pdf”
- “VisaView Guide for Employers” from the official New Zealand immigration website [21]New Zealand immigration, “VisaView Guide for Employers, https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/online-systems/visaviewguideforemployers.pdf”
The information we gathered for this research article is only from trusted and official sources. We are confident in the accuracy of all facts and information contained here.
FAQs about New Zealand immigration from UAE
How much does it cost to migrate to New Zealand from UAE?
The cost to migrate to New Zealand from UAE depends on the type of visa you apply for. It costs only NZ $495 for a work visa and NZ $4,960 + $620 for EOI for a skilled migrant visa.
How can I get a job in New Zealand from UAE?
You can get a job in New Zealand by looking for jobs related to your skillset online. You can email your CV to them explaining your intent to move there and schedule an interview. You must convince them you will be a valuable workforce in their company.
Can I apply for immigration to New Zealand from UAE without a job?
Yes, you can apply for the New Zealand immigration process from UAE without a job. You can also go there on self-employed, family sponsorship, or investor visa.
How much do I need to invest in New Zealand for a visa?
You must invest at least NZ $3 million for an investor visa. This will let you live there permanently with your family.
Final thoughts
New Zealand is a beautiful, isolated country with a tremendous leisurely atmosphere. If you are considering immigrating to New Zealand from UAE, you are not alone.
The country is known for its picturesque landscapes, friendly people, and low crime rate. For many people in UAE, New Zealand is the perfect place to escape all the hustle.
There are various visa options available for UAE residents. You can move as a skilled migrant, an investor, or a family member.
The New Zealand immigration process from UAE is relatively straightforward. You have a good chance of getting a permanent resident visa if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Now that you know how to migrate to New Zealand from UAE, why don’t you give it a go? You can start by seeing if you are eligible for any criteria.
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About the author
Sarika Patel
Sarika Patel is an experienced immigration expert with a Master's degree in Law from the University of Dubai. For the last two decades, she has been living in Dubai, and throughout this time, her focus has been on providing helpful information and advice to those seeking to immigrate or gain a visa in Dubai. Sarika is passionate about helping people navigate the often complex and confusing world of immigration, visa rules, and laws in the UAE.
