What if you could work while enjoying New Zealand?
Working in New Zealand is one of the best options for international students who want to combine studies, adventure and professional growth in the same destination. This country stands out for its quality of life, its incredible landscapes and the job opportunities it offers foreigners during their stay.
In addition, many visas allow you to work while you study, making it easier to earn money, improve your English and enjoy a unique international experience. If you are looking for a safe, modern destination full of opportunities, New Zealand could become the perfect place for you.
Working in New Zealand will not only allow you to earn money while you study, but also to enjoy an experience that could change your life. This destination has become very popular among international students thanks to its balance between quality of life, job opportunities and nature.
Below, we tell you about some of the main advantages of working in New Zealand during your adventure abroad.
New Zealand offers a very high quality of life compared to other destinations for international students. Its cities stand out for being safe, clean and peaceful, which makes adapting much easier when you arrive in the country.
In addition, the lifestyle tends to be much more relaxed and balanced. This will allow you to enjoy your experience while studying, working and discovering new places without constantly living under stress.
One of New Zealand’s greatest advantages is that the student visa allows you to work legally during your stay. This will help you cover part of your expenses while enjoying your international experience.
In addition to earning money, working while studying will also allow you to improve your English naturally and gain work experience in an international environment.
Salaries in New Zealand tend to be quite attractive for international students. The country’s minimum wage is high, and many jobs offer good working conditions even for positions that do not require previous experience.
Thanks to this, many students manage to save money, travel around the country or enjoy their stay more without so many financial concerns during the experience.
New Zealand constantly needs workers in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, agriculture, construction and customer service. Therefore, finding a job as a foreigner is usually easier than in other countries.
In addition, companies are used to hiring people of different nationalities, creating multicultural and very comfortable working environments for international students.
Living in New Zealand means being surrounded by spectacular landscapes practically all the time. Beaches, mountains, lakes and natural parks are part of everyday life, even close to the main cities.
This will allow you to combine work and studies with outdoor activities, weekend getaways and unique experiences that you will probably remember for the rest of your life.
Working in New Zealand is one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve your English. By communicating with customers, colleagues and managers every day, you will become more fluent and confident almost without realising it.
In addition, you will learn real vocabulary and everyday expressions that are difficult to acquire solely in an academy or traditional classroom.
Having worked in New Zealand can add a great deal of value to your CV. More and more companies value candidates with international experience and the ability to adapt to new cultural environments.
In addition to improving the language, you will develop personal skills such as independence, organisation and intercultural communication, which are very useful skills for your professional future.
If you want to work in New Zealand during your international experience, it is important to know the basic requirements before travelling. Depending on the type of visa you apply for, the conditions may vary, although there are some common aspects that you will have to meet no matter what.
Below, we explain the main requirements for working legally in New Zealand and what you need to prepare before beginning your adventure.
The first requirement for working in New Zealand is to have a visa that allows you to do so legally. There are different visa options depending on your goals, how long you want to stay in the country and the type of experience you are looking for.
Some visas are designed for international students, others for those who want to travel and work temporarily, and there are also options aimed at skilled professionals who want to develop a career in New Zealand.
The student visa is one of the most popular options among international students who want to enjoy a complete experience in New Zealand. It is designed for those who want to study courses lasting more than three months, such as English programmes, vocational training or university studies.
One of its greatest advantages is that it allows you to work while you study. Currently, you can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during official holidays. This will help you gain work experience, improve your English and cover part of your expenses while enjoying your stay.
The duration of the visa usually matches the duration of your studies and may extend up to a maximum of four years, depending on the programme chosen.
Main requirements:
The cost of the student visa in New Zealand is NZD $850.
The Working Holiday Visa is perfect for young people who want to combine travel, work and adventure in New Zealand for a period of time. This visa allows you to stay in the country for up to 12 months while working full-time and studying short courses lasting up to six months.
It is a very flexible option, ideal for those looking for a more dynamic experience that is not focused solely on studying. In addition, you will be able to travel freely around the country and change jobs or cities according to your preferences.
Many students and travellers use this visa to work in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, agriculture or customer service while discovering New Zealand.
Main requirements:
In addition, this visa operates through limited annual quotas, so places tend to run out quickly in many countries. The cost of the Working Holiday Visa is NZD $770.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa, or AEWV, is designed for people who have obtained a job offer in New Zealand from a company authorised to hire foreign workers. It is one of the main options for those who want to develop a professional career in the country.
With this visa, you will be able to work legally on a full-time basis, normally for periods of between three and five years depending on the position and type of employment. In addition, it also allows you to study short courses lasting up to three months per year.
In many cases, this visa is obtained after previously travelling to New Zealand on another visa and finding a job opportunity there.
Main requirements:
Before hiring you, the company must also demonstrate that it has not found suitable local candidates for the position.
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is aimed at skilled professionals who want to live and work permanently in New Zealand. It is a residence visa based on a points system related to education, work experience and skilled employment.
It is a very interesting option for those who want to build a long-term future in the country and access more stable professional opportunities.
In addition, this visa allows you to include your partner and dependent children in the application, something that many international families value greatly.
Main requirements:
One of the main advantages of this visa is that it allows you to live, work and study indefinitely in New Zealand. The cost of the process starts at NZD $6,450.
In most cases, you will need to be at least 18 years old to work legally in New Zealand. This applies especially to visas such as the Working Holiday Visa and many jobs aimed at international students.
Although some people travel to study while they are still underage, employment options tend to be much more limited. Therefore, most international students begin working once they reach legal adulthood.
Having health insurance is compulsory for most visas in New Zealand, especially for international students. This insurance will protect you in the event of accidents, illnesses or possible medical emergencies during your stay.
In addition to being an immigration requirement, travelling with insurance will give you peace of mind while you enjoy your international experience. Healthcare for foreigners can be expensive, so it is essential to be protected from the first day.
If you are going to work in New Zealand, you will need to open a local bank account in order to receive your salary. Most companies make payments directly by bank transfer.
Opening an account is usually a simple and quick process once you arrive in the country. You will normally need your passport, your visa and an address in New Zealand to complete the process.
The IRD Number is the tax number you will need to work legally in New Zealand. Without this number, you will pay much higher taxes and have difficulties starting work.
The application is usually completed online, and you will normally need your passport, visa and New Zealand bank account. Therefore, it is one of the first procedures you should complete when you arrive in the country.
Having a good level of English will greatly help you find work in New Zealand more quickly and access better job opportunities. Although there are some jobs in which the language is not as important, most positions require you to be able to communicate correctly with customers, colleagues and managers.
In addition, if your goal is to access skilled jobs or positions related to your profession, you will normally need to demonstrate a higher level of English. In many cases, employers may even ask you for official certificates or conduct interviews entirely in English during the recruitment process.
If you still do not feel confident with the language, a very good option is to travel to New Zealand first to study English for a few months. This will allow you to gradually adapt to the country, gain confidence and improve your communication before beginning to look for work. In addition, studying English in New Zealand will also help you meet international people and understand much better how life in the country works.
The best thing is that progress tends to become noticeable very quickly. By living surrounded by the language 24 hours a day, you will end up improving almost without realising it while you work, make friends or carry out everyday activities.
Contact us and a Dingoos Guide will get in touch with you as soon as possible :)
One of the reasons why so many international students choose to work in New Zealand is that salaries tend to be quite competitive. Although the cost of living may vary depending on the city, income allows many students to cover a large part of their expenses and even save money during the experience.
Currently, the minimum wage in New Zealand is around NZD 23.95 per hour. However, many jobs aimed at international students offer slightly higher wages, especially in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, cafés, retail and customer service. In these cases, it is quite common to find salaries of between NZD $24 and NZD $27 per hour.
In addition, most jobs in New Zealand are paid by the hour, which provides considerable flexibility when combining work and studies. However, it is important to bear in mind that taxes will have to be deducted from the gross salary, normally ranging between 15% and 20% depending on the income earned.
If you work full-time on an average salary, you could earn around NZD $2,700 to NZD $3,000 net per month. By contrast, many international students work part-time while studying, earning approximately between NZD $1,200 and NZD $1,500 per month.
With good organisation, this income can help you pay for accommodation, transport and food, as well as enjoy your adventure in New Zealand much more without so much financial pressure.
New Zealand offers many employment opportunities for foreigners, especially in sectors where there is a shortage of local workers. This makes finding a job relatively accessible for international students, people with a Working Holiday Visa and skilled professionals who want to develop their careers in the country.
Depending on your level of English, experience and type of visa, you will be able to access both unskilled jobs and professional positions with better salaries and opportunities for growth. Below, we show you some of the most in-demand jobs currently available in New Zealand.
Unskilled jobs are often the gateway to the New Zealand labour market for many international students and travellers. The main advantage is that they do not normally require previous experience or specific qualifications, making it easier to begin working quickly.
In addition, many of these jobs offer flexible schedules and constant recruitment throughout the year, especially in tourist cities and agricultural areas.
Hospitality is one of the sectors that offers the most work to foreigners in New Zealand. Restaurants, cafés, hotels and bars often need staff constantly, especially in cities such as Auckland, Queenstown and Wellington.
The most common positions are waiter, barista, kitchen assistant, receptionist and kitchen hand. In addition, working in hospitality is an excellent way to improve your English quickly thanks to daily contact with customers and colleagues.
Tourism plays a very important role in New Zealand’s economy, especially in natural areas and destinations that are popular among international travellers. Therefore, many companies look for staff for tourism-related activities during much of the year.
Some common jobs include tour guide, customer service, hotel reception, vehicle rental and assistance with adventure activities. If you have a good level of English and enjoy dealing with people, it can be a very interesting option.
Agriculture and farm work are very common among people with a Working Holiday Visa. New Zealand needs temporary workers for agricultural seasons related to fruit, vineyards, horticulture and livestock farming.
Many foreigners work picking fruit, packing products or carrying out maintenance tasks on farms. Although it is usually physical work, it also allows you to save a considerable amount of money thanks to the large number of available working hours.
The cleaning sector offers many opportunities for international students and foreigners who have recently arrived in the country. Hotels, offices, gyms and private companies often hire staff constantly.
One of the advantages of these jobs is that they often offer flexible schedules, making them ideal for combining with studies. In addition, they do not normally require previous experience and allow you to begin earning an income quickly.
Shops and retailers also tend to hire foreigners, especially during busier periods such as holidays and sales. Supermarkets, clothing shops and department stores look for staff for customer service, shelf stocking and checkout positions.
This type of work is often ideal for improving your English and gaining international work experience in a dynamic, multicultural environment.
New Zealand also needs skilled professionals in different strategic sectors. Many companies have difficulties finding specialised local workers, so there are good opportunities for foreigners with experience and qualifications.
In some cases, these jobs may even make it easier to access work visas or permanent residence in the country.
The healthcare sector is one of the sectors with the highest demand in New Zealand. There is a great need for nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, carers and other healthcare-related professionals.
In addition to offering competitive salaries, many of these professions appear on priority occupation lists for immigration. This can make sponsorship and residence processes easier for those who meet the necessary requirements.
The technology sector continues to grow in New Zealand, and many companies look for developers, data analysts, cybersecurity experts and specialised IT professionals.
Cities such as Auckland and Wellington account for a large proportion of the country’s technology opportunities. In addition, many companies particularly value international experience and proficiency in English.
Construction is another of the sectors with the highest demand in New Zealand, especially due to urban growth and infrastructure development in different cities.
Electricians, carpenters, welders, plumbers and machinery operators often have many employment opportunities. In some cases, practical experience carries even more weight than academic qualifications.
New Zealand needs engineers in areas such as construction, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and environmental engineering. Many infrastructure and urban development projects create constant demand for these types of professionals.
In addition to good salaries, some engineering profiles may also gain easier access to immigration processes aimed at permanent residence.
The education sector also offers opportunities for foreigners, especially in certain areas and educational levels where there is a shortage of local professionals.
Early childhood, primary and secondary school teachers, as well as teachers specialising in certain subjects, are often in high demand. In addition, having international experience may be highly valued within the New Zealand education system.
Although hospitality also offers unskilled jobs, many hotels and restaurants look for experienced candidates for more specialised positions.
Chefs, restaurant managers, hotel supervisors and professional kitchen staff often have good job opportunities, especially in tourist cities where the food and dining industry continues to grow.
In summary, New Zealand offers a wide range of employment opportunities for both unskilled and skilled workers. Whether you are looking for a temporary job while studying or an advanced professional career, this country has something for everyone.
Make the most of the opportunities, improve your skills and prepare yourself for an enriching work experience in New Zealand. Good luck on your adventure!
Explore New Zealand! A natural country with incredible opportunities to study, work and enjoy life in cities such as Auckland. Discover its unique landscapes and relaxed lifestyle!
Studying in New Zealand means choosing a high-quality education that is recognised worldwide. You will find English courses, technical training and prestigious universities, all in a safe, multicultural environment with practical teaching methods focused on the world of work.
Living in New Zealand means enjoying a peaceful lifestyle, surrounded by nature and modern cities. It is a safe country with friendly people and a high quality of life, making it ideal for adapting easily from the very first day.
Discover the different types of visas available in New Zealand for international students. From student visas to work visas such as the Working Holiday Visa, the country offers accessible options to make your stay and experience easier.
Working in New Zealand may seem complicated at first, especially if it is your first international experience. However, by following the right steps and with the right support, the entire process becomes much easier than you might imagine.
From choosing the right visa to looking for work once you arrive in the country, at Dingoos we support you throughout the entire experience so that you can travel with greater peace of mind and make the most of your adventure in New Zealand.
The first step towards working in New Zealand is to receive personalised advice so you can find out which option is best according to your profile, your goals and the type of experience you are looking for.
At Dingoos, we have specialised Dingoos Guides who will help you free of charge and answer all your questions about studying and working in New Zealand. You will only need to complete our form, and one of our advisers will contact you to support you throughout the entire process.
In addition, we will help you plan your trip, choose the most suitable visa and prepare all the necessary procedures before travelling.
In order to work legally in New Zealand, you will need a visa that allows you to do so. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for different options, such as the student visa or the Working Holiday Visa.
At Dingoos, we especially help you manage the student visa, one of the most popular options for those who want to combine studies and work in New Zealand for a period of time.
Our team will explain the requirements, review your documentation and support you during the application process so that everything is much easier and safer.
CVs in New Zealand have a format and style that are quite different from those used in many Spanish-speaking countries. Therefore, adapting your CV correctly can make a big difference when looking for work.
In general, New Zealand companies highly value clear, simple CVs focused on skills and practical experience. In addition, it is important to use natural English and highlight the skills that could add value to the position.
At Dingoos, we help you adapt your CV to the New Zealand style to increase your chances of finding work once you arrive in the country.
Once your visa has been approved and everything is ready, one of the most exciting moments will arrive: travelling to New Zealand and beginning your international adventure.
Moving to the other side of the world can feel a little overwhelming at first, but it will also be an incredible experience full of personal growth, new friendships and unforgettable moments.
In addition, with Dingoos you will not be alone. We will continue to support you during your experience and help you with any questions or needs that may arise once you arrive in the country.
If you are going to work in New Zealand, you will need to open a local bank account in order to receive your salary and manage your everyday expenses.
Although the process is usually quite simple, many people do not know where to start or what documents they need to provide when they arrive in the country.
Thanks to our arrival and integration service, at Dingoos we help you open your bank account when you arrive in New Zealand so that you can settle in much more quickly and begin your experience with peace of mind.
The IRD Number is the tax number you will need to work legally in New Zealand. Without this document, you will pay more tax and have difficulties starting work.
Therefore, it is one of the first procedures you should complete as soon as you arrive in the country. You will normally need your passport, visa and New Zealand bank account to complete the application.
At Dingoos, we also help you with this process so that you can obtain your IRD Number much more quickly and easily.
Once your documents are ready, it will be time to begin looking for work in New Zealand. The good news is that there are a great many options for foreigners, especially in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, agriculture, construction and customer service.
In addition to handing out CVs in person, you can also use online platforms, recruitment agencies and Facebook groups where new employment opportunities are constantly being posted.
There are many job websites and platforms where you can look for work in New Zealand before or after arriving in the country. Some specialise in jobs for students and travellers, while others focus on professional profiles or temporary jobs.
Some of the most popular are:
Many people begin looking for work even before travelling, especially through platforms such as Seek and Auckland Business Chamber.
Facebook groups continue to be a widely used tool among foreigners looking for work in New Zealand. These groups often share job vacancies, advice, rooms and useful recommendations for new arrivals.
In addition to finding work, these groups will also help you connect with other people who are already enjoying the experience.
After all the preparations, the best part will arrive: beginning to work and enjoy your experience in New Zealand.
Beyond work, this adventure will allow you to improve your English, meet people from all over the world, discover incredible landscapes and grow enormously both personally and professionally.
New Zealand can give you not only international work experience, but also memories, friendships and lessons that will probably remain with you for the rest of your life.
Working and studying in New Zealand can become one of the best experiences of your life, but adapting to a new country always involves certain challenges at first. From finding a job to organising your expenses or improving your English, there are small details that can make a big difference during your adventure.
Therefore, we want to share some practical tips with you that will help you adapt more quickly, make better use of the opportunities and enjoy your experience in New Zealand much more.
If you are thinking about studying and working in New Zealand and want to enjoy the experience with greater peace of mind, at Dingoos we can help you throughout the entire process. Our goal is for you to enjoy your international adventure without becoming overwhelmed by paperwork, questions or confusing information before travelling.
At Dingoos, we offer free and personalised advice to help you find the best option according to your goals, budget and the type of experience you want to enjoy in New Zealand. From choosing the right visa to advising you on how to look for work, we will be with you at every step.
In addition, we also help you with very important practical aspects for beginning your new life in New Zealand, such as adapting your CV to the New Zealand style, opening a bank account, applying for your IRD Number and answering questions about accommodation, work and studies.
Looking for work in another country can create many uncertainties at first, especially if you have never had an international experience. Therefore, at Dingoos we have created our Job Workshop, designed to help you find employment in New Zealand in a much easier and safer way.
During this workshop, we share practical information and real advice about how the New Zealand labour market works. We explain where to look for work, how to prepare your CV, which sectors tend to hire the most foreigners and how to approach job interviews in English.
In addition, we will also answer all your questions about salaries, working hours, types of employment and opportunities for international students and people with a Working Holiday Visa. Our goal is for you to arrive in New Zealand much better prepared and confident enough to begin your job search.
At Dingoos, we want to support you before, during and after your arrival in New Zealand so that you can make the most of this experience. If you dream of studying and working in New Zealand, we will be delighted to help you make it a reality.
If you are thinking about travelling to New Zealand to study and work, it is completely normal to have many questions before taking the step. Aspects such as visas, salaries, working hours and looking for employment tend to raise many questions among international students.
Therefore, we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about working in New Zealand to help you quickly resolve the most common concerns and prepare your experience with much greater peace of mind.
Yes, the New Zealand student visa allows you to work legally while you study. Currently, most international students can work up to 25 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during official holidays. This allows you to gain work experience, improve your English and help cover part of your expenses during your stay.
The visa will depend on your profile and the type of experience you are looking for. The most common options for foreigners are the student visa, the Working Holiday Visa and the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Each one has different requirements and conditions depending on the duration of the stay, work possibilities and personal or professional goals.
No. A tourist visa does not allow you to work legally in New Zealand. If you want to study and work during your stay, you will need to apply for a visa that includes permission to work, such as a student visa or Working Holiday Visa, depending on your nationality and circumstances.
Hourly pay in New Zealand may vary depending on the type of work, your experience and the city. Currently, many international students find jobs that pay between NZD 24 and NZD 27 per hour, especially in sectors such as hospitality, tourism, retail and agriculture.
Currently, the minimum wage in New Zealand is approximately NZD 23.95 per hour. This wage is usually updated periodically, so it is important to always check the official information before travelling. Many jobs for international students even pay above this amount.
An international student working part-time can earn approximately between NZD 1,200 and NZD 1,500 net per month. The amount will depend on the number of hours worked, the salary and the taxes applied. With good organisation, this income can help cover a large proportion of monthly expenses.
The most accessible jobs for foreigners tend to be found in hospitality, tourism, agriculture, cleaning, construction and customer service. Many international students also find work in cafés, restaurants, hotels, farms or seasonal jobs related to fruit picking.
Yes, having a basic or intermediate level of English will make looking for work in New Zealand much easier. Although some jobs require less communication, most companies value the ability to communicate properly with customers and colleagues. In addition, working in the country will help you improve the language quickly.
There is considerable demand for foreign workers in many sectors, especially hospitality, agriculture, tourism and construction. How easy it is to find work will depend on your level of English, experience, city and attitude during the search, although many international students find employment relatively quickly.
The IRD Number is the tax number you will need to work legally in New Zealand. This document allows you to pay the correct taxes and enables companies to hire you officially. Without an IRD Number, you will pay much higher taxes and have difficulties beginning work.
Yes, you will need a New Zealand bank account in order to receive your salary and manage your expenses in the country. Most companies pay by bank transfer, so opening an account is usually one of the first procedures foreigners complete when they arrive in New Zealand.
In New Zealand, taxes are deducted directly from your salary before you receive payment. The percentage will depend on your income, although many international students usually pay approximately between 15% and 20%. Having an active IRD Number is essential to avoid paying higher taxes.
Yes, you will normally be able to work full-time during your course’s official holidays. However, during academic periods, most student visas limit work to 25 hours per week. The exact conditions will depend on the type of visa and the study programme chosen.
Yes. At Dingoos, we help you throughout the entire process of studying and working in New Zealand. Our team can advise you free of charge about visas, courses, CV adaptation, job searching, opening a bank account, applying for your IRD Number and many other important procedures before and after travelling.
Australia offers safety, economic growth and many opportunities to grow professionally and personally.
Canada stands out for its quality of life, incredible landscapes and friendly people, offering a unique experience in which to work and grow personally.
Dubai combines professional growth, job opportunities and an international, modern and sunny lifestyle.
Ireland allows you to work legally while you study, making it ideal for gaining work experience, improving your CV and covering expenses during your stay.
Malta offers many job opportunities thanks to its tourism industry and low unemployment, allowing you to work while enjoying life on the island.
Don’t miss our webinar and discover how to prepare your application: requirements, required documents, key dates, and common mistakes to avoid.
