If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to New Zealand, you will have considered the cost, and it’s not cheap. So, the idea of being paid to move is sure to grab your attention, making that dream feel even closer. Though there isn’t a dedicated program that pays you to relocate, New Zealand does offer various incentives to make the move easier – and sometimes much more affordable – for qualified professionals.

From relocation grants for teachers, to employer sponsored packages for skilled workers in rural areas, there are multiple ways to feel as though you’re being paid to move to New Zealand.

What You Need To Know

• Teachers may qualify for a relocation grant of up to NZD $10,000, covering flights, shipping and setup costs.
• Skilled workers in high-demand roles may receive employer-funded relocation support, especially in rural areas.
• People aged 18–30 can access work and relocation help through youth mobility programmes.
• Support is more likely if your job appears on New Zealand’s skills shortage lists and the employer is accredited.
• Moving to New Zealand is expensive, but incentives can reduce the overall cost with the right planning.

Will Someone Pay Me to Move to NZ?

Moving to New Zealand can be expensive, there’s no doubt about that. It’s a long way to go, and there’s a lot to organise. New Zealand offers stunning natural beauty, a friendly and welcoming culture, a whole host of non-touristy things to do, and an outdoor lifestyle that’s hard to beat. Yes, it’s a long journey – it’s roughly 11,500 miles from the UK and nearly 24 hours of travel time – but for many, the benefits far outweigh the distance.

But, even if you’ve thought about the cost of buying a property in New Zealand and you’ve factored in the price of removals, you’re unlikely to turn down being paid to move. So, what are your options?

Teachers’ Relocation Grant

One of the most well known incentives is the Teachers’ Relocation Grant, designed to attract qualified educators to New Zealand. This grant covers up to NZD $10,000 (£4,430) of relocation costs, including:

• Flights for yourself
• Shipping of personal belongings
• Temporary accommodation
• Registration with New Zealand teaching authorities
  

To be eligible, you need:

• Full-time employment in a state school or licensed early learning centre
• A valid New Zealand work or residency visa
• Registration with the relevant teaching authorities
• Claim submission within six months of arrival
  

This grant makes New Zealand especially appealing to teachers who are considering a career move abroad, as it helps cover the often costs of moving an entire household halfway across the world.

Employer Sponsored Relocation for High Demand Roles

New Zealand’s rural regions and certain high demand sectors encourage skilled workers to relocate by offering full relocation packages. These packages often include flights, initial housing or temporary accommodation, and assistance with setting up utilities and local services. A lot of sectors offer this support, including trades – such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters – healthcare, engineering and IT. Employers in regions facing local labour shortages, and those in rural communities, are especially likely to offer these incentives.

Green Heart Travel

For those aged between 18 and 30, New Zealand offers programs like Green Heart Travel. This initiative helps eligible Brits to find work in New Zealand for a year, and helps with coordinating their move – including visa guidance and relocation support  – and immerse themselves in Kiwi culture. It’s ideal for young professionals or those on a gap year who want both adventure and work experience. It’s a unique way to live and work in New Zealand, without having to part with the full cost of relocation.

How to Identify Paid NZ Relocation Opportunities

If you want to maximise your chances of being paid to move to New Zealand or, at the very least, having financial assistance with the process, you need to consider a handful of things.

• Check the Skills Shortage Lists – Various roles are listed on New Zealand’s ANZSCO/NOL skill shortage lists, and these often qualify for faster visa processing and employer support.
  
• Target Rural Areas – Smaller towns and rural regions with workforce shortages are more likely to provide relocation packages, so focus your attention there.
  
• Use Accredited Employers – Only employers accredited by Immigration NZ can sponsor work visas, so don’t assume every business, sector or industry can take you on.
  
• Speak to Immigration Advisers – There are various services, like Working in New Zealand, that provide free eligibility assessments.  They can guide you through visa applications.

New Zealand Visa Pathways for Skilled Migrants

If you’re planning to move to New Zealand, you need to secure a visa. There are various visas available, but in order to work in New Zealand, you need a visa that gives you that option. Not all visas allow you to work, so it’s important to check.

• Skilled Migrant Category Visa – This is a visa that’s designed for people with qualifications and experience in high demand sectors, and it offers a pathway to permanent residency.
  
• Work to Residence Visas – With this visa, you’re allowed to work in New Zealand initially, with the potential for permanent residency after a specified period.
  
• Youth Mobility and Cultural Exchange Programs – For those under 30, New Zealand has programs that combine work, travel and cultural immersion.

Why Should You Consider Moving to New Zealand?

There’s no denying that moving to New Zealand is a big step; it’s a long way from home, the culture is different and it’s in a completely different timezone. But, for a lot of expats, the lifestyle benefits outweigh that. From beaches and fjords, to mountains and rainforests, every day offers a new adventure in New Zealand. There’s scenic beauty everywhere, which you’ll have the chance to enjoy because the country boasts a healthy work-life balance. Kiwis value outdoor activity, recreation and family time, and there’s a real community spirit.

For teachers, skilled professionals and young people searching for an adventure, New Zealand provides not just a career opportunity, but potential routes that come with moving costs being partially covered, making moving to New Zealand a financially viable option. However, that doesn’t mean you can say goodbye to planning, especially when it comes to organising your international removals. By working with professional relocation services, you can make the move smoother and less stressful. Get in touch to find out more.