Moving To New Zealand

Everything you need to know about living and working as an RMO in New Zealand, from visas to accommodation and registration.

Scenic view of a coastal landscape in New Zealand featuring rolling green hills, a turquoise blue ocean, and a backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains under a clear blue sky.

Introduction

New Zealand has become a sought-after destination for resident doctors looking to broaden their professional experience while immersing themselves in a new culture and healthcare system. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, pleasant climate, and abundant outdoor adventures, New Zealand also offers attractive working conditions and competitive pay. It’s no wonder that so many healthcare professionals are drawn to this beautiful country for both work and play.

This guide outlines everything an RMO needs to know about moving to New Zealand to work, including accommodation, visa requirements, and getting registered.

For help on deciding where to work, visit our 2024 Hospital Review, to get an insightful assessment of the hospitals around New Zealand.

Welcome From The Nzrda President

NZRDA - President (Dr. James Aderson)
Meet Dr. James Anderson, our current President. Originally from Scotland, James made the move to New Zealand in 2016 and is now working as a Paediatric Registrar at Dunedin Hospital.

Passionate about advocating for safe working conditions, fair hours, and a healthy work-life balance for doctors, James is committed to making a positive impact. Want to know more? Read about his personal journey below.

Welcome From the NZRDA President

Essentials for Starting Work in New Zealand

1. Get registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ)

To practise medicine in New Zealand, you’ll need to be registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) and hold a practising certificate. The registration pathway depends on your qualifications, experience, and whether you’re staying long-term or temporarily. Before applying, you’ll need to meet fitness for registration requirements, which include English language proficiency, as well as physical and mental health standards. Most non-specialist registration pathways also require a job offer in New Zealand before you can apply for registration.

Start by using MCNZ’s self-assessment tool to find the right pathway for you. For more details, visit the MCNZ website.

2. Get your visa sorted

There are multiple visa options available for moving to and working in New Zealand, including but not limited to:

  • Straight to Residency Visa
  • Work to Residence Visa
  • Accredited Employer Worker Visa
  • Working Holiday Visa

For more information on work permits, residency requirements, and qualifications, visit Immigration New Zealand. For help with settling in, check out Settlement Services New Zealand, which covers everything from banking to schools and housing.

  • Apply for this visa if you currently work, or you have a job offer, from an accredited employer, and your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List in-demand.

    Length of stay: Indefinitely

    Age Range: 55 years or younger

    Cost: From NZD 6450

    Bringing Your Family: With this visa you can include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in your visa application.

    Apply here.

  • Apply for this visa if you currently work for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer, and have worked in a Tier 2 Green List in-demand role for 24 months.

    Length of stay: Indefinitely

    Age Range: 55 years or younger

    Cost: From NZD 6450

    Bringing Your Family: With this visa you can include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in your visa application.

    Apply here.

  • Apply for this temporary visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer, the skills and qualifications for the job, and a link to the visa application form.

    Length of stay: Up to 5 years

    Age range: 55 years or younger

    Cost: From NZD 1540

    Bringing Your Family: You may be able to support a work visa for your partner and visitor or student visas for your dependent children.

    Apply here.

  • This visa allows you to temporarily work and study in New Zealand.

    Length of stay: 12-36 months (depending on nationality)

    Age range: 18-35 years (depending on nationality)

    Cost: The costwill depend on your nationality. You can find out how much your country’s Working Holiday Visa costs by visiting Immigration New Zealand.

    Bringing Your Family: You cannot bring children with you on a working holiday. If you have a partner who wants to come to New Zealand, they will need to apply for their own visa.

    Apply here.

3. Secure your indemnity insurance

To practise in New Zealand, you must have professional indemnity insurance to cover your medical practice.

You have a few options for medical indemnity providers, choose the provider that best suits your needs and coverage preferences.:

    1. NZ Medical Indemnity Insurance (NZMII): 100% NZ-owned and governed under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010.

    2. MPS: A UK/Ireland-based society, not an insurance company.

    3. Medicus: A NZ-incorporated society offering insurance underwritten by Aon.

With insurance you have a legally binding contract of cover that is guaranteed; with discretionary cover there are no guarantees. For more information, visit our Indemnity Insurance resource.

Essentials for Living in New Zealand

1. Accommodation 

Unsure about where to live or find rental properties near your hospital? We’ve put together key information and links to help you navigate accommodation options across the country.

Short term accommodation

Long term accommodation

Rental prices in New Zealand can vary depending on the city or region you’re moving to. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to have higher living costs. To get an idea of typical rental prices, check out the Tenancy Services website, and for a comparison of housing costs to income and other expenses, use the NZ Now cost of living calculator.

 

Tenancy Agreements in New Zealand

Once your rental application is accepted, you’ll need to sign a tenancy agreement. There are two main types:

  • Fixed-term agreements: Usually short to medium-term (longer leases are rare).
  • Periodic agreements: These run indefinitely until either you or the landlord gives notice.

For more information on your rights and responsibilities, visit the Tenancy Services website.

Accommodation Tips

  • 1

    Appliances may or may not be included in your rent.

  • 2

    Rent is usually listed per week, not per month.

  • 3

    Expect to pay for utilities (electricity, water, internet) in addition to rent.

  • 4

    You’ll need to pay a bond (up to four weeks’ rent) and rent in advance. The bond is held by Tenancy Services for the duration of your lease.

2. Bank Account

You’ll need an NZ bank account for your wages (they can’t be paid into international accounts), your IRD number, and everyday expenses. There are several banks available for you to choose from:

3. IRD Number

The NZ IRD number is essential for your tax and income purposes. While not mandatory to work, without it, your earnings will be taxed at 45%—and you won’t be able to reclaim that later. You must be in New Zealand to apply, and online applications are processed quickly (within a week), compared to 2-3 weeks for paper applications. Make sure you have an active NZ bank account before applying. Check the IRD website for full details.

4. Phones

In New Zealand, the main mobile providers are One NZ, Spark, and 2degrees.

Staying Connected

Moving to New Zealand as a resident doctor is an exciting opportunity, and staying connected to a supportive community can make your experience even better. There are plenty of ways to meet new people, share advice, and feel at home in your new surroundings. Here’s how to get connected and make the most of your time in NZ.

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