How much does it cost to immigrate to New Zealand: full analysis of the latest costs in 2023
In recent years, New Zealand has become one of the world's popular immigration destinations with its high-quality living environment, complete social welfare and relaxed immigration policies. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content on the Internet in the past 10 days to provide a detailed analysis of the various costs of immigrating to New Zealand and help applicants make budget planning.
1. Comparison of the main channels and costs of immigrating to New Zealand

There are various ways to immigrate to New Zealand, and the costs of different ways vary greatly. The following is an overview of the fees for mainstream immigration methods in 2023:
| Immigration category | Application fee (NZD) | Other major expenses | Total cost estimate (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled immigration | 3,040-4,890 | About 2,000-5,000 for language test, academic certification, physical examination, etc. | 5,000-10,000 |
| Investment immigration category I | 4,780 | Minimum investment NZD 10 million (3 years) | 10 million+ |
| Investment immigration category II | 4,780 | Minimum investment NZD 3 million (4 years) | 3 million+ |
| Entrepreneurship immigration | 3,540 | Start-up capital of at least NZD 100,000 | 150,000-300,000 |
| family reunion | 1,330-3,310 | Guarantor’s income certificate, etc. | 2,000-5,000 |
2. Detailed cost breakdown of skilled immigration
As the most popular immigration route, the fee structure for skilled immigrants is relatively complex:
| Expense items | Amount (NZD) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| EOI submission fee | 530 | Non-refundable |
| Visa application fee | 3,040 | main applicant |
| Language test (IELTS) | 385 | per person |
| Academic certification | 746-1,200 | Depends on the assessment agency |
| Physical examination fee | 300-500 | Designated medical institution |
| No criminal certificate | 100-300 | Standards vary from country to country |
3. Additional living cost budget
In addition to official fees, immigrants need to consider the following living expenses:
| Project | Auckland | wellington | christchurch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (monthly) | 2,000-3,500 | 1,800-3,000 | 1,500-2,500 |
| Living expenses (monthly) | 1,500-2,500 | 1,300-2,200 | 1,200-2,000 |
| Average house purchase price | 1.1 million | 850,000 | 650,000 |
4. Impact of recent policy changes
According to the latest news from the Immigration Bureau within 10 days:
1. Starting from July 2023, the salary threshold for skilled immigrants will be adjusted to an hourly salary of NZD 29.66 (annual salary of approximately NZD 62,000).
2. A new "growth investment" requirement of NZD 500,000 is added to the investment immigration category
3. The validity period of language test scores is shortened from 3 years to 2 years
5. Saving money suggestions
1. Prepare for the language test 12 months in advance and try to pass it first time
2. Extra points will be awarded if you choose to work outside of Auckland.
3. Apply through the Institute of Migration Consultants (NZAMI) certification agency to avoid paying fees twice.
4. Pay attention to the Immigration Bureau’s quarterly discount activities, and some fees can be reduced by 20%
Summary:The total cost of immigration to New Zealand ranges from about 50,000 yuan for skilled immigrants to tens of millions for investment immigrants. It is recommended that applicants choose the most suitable path based on their own conditions and set aside an additional 15-20% budget to cope with policy changes. The latest data shows that the average approval time for skilled immigrants has been shortened to 8 months in 2023, and the approval speed for investment immigration has been accelerated by 30%. Now is a good time to plan for immigration.
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