in the wake ofNew Zealand 2025immigrantsAdjustment of policiesMore and more people are looking to move to this picturesque country with a very high quality of life. However.Immigration to New ZealandHow much does it really cost? What is the budget from visa application to settled life? This article will fully analyzeVarious visa fees, housing costs, living expensesetc. to help you make adequate financial planning for a smoother immigration path!
I. New Zealand Immigration Application Fees
Application fees vary for different types of immigrant visas. Here are the main 2025immigrant visaThe cost of the reference:
visa category | Application fee (NZD) | Application Time | Suitable for people |
---|---|---|---|
skilled migrantVisa (SMC) | $4,290 (principal applicant) | 6-12 months | skilled professional |
Green List Resident Visa (Green List) | $2,900 | 3-6 months | Practitioners in high-demand industries |
investment immigrationcertify | $7,800 + investment amount | 12-24 months | High Net Worth Individuals |
Entrepreneur Immigrant Visa | $3,365 | 6-12 months | People planning to start a business in New Zealand |
Spouse/Family Reunification Visa | $2,240 | 3-6 months | Spouse or immediate family member in New Zealand |
student visa | $375 | 2-6 months | Planning to study and possibly apply for a work visa |
Work Visa (AEWV) | $750 | 3-6 months | Applicants with employer's offer |
💡 take note of::
- The above costs are onlyOfficial application fee(math.) genusExcluding medical examination, translation, notarization, and attorney's fees.and other additional expenditures.
- Some visas may requireProvide proof of deposite.g.investment immigrationRequires a minimum investment of NZD 5 million or moreThe
II. Additional costs before immigration to New Zealand
You may also be required to pay the following additional fees before submitting your visa:
1. Medical examinations and health certificates
All immigrant visa applicants are required to providemedical reportCosts vary by country and organization.
- Medical examination fees: About NZD 250-500
- Chest X-ray (Tuberculosis Screening): About NZD 150
- Mental health assessment (required for some occupations): About NZD 300-500
2. English language examination fees (if required)
Most skilled immigration categories require aIELTS or PTEAccomplishments:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): NZD 410(Academic/Immigrant)
- PTE Academic: NZD 385
3. Certification and notarization fees
- NZQA Academic Recognition(Required for some occupations): NZD 445-746
- Translation of documents: NZD 50-100/page
- notary fee: NZD 20-100/copy
4. Immigration agent's or attorney's fees (optional)
If you choose to go through theimmigration agentmaybesolicitorsGetting a visa usually costs:
- General Immigration Adviser: NZD 3,000-7,000
- Specialized Immigration Lawyers: NZD 8,000-15,000
💡 suggestion: If your application is more complex (e.g.Proof of funds, certification of education, employer sponsorship), it is advisable to hire an experienced immigration consultant to avoid making a small mistake.
III. Major costs of living after settlement in New Zealand
The main costs of settling in New Zealand after successful immigration includeHousing, transportation, food, health care, children's educationetc.
1. Housing costs (renting vs. buying)
House prices in New Zealand vary greatly depending on the region:
- Oakland (California, US city): Rent NZD 2,800-4,000/Month, average price of buying a house NZD 1,000,000+
- Wellington, capital of New Zealand: Rent NZD 2,500-3,800/Month, average price of buying a house NZD 900,000
- Christchurch (New Zealand city): Rent NZD 2,000-3,000/Month, average price of buying a house NZD 750,000
2. Cost of living
category | Monthly expenses (NZD)(single) | Monthly expenses (NZD)(3-4 persons in a family) |
---|---|---|
Groceries | $600 – $900 | $1,200 – $1,800 |
water, electricity, gas and electricity | $150 – $250 | $250 – $400 |
Networks and Cell Phones | $80 – $150 | $120 – $200 |
Medical insurance (optional) | $80 – $300 | $200 – $600 |
Public transportation/fuel costs | $100 – $300 | $300 – $700 |
Recreation and other | $200 – $500 | $500 – $1,000 |
💡 tip::

- The basic monthly cost of living in Auckland for a single person is approximatelyNZD 3,500 - 5,000.;
- The monthly expenditure for a family of three in a medium-sized New Zealand city is approximatelyNZD 6,000 - 8,000The
3. Cost of educating children (if applicable)
- Public schools (5-18 years): Free
- private school: NZD 20,000 - 40,000/year
- University tuition fees (international students): NZD 25,000 - 40,000/year
IV. Total budget for migration to New Zealand (2025)
Israeli-PalestinianSingle skilled migrantsAs an example, the total projected costs are as follows:
category | Budget (NZD) |
---|---|
Visa Application Fee | $4,290 |
Physical Examination, English Examination, Certification Fee | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Initial housing (3 months rent + deposit) | $9,000 – $15,000 |
Living expenses (3 months) | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Airfare, transportation | $2,000 – $3,000 |
total | $26,000 – $40,000 |
💡 Kind tips::

- If it isFamily immigrationThe budget needs to be at leastNZD 50,000 - 80,000.;
- If it isinvestment immigration, in addition to the basic cost ofNZD 5 million or more investment capitalThe
V. Conclusion: 2025Immigration to New ZealandIs it worth it?
Immigration to New ZealandHigher upfront costs, but in the long run it providesHigh quality of life, good healthcare and education system, beautiful natural environmentIt's aWorth investing in the futureThe choice.
suggestion::
✅ Plan budgets in advance to ensure adequate funding.;
✅ Choosing the right type of visa for you.;
✅ Pay attention to policy changes and choose the best time to applyThe
If you are considering immigrating to New Zealand, we hope the detailed budget analysis in this article will help you make the most informed decision!Feel free to share this article so that more people can understand the true cost of migrating to New Zealand in 2025!