Expats

Thinking about coming back to New Zealand?

Use this site to keep up to date with New Zealand employers, the housing market here at home and even cost of living guides.

And if you have a migrant partner, this is a perfect starting point.  Make sure you register so you’ll receive free job updates, visa info and newsletters tailored to your specific needs.

Sort out partnership visas, jobs and other important stuff.

Partnership Visas

As an expat, you won’t need a visa to return home, of course, but you may have a partner who will.  For general Partner Visa information click here.

You can apply for permanent residence based on your partnership.  For residence requirements, click here.  When you or your partner are ready to apply, you can find the family visa application on our Forms and Guides page.

Another visa option is to apply for a temporary work permit under the Family Stream.  Based on how long you have been in a partnership, you can obtain a work permit for up to two years.  For requirements click here.  And when you or your partner are ready to apply, you can find the work visa application on our Forms and Guides page.

Finding a Job

Whether you have been gone for one year or ten, getting back into the job market can always be a bit tricky – especially when converting overseas experience to local employers.  The Jobs and Events section should be a great starting point.  You’ll even find tips on how to translate your overseas experience for the best results.

For job search information, check out Finding a Job.

For employer contacts, check out Industry and Employer Information.

And if you want to meet Kiwi employers while you are overseas, check out Job Fairs for a calendar of events.

Moving home

Once you know you want to move home, consider these key elements:

Transferring of bank accounts and retirement savings.  General banking information is found here.  For specific information on how to transfer retirement savings from your current country, have a look at Retirement Savings.

Finding a place to live.  While you may have a pretty good idea of where you want to live, updates on average costs and real estate agents can be found here.

Moving.  If you have accumulated more than a backpack’s worth of stuff during your time overseas, you may need to consider shipping options, including:

• Allied Pickfords
• ALS World Movers
• COSCO
• Gateways
• Hooker Pacific
• NZ Van Lines
• The Moving Company
• Trans International Moving and Shipping
• Anglo Pacific World Movers
   

What am I missing? 

Now to the really important stuff -- why you want to come home.  Find out about all the things going on throughout the country on our What’s On page, including a real-time calendar of events throughout New Zealand.