Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
New Zealand
Last updated: December 26, 2025
Permanent
$1266
4 months
Medium
About this Visa
The SMC Resident Visa lets skilled workers move to New Zealand and stay forever. Once approved, you have permanent residency with no expiry date. This is one of the fastest paths to permanent residency in New Zealand. You need the right job, work experience, and qualifications to qualify. Doctors, engineers, nurses, electricians, accountants, and other skilled professionals can apply. Unlike most work visas, this gives you permanent residency immediately. You can bring your family, change jobs, start a business, and travel freely.
Key Benefits
- Live and work in New Zealand permanently
- Work for any employer without restrictions
- Bring spouse and children under 24
- Access free public healthcare
- Children attend free public school
- Start your own business
- Travel freely in and out of New Zealand
- Apply for citizenship after 5 years
- Keep home country citizenship
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 55 years or younger
- Must have job offer from New Zealand accredited employer
- Job must be in skilled field with required minimum wage
- Must speak English proficiently
- Must pass medical exam with no serious health conditions
- Must have no serious criminal record or deportations
- Must score at least 6 points from qualifications, work experience, professional registration, or income
- Must be able to obtain police clearance from all relevant countries
Financial Requirement
Job must pay minimum NZD $33.56/hour for professionals or NZD $50.34/hour for trades. No minimum savings requirement, but must demonstrate financial stability.
Documents
- Valid PassportMust be current and valid
- Birth CertificateOriginal or certified copy
- Job Offer LetterFrom New Zealand accredited employer showing salary and job details
- Qualification CertificateUniversity degree, diploma, or professional certification
- Work Experience LettersFrom previous employers documenting duties and dates
- Police ClearanceFrom every country lived in 12+ months in last 10 years
- Medical Exam ResultsChest X-ray and health assessment
- English Proficiency ProofTest results or degree from English-speaking country
- Bank StatementsRecent 3-6 months of financial records
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.