Foreign-born population – 2023 | 28.8% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
1.5 million, 51% women | Evolution since 2018: +10% | United Kingdom (17%), China (11%), India (10%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, New Zealand received 53 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), ‑56% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 6% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 18% labour migrants, 64% family members (including accompanying family) and 11% humanitarian migrants. Around 24 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 104 600 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
India, the Philippines and China were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, India registered the strongest increase (33 000) in flows to New Zealand compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants increased by 39%, to reach around 2 400. The majority of applicants came from India (1 100), China (300) and Sri Lanka (200). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of India (400) and the largest decrease nationals of Malaysia (‑200). Of the 1 080 decisions taken in 2024, 22% were positive.
Emigration of New Zealand citizens to OECD countries increased by 24% in 2023, to 18 000. Approximately 75% of this group migrated to Australia, 6% to the United Kingdom and 5% to the United States.
In 2024‑2025, New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme underwent significant reforms to improve accessibility and responsiveness to labour market needs. Key changes include removing the median wage threshold for all AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa roles and reducing required work experience from three to two years. Two new seasonal visa pathways will be introduced in 2025 to help employers address labour shortages.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is also redesigning the Job Check stage to ensure migrants are placed in genuine employment. The updated system aims to streamline processes for low-risk employers and improve processing times, supported by a revised job classification list.
There are numerous healthcare occupations on the Straight to Residence pathway on the Green List including all registered nurse occupations. This is the immigration system’s most attractive offering. Healthcare professionals with a job offer in New Zealand may also be eligible to come to New Zealand on an AEWV or work towards residency through the Skilled Migrant Category.
From early November 2025, China will have transit visa waiver status and Chinese and Pacific visitors with an eligible Australian visa will not need New Zealand visa to visit New Zealand.
To align international education settings with labour market needs, international students who have studied Bachelor’s degree‑level and above qualifications for at least one year in New Zealand are eligible for Post Study Work Visas (PSWV) of up to three years, depending on the level and length of the qualification. A change allows those who complete a Master’s degree after shifting from a Postgraduate Diploma to obtain a PSWV. Graduates of sub-degree qualifications linked to Green List occupations are also eligible for PSWVs.
From 29 September 2025, applications will open for a five‑year renewable visitor visa for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents. There are health, insurance and income requirements to access this visa. This balances family reunification goals with the need to protect public services. Existing visitor and residence visas for parents remain.
Changes to the Active Investor Plus visa, effective from 1 April 2025, aim to better attract foreign investment to New Zealand and simplify settings for users. Two investment categories have been introduced: the Growth (minimum NZD 5 million) and Balanced (minimum NZD 10 million) categories. The latter expands the scope of acceptable investments to include bond and property investments. Immigration requirements, such as the investment period and the time required to be spent in New Zealand, have been eased for Growth category investors. Balanced category investors who choose to make investments available under the Growth category will also receive discounted time in New Zealand requirements. The English language requirement has been removed for both investment categories. The changes will encourage deeper engagement with New Zealand’s investment ecosystem and investments.
Integration efforts continue into 2025 through the Migrant Settlement and Integration Strategy, which defines successful settlement as feeling safe and well, having a sense of belonging and being able to participate in and contribute to all aspects of life (social, economic, cultural, and civic).
For further information: www.immigration.govt.nz/
