Expats, Kiwis overseas and migrants from the US to South Africa and beyond are eyeing up options for moving to New Zealand - now ranked the world’s second safest country from COVID-19 in a recent international study. If there’s one thing you can be sure of in this pandemic, it’s that New Zealand is a highly desirable place for an international relocation.
But who can move to New Zealand, and how do you move to New Zealand during COVID?
GET ACROSS THE BORDER
As of March this year, the border has been closed to everyone but New Zealand citizens and permanent residents. So welcome home, Kiwis! Your spouses and kids who are not New Zealanders can move here too, but you’ll need to request entry before you fly.
There are a few exceptions to these strict rules which have effectively insulated New Zealand from COVID-19. So some people who are not New Zealanders are able to move here. This is an area where restrictions are frequently changing.
Healthcare and other critical workers
If you’re a healthcare professional, you may be lucky enough to fall into the ‘critical health worker’ category.
There’s also another group of strictly defined ‘other critical workers’ who are needed in New Zealand’s as part of the country’s COVID recovery. You will find a list of approved infrastructure projects and events plus information on the criteria for other applications here.
Employers must apply for these people to enter the country, so if you have skills that are needed and can secure a role, this may be your way to New Zealand. As of this writing, there’s a moratorium on all other new work visa applications until late November 2020.
Investors
If you have significant funds to invest in New Zealand, the investor migrant visa category is your best bet for now. The government has recently re-opened applications, effectively creating a queue. There has been no announcement on when they will start granting these visas and allowing people to enter New Zealand, but at least you can get the paperwork underway now if you qualify.
The government is regularly adjusting these immigration settings, so monitor the Immigration New Zealand website for all the details, application process and latest updates.
PREPARE TO ISOLATE UPON ARRIVAL
Everyone entering New Zealand is required to spend 14 days in a government-run managed isolation facility (MIQ). This is to prevent imported COVID cases getting into the New Zealand community.
The accommodation is in primarily 4- and 5-star hotels with all meals provided. If you do test positive for COVID, you’ll be moved to a separate facility and/or hospital. You’ll be tested for COVID twice during your MIQ stays (on approximately on days 3 and 12), and these must both be negative before departure.
MIQ is free for returning Kiwis and their families, but there is a charge for all others entering the country. You will also need to register online to secure a spot in one the MIQ facilities. This needs to be done before you book flights.
Details of the fees, MIQ booking system, and other information can be found at the MIQ website.
BOOK FLIGHTS
Prior to COVID, New Zealand was a major tourist destination with airlines frequently flying in from a huge number of countries. That has all changed now with no short-term visitors allowed into the country. Airfares have increased, and flight schedules are limited. But it is still possible to get here, with around 2500 people arriving each week - roughly matching current MIQ capacity.
It's also a whole new world when it comes to booking flights to New Zealand. Booking online can be quite unreliable with some airlines still taking bookings on routes which are no longer flying. And, if you do need to cancel flights, many airlines are now only offering credits or have long processing times for refunds. Flight schedules are often changeable with many people experiencing at least one flight cancellation/rebooking. Airlines and some transit airports also have their own requirements regarding COVID testing and transfers.
Unless you can access a direct Air NZ flight, it is highly advisable to use a travel agent to manage your bookings to navigate all these complications on your behalf.
NEXT STEPS
So there you have it: the facts on who can move to New Zealand during COVID.
If that’s you, do get in touch to learn more about our customised Move to NZ Plans for people settling here.
If that’s not you yet, but you want it to be you: don’t be discouraged. You can still join our priority list to receive the latest information about relocating to New Zealand, including updates on the border.
To learn more about our customised Move to NZ Plans or join our priority list, message Amanda now.
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Mobile Relocation connects you with what you need to thrive in New Zealand.
Contact us today to talk about how we can carry your relocation burden.
Our Founder, Bridget Romanes, is a New Zealander who has lived and worked as a diplomat in Singapore and India. After experiencing all facets of the relocation experience she founded Mobile to work with private individuals moving to NZ and leading local and international businesses bringing in offshore talent.
Amanda Sadlier moved to NZ with her Kiwi partner and three young children during COVID. She enjoys making the journey easier for those following a similar path, by helping them see the benefits of working with Mobile and providing perspective as someone who’s recently been there.
Ready to move to New Zealand? Get our FREE Move to NZ Checklist HERE.