New Zealand

"Onward"

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Welcome to New Zealand

New Zealand: "New Zealand, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor lifestyle, is a country of unique beauty. Its economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and technology. New Zealand’s strong focus on sustainability and high quality of life make it a popular choice for expatriates.",

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New Zealand Essentials

National Anthem

God Defend New Zealand

Independence Day

Waitangi Day - February 6, 1840

Haiko

Kiwis in the bush / Maori haka resonates / Hobbiton endures

Interesting Tradition

Holds World of WearableArt show showcasing outrageous wearable art pieces

Weirdest Local Superstition

Putting a hat on a bed is bad luck

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to fly with a rooster in a hot air balloon

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the landscapes, stay for the lifestyle: New Zealand crafts an enviable balance of outdoor adventure and innovative enterprise. Life flows between morning surf sessions, productive workdays, and weekend explorations of Middle Earth-worthy landscapes. Strategic talent attraction programs and investment pathways have made this Pacific paradise increasingly accessible to global professionals.

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Haere mai

Venture into a land where 'kaitiakitanga' isn't just stewardship, but a vision for tomorrow. Your journey begins where nature meets innovation.

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Welcome to New Zealand

Known for its stunning landscapes and sheep population where sheep outnumber humans six to one

New Zealand isn't just a country—it's nature's greatest adventure playground. Here, time moves between ancient Maori legends and adrenaline-fueled innovation, and even a simple hiking trail can lead to Middle-earth magic. This is a land where the extraordinary becomes everyday.

From the glacial peaks of the Southern Alps to the subtropical Bay of Islands, New Zealand offers wonder for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're drawn to the geothermal mysteries of Rotorua, the fjord majesty of Milford Sound, or the urban cool of Wellington, you'll find a country that turns natural splendor into unforgettable experiences.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

hangi (earth oven-cooked feast) - pavlova (meringue dessert)

Drink

L&P (lemon soft drink) - sauvignon blanc (white wine)

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Thirsty?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

60

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

11

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

13.34

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.39

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Hongi (traditional Māori greeting) requires proper protocol
#2
Taking shoes off indoors is expected without asking
#3
Rugby knowledge essential for social integration
#4
Tall Poppy Syndrome means avoiding self-promotion
#5
Beach and bush safety knowledge shows cultural awareness

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New Zealand Essentials

Representative Novel

The Bone People by Keri Hulme (Booker Prize, set in New Zealand, exploring Maori culture)

National Animal

Kiwi

National Pasttime

Rugby

National Souvenir

Greenstone (jade) pendant

National Dish

Lamb

Famous Festival

Pasifika Festival

Famous Dance

Haka

Famous Music

Haka

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Did You Know?

New Zealand is home to the world’s smallest dolphin species.

The Hector's dolphin can only be found in the waters around New Zealand and is one of the rarest marine dolphins.

New Zealand was the first country to give women the right to vote.

In 1893, New Zealand became a pioneer in women's suffrage, granting women the right to vote in parliamentary elections.

New Zealand has more sheep than people.

With a population of around 5.1 million people and over 29 million sheep, New Zealand is well-known for its thriving sheep farming industry.

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New Zealand’s Key Historical Events

1280 AD

April 2014

Arrival of the MÄori in New Zealand

1642

July 2014

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman discovers New Zealand

1840

February 2015

Treaty of Waitangi

1907

March 2015

Dominion status within the British Empire

1947

October 2016

Statute of Westminster confirms full independence

MOBILITY

Access New Zealand Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

2

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Conditional
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
5 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years, 5 years for children

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

156

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Passport Grade

A

Rank

33

Score

175.0

This visa grants access to:

• 45% of the world's population 

• 80% of UNESCO sites 

• 75% of global GDP 

• 60% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to New Zealand by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
New Zealand
15,827
15,407
14,956
14,369
15,975
17,500
18,657

MOBILITY

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Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
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Rankings

New Zealand's Global Rankings 

New Zealand demonstrates exceptional quality of life (#10) and very high safety (#4). Our comprehensive analysis shows its very pleasant climate (#5) and very strong rule of law (#8).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
13
Cost of Living
2024
Elevated
10
Quality of Life
2024
Exceptional
4
Safety
2024
Very High
11
Happiness
2024
Very High
153
Tax Burden
2024
Substantial Load
English Proficiency
2023
8
Rule of Law
2024
Very Strong
25
Healthcare System
2024
Well-Accessible
5
Pleasant Climate
2024
Very Pleasant

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

37.3

years

Life Expectancy

82.2

years

Obesity Rate

30.70%

Tobacco Use

15.00%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

10.05%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.73

per 1000 people

Doctors

3.448

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

11.67%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare System

New Zealand offers a public healthcare system providing essential services free of charge or at low cost to residents, funded by taxation.

Private Healthcare Options

In addition to public healthcare, New Zealand offers private options for faster access to non-urgent services and specialized treatments.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in New Zealand can access both the public healthcare system and private hospitals, though private insurance is often recommended.

High Life Expectancy

New Zealand boasts one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world, thanks to its robust healthcare system and focus on preventive care.

Pharmaceutical Coverage

Pharmaceuticals in New Zealand are subsidized under the public healthcare system, making medications affordable and widely available.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

New Zealand offers a high quality of life with a correspondingly high cost of living. Auckland and Wellington are particularly expensive, while smaller towns and rural areas are more affordable. Housing costs in major cities are very high, especially in Auckland. Food costs are moderate to high, with local produce offering better value. Utilities are reasonably priced. Public transportation in cities is reliable but can be expensive. Education costs are moderate for residents but high for international students.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.75

per liter

Cost of Meal

$15.66

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$1,161.86

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$143.92

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$6.26

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

15%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before considering a move to New Zealand, it's important to understand its tax system.+New Zealand taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on New Zealand-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 10.5% to 39%. There's no social security tax, but accident compensation (ACC) levies apply. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is set at 15%. Property tax is also applicable. An Inland Revenue Department (IRD) number is required for tax purposes.+New Zealand has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

10.5%-39%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

28%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

28%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

30%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

39%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered residents if they have a permanent place of abode in New Zealand, or if they are personally present in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

9

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

91

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

34.6
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

140
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

7

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

96.9
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Temperate with sharp regional contrasts

Average Temperature

10.46 °C

Humidity

79

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1,732

mm

Rainless Days per Year

243

Best Time to Travel

December-February

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in New Zealand

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in New Zealand.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in New Zealand?

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Do I need to speak English to apply for residency or citizenship in New Zealand?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in New Zealand with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to New Zealand?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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