Overview of the NZ Work Visa System
- To legally work in New Zealand if you’re not a citizen or permanent resident, you’ll generally need a relevant work visa. There are many visa types: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), visa categories for working after studying, working holiday visas, seasonal worker permits, etc.
- You usually need a job offer from a New Zealand employer — for many visa types, that employer must be accredited under NZ’s immigration system.
- Other common requirements: proof of identity, good character (police certificates), medical / health checks, proof of qualifications / relevant work experience; possibly English language level depending on the visa.
Key Steps & What to Prepare
- Identify the correct visa typeDetermine which visa fits your situation: AEWV, working holiday, post-study visa, etc. Special criteria (skill level, employer accreditation) matter.
- Secure a job offer (if required)For AEWV or many work visas, you must have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, sometimes with specified salary or skill thresholds.
- Prepare documentation
- Valid passport and photo ID
- Proof of qualifications and relevant work experience
- Medical / health certificates & criminal background checks
- Proof of finances or ability to support yourself (depending on visa type)
- Submit application & pay feesMany visas can be applied for online via Immigration New Zealand. Application fees vary by visa type; processing times depend on submission completeness and quota / demand.
- Arrive / register / begin workingOnce visa is granted, you may need additional registrations (e.g. tax number / IRD number) before starting work. Make sure you comply with any visa conditions (duration, employer, type of work).
How Dogpay Helps in the Visa & Payment Journey
Applying for a work visa, relocating, and starting work often involve numerous cross-border payments, fees, and financial tasks. Dogpay can reduce friction and cost in these areas.
- Visa application, translation, legalization & related feesFees for translation of documents, apostilles, medical exams etc. Sometimes these must be paid via foreign banks or to overseas providers. Dogpay ensures that you see all fees & exchange rates upfront, reduces hidden markup, and delivers funds reliably.
- Initial relocation / setup costsPaying for travel, moving personal goods, deposit for a rental property, initial housing, utilities, furnishing etc. Often these require advance payments, international transfers or foreign currency. Using Dogpay can help minimize losses in exchange, speed up transfers, and allow you to budget clearly.
- Receiving salary / foreign‐paid incomeIf you have income sources outside NZ (e.g. remote work, side contracts, freelancing), or you receive bonuses / allowances from overseas, Dogpay helps convert and transfer funds in a transparent way, lowering FX losses and bank fees.
- Ongoing expenses & cost managementOnce working, there will be recurring payments: rent, insurance, bills, subscriptions. Some of these may be from overseas or involve foreign payment methods. Dogpay provides better control: scheduling, tracking, reducing hidden costs.
- Handling unexpected fees or renewalsVisa renewals, unexpected document requests, legal or health sector surcharges etc. Having Dogpay makes these possible to pay timely and track well, avoiding late penalties or complications.
Key Tips & Advice
- Check whether the employer is accredited if applying under AEWV.
- Make sure you understand all visa requirements before applying: job offer, salary, qualifications, health, character.
- Budget not just for visa fees but for translation, medical checks, police certificates, travel, relocation.
- Keep all payment proofs, invoices, receipts — useful for visa audits, tax, or dispute resolution.
- Start early — gathering documents and waiting for processing can take time.
