New Zealand | Residency, Visas and Citizenship for Doctors and Dentists

New Zealand offers work visas for doctors and dentists, immediate permanent residence and a pathway to citizenship. Easy application processes make this an attractive option for candidates seeking to emigrate, secure a second passport or just work for a short time.



The Right to Work in New Zealand

General Requirements for Visas

Each visa category has its own specific requirements but some are common to all and include:

• Job Offer from an Accredited Employer: the employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand to sponsor workers
• Eligibility to practice as a doctor or dentist in New Zealand: proof of eligibility for a licence to practice medicine or dentistry in New Zealand can be obtained by application to the Medical Council of New Zealand or the Dental Council of New Zealand, as appropriate.
• Proof of English language proficiency: native speaker, IELTS Academic module or OET
• Police Checks: police reports from all jurisdictions where you have lived in the preceding 10 years.
• Medical Report: medical examination excluding major disorders.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa

This visa is sponsored by an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand and allows the candidate to work and live in New Zealand for a maximum term of 5 years, provided that the job offer is for a minimum of 30 hours per week (0.75 FTE). Family members can accompany the candidate and in some cases obtain work or study visas.

Health New Zealand and many private healthcare employers are accredited by Immigration New Zealand and can issue a job token on acceptance of an appropriate job offer. The job token is a link to an application form which should be completed and submitted on line by the applicant with the relevant supporting documents. The processing time is within 3 months but much faster if the employer requests that the application is expedited by Immigration New Zealand.

This visa is ideal for candidates who intend to work in New Zealand for a limited time of up to 5 years and do not wish to obtain permanent residency or citizenship. Fellows taking postgraduate training fall into this category as do medical and dental officers working on fixed term contracts.

The advantage is the fast processing time and should the candidate decide to extend the employment at a later date, an application for straight to residence visa or work to residence visa can be made.

The Green List Pathway: Straight to Residence Visa and Work to Residence Visa

The Green List Tiers 1 and 2 contain New Zealand's high priority skills, sought to run essential public services and develop key economic sectors. Most medical and dental specialties are listed in Tier 1 but this should be confirmed before applying for a visa as the ranking of specialties may change over time. Applicants for these residency visas must be under the age of 55.

These visas grant the applicants and their dependent family members the right to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely and enjoy the use of public services.



Straight to Residency Visa

Candidates can apply for this visa with:

• Tier 1 skills
• Job offer from or currently work with an accredited employer

Work to Residence Visa

Candidates can apply for this visa with:

• Tier 2 skills
• Job offer from or currently work for an accredited employer which is full time and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months.
• Work experience of 24 months in a Green List Tier 2 in-demand role.

New Zealand Citizenship

There are 3 main types of New Zealand citizenship: by birth, by descent and by grant. Unless candidates have been born in New Zealand or have parents who were New Zealand citizens, most candidates will obtain citizenship by grant. Applications can be made after 5 years of permanent residency and meeting the presence requirements. New Zealand permits dual and multiple citizenship.

Over 55 Years of Age

Doctors and dentists over the age of 55 can apply for the Accredited Employer Visa but not for the Green List Pathway Residence Visas. However, once working in New Zealand, Health New Zealand can support applications for permanent residency on the grounds that the practitioner has skills in short supply and their work is essential to the sound operation of the relevant service.



In summary, New Zealand has a straightforward and transparent immigration system dedicated to securing the services of doctors and dentists at all career stages. This helps New Zealand sustain its renowned health services and powers the next stage of their expansion whilst offering opportunities to overseas doctors and dentists to undertake further training and live and work in this unique country.

If you are interested in exploring job opportunities in New Zealand, please browse advertised jobs or contact us to discuss your options.