Foreign-born population – 2023 | 28.8% of the population | Main countries of birth: United Kingdom (17%), China (11%), India (10%) |
Size 1.5 million, 51% women | Evolution since 2018: +10% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, New Zealand received 41 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status), ‑23% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 9% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 13% labour migrants, 68% family members (including accompanying family) and 11% humanitarian migrants. Around 23 000 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 103 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants.
India, China and the Philippines were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, France registered the strongest increase (1 400) and the Philippines the largest decrease (‑23 000) in flows to New Zealand compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑14%, to reach around 2 100. The majority of applicants came from India (700), China (300) and Sri Lanka (200). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Bangladesh (65) and the largest decrease nationals of India (‑300). Of the 1 550 decisions taken in 2025, 27% were positive.
From 1 June 2026, English language requirements for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applicants in mid-skilled occupations have been aligned with those for low-skilled occupations (IELTS level 4, or equivalent).
On 8 December 2025, the government opened two new seasonal visas under the AEWV framework: (i) the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, an (up to) three‑year visa allowing experienced and skilled seasonal workers to return year-on-year, subject to an annual offshore stay; and (ii) the Peak Seasonal Visa, allowing short-term stays of up to seven months for lower-skilled or entry-level seasonal jobs. Both have experience requirements (three and one seasons, respectively) and are limited to specified seasonal occupations. Visa holders cannot support family visa applications.
In September 2025, the Job Check stage of the AEWV was redesigned. The updated process includes a simplified online form, clearer guidance and built-in completeness checks, with additional information required upfront.
In September 2025, the government announced two new residence pathways under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Opening for applications on 24 August 2026, these pathways target skilled workers with appropriate work experience in specific trades and technician roles.
On 27 November 2025, the Immigration (Fiscal Sustainability and System Integrity) Amendment Act 2025 (FSSI) received royal assent. FSSI expands the cohort of people who can be charged immigration levies; closes a legislative gap around the charging of premiums for employment; amends the definition of a “mass arrival group” to capture all possible modes of entry; responds to the recommendations of independent reviews of the immigration system; and makes deportation liability for residence class visa holders as a consequence of criminal offending (rather than requiring conviction).
In November 2025, New Zealand increased in-study work rights from 20 to 25 hours per week for eligible international students. On 16 November 2026, a new Short-term Graduate Work Visa will be introduced for international graduates who have a completed New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) Level 5‑7 qualification, and Post- Study Work Visa eligibility will be extended to most applicants who have an NZQCF Level 7 Graduate Diploma.
In September 2025, applications opened for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa, a five‑year, renewable, multiple-entry visitor visa for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents. The visa includes specific health, insurance and income requirements.
Following major changes to the Active Investor Plus (AIP) visa settings in April 2025, several targeted changes have been made to clarify and expand investment options, strengthen compliance powers and improve the operation of the visa. Other reforms were made outside of the immigration system to reduce barriers to migration and investment. In particular, changes have been made to foreign investment fund tax rules, while holders of an AIP visa are now able to purchase or build a residential property in New Zealand valued above NZD 5 million.
In November 2025, New Zealand introduced a new Business Investor Visa for experienced businesspeople ready to invest in, actively operate and grow established businesses. It requires a minimum investment of NZD 1 million or NZD 2 million under a fast-track pathway.
For further information: www.immigration.govt.nz/
