From the UK to New Zealand: Your Roadmap to Permanent Residency (PR) in 2025

There isn’t one single way to become a permanent resident. Instead, there are several New Zealand PR pathways depending on your skills, family status, or financial capability.

1.Skilled Migrant

The Skilled Migrant is one of the most popular and competitive pathways to gain New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR). This visa option is designed for skilled professionals who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy and fill demand gaps in the local workforce. It offers a direct pathway to New Zealand residency and PR. Once you get PR, you can bring your family member with you.

The SMC works on a points-based system that rewards your age, qualifications, skilled work experience, and English ability. The higher your score, the better your chance of being invited to apply for residence.

Criteria:

• Age under 56 years.

• A recognized qualification (degree, diploma, or trade certification).

• Work experience in a skilled occupation.

• English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

• Job offer from a New Zealand employer (not mandatory but helpful).

2. Work to Residence Pathway

Many migrants enter on a work visa and later transition to PR through the Work to Residence route. This pathway is perfect for those already living and working in NZ. You must work for a New Zealand Accredited employer for at least 2 years. This shows that you have contributed to the local economy and have stable employment in a recognised business and you won’t be a burden on the economy. To qualify for permanent residence, you must meet New Zealand’s health character and English language standards and have to show proof of steady employment and income.

Advantages:

• No need to leave the country to apply.

• You can include your spouse and dependent children.

• Employment stability increases your PR success rate.

3.Investor and Entrepreneur Visas

If you’re financially capable, applying for New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) through investment is a great opportunity. New Zealand welcomes international investors and entrepreneurs who can help grow the economy, create jobs and bring valuable business skills into the country.

There are three main streams for investors to apply under.

• Investor 1 Category (Investor Plus Visa)

This is designed for high-net-worth individuals who want to invest a large sum of money in New Zealand. It’s the most straightforward option because it doesn’t require business experience or age limits. To fill the requirement, you must invest at least NZD $10 million in New Zealand. The applicants must spend at least 44 days each year in New Zealand during the last two years of the 3 year investment period. In this stream you can include a partner and dependent children under 24 years old in your application.

• Investor 2 Category

This visa is aimed at experienced business people who have some investment funds and want to settle in New Zealand long-term. It has lower investment requirements but more eligibility conditions. Applicants have to spend minimum investment of NZD $3 million over 4 years and business experience must be at least 3 year. You must spend at least 146 days in New Zealand each year during the last 3 years of your 4 year investment period.

• Entrepreneur Resident Visa

This stream is for entrepreneurs who already own and operate a business in New Zealand. To fulfill the requirement you must run a profitable business for at least 2 years under the entrepreneur work visa. You have to show that your business benefits new Zealand’s economy by creating jobs, introducing new technology or increasing exports. You can fast track your visa if your business shows high growth potential or makes a significant contribution to the economy,  you might qualify for residence after just 6 months.

4.Family and Partner Visas

Family reunification is a key part of New Zealand’s immigration system. If your partner or parent is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for PR under the family stream. You have to demonstrate proof of your long term relationship via joint financial records and photos. Your partner must be eligible to sponser you and must have lived together for at least 12 months. Once your visa is approved, you can live permanently with your family in New Zealand and enjoy access to healthcare, education and employment rights.