The first place in emigration from Russia is, of course, occupied by European countries, Israel and the United States of America, but there is a certain percentage of Russians who try to choose exotic and distant territories for permanent residence. One such country is New Zealand.
The country is located in the southwestern part of the Pacific Ocean and is a large island consisting of two parts. Some groups of Polynesian islands also belong to New Zealand.
The country is a monarchy, but does not have its own constitution, since the Queen of Great Britain is considered the nominal ruler and New Zealand is guided by the constitution of this country. The royal authority is represented by the Governor-General, and the main legislative body is Parliament.
Living conditions in New Zealand
Moving to New Zealand for permanent residence is associated with certain difficulties, so a fairly small number of Russians live there compared to countries in the European region in 2021. New Zealand is of exceptional interest for migration on a number of grounds:
- Life expectancy is more than 80 years;
- High wages for both permanent and seasonal workers;
- Developed healthcare;
- Exceptional ecology.
High life expectancy is ensured by high quality food and excellent environmental conditions. The country is focused on agricultural production, so there are few industrial enterprises that pollute the atmosphere.
In addition, New Zealand has been declared a nuclear-free zone and not only does it have no nuclear power plants, but ships with a nuclear propulsion system are also prohibited from entering the country’s ports.
New Zealand is an agricultural country
The country is also attractive for permanent residence due to its exceptionally beautiful terrain and good climatic conditions. Many people from other countries would like to move to New Zealand, but there are several factors that are holding back the level of migration. First of all, this is the state quota for foreign workers.
Only 45 thousand people can obtain a work permit in New Zealand per year, which is much less than the total number of people wishing to come to this country. In addition, many refrain from obtaining permanent residence for the following reasons:
- Remote location;
- High seismic and geological activity;
- Very high solar activity due to ozone holes.
Since the country is located far from major continents and major trade routes, New Zealand is very expensive for all goods and products that need to be imported from other countries. Also, moving to permanent residence will require certain expenses.
The country quite often experiences earthquakes associated with the movement of layers of the earth's crust and extremely high volcanic activity, so the country has a very well developed rescue service.
New Zealand on the map
The southern part of the country is located close to Antarctica, over which large ozone holes are recorded, so people with increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation are contraindicated from entering the country. Despite this, the number of people wishing to move to New Zealand is constantly growing.
Features of obtaining New Zealand citizenship in 2019
New Zealand is a developed and progressive state with a high level of security and stable economic indicators. Hundreds of thousands of foreigners visit the country every year. Some of them come here to relax and appreciate the delights of New Zealand resorts, while others seek to immigrate here for permanent residence. New Zealand citizenship can be obtained by residents of the country, i.e. foreigners living here legally.
Moving to the country should begin with a visit to the New Zealand embassy or other diplomatic mission of this state.
You must apply for a visa at the consulate. Depending on the original purpose and duration of the trip, there are different categories of visas. Upon arrival, the foreigner registers a temporary residence permit. After 2-3 years, you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship of the country. Historically, New Zealand was a British colony. It became an independent power in 1949. At the same time, the main legislative norms of the country were adopted, including the Citizenship Law. Moving to the country should begin with a visit to the New Zealand embassy or other diplomatic mission of this state. You must apply for a visa at the consulate. Depending on the original purpose and duration of the trip, there are different categories of visas. Upon arrival, the foreigner registers a temporary residence permit. After 2-3 years, you can apply for permanent residence and citizenship of the country. Historically, New Zealand was a British colony. It became an independent power in 1949. At the same time, the main legislative norms of the country were adopted, including the Citizenship Law.
Ways to move to New Zealand
For Russians, there are several possible options for moving to this country for permanent residence in 2021:
- Reunion with relatives;
- Employment;
- Investment of funds;
- Education.
New Zealand is one of many countries in the world that has an entry age limit of 55 years. So older people will not be able to move to this country for permanent residence, with the exception of entry for family reunification.
Reviews
Of course, no matter how beautiful a foreign country may seem, it is worth weighing all its pros and cons. And the statements of compatriots who have already moved to another state will help to sensibly assess the realities. Reviews of emigrants from Russia about New Zealand are very different. The country is called clean and well-groomed, but earthquakes are not uncommon here, and volcanoes are also a cause for concern. There is practically no racism or xenophobia in the state, and local residents are very tolerant. However, it is difficult because the Russian diaspora is too small. To summarize, we can say that everywhere there are arguments for and against. And New Zealand is no exception.
Types of visas
The consular service of the embassy and NZ visa centers can issue different categories of visas to New Zealand:
- Tourist visa;
- Visitor visa;
- Student visa;
- Business visa;
- Work Visa;
- Work visa by invitation;
- Investment visa;
- Transit visa;
- Immigrant Family Visa;
- Bride's visa.
A tourist visa can be issued independently or by employees of a travel company. A visitor visa is issued upon availability of an invitation from a resident who has a residence permit in New Zealand or has permanent residence status in the country. These visas have a limited period of validity and cannot be extended beyond the specified period.
A student visa is issued if there are documents confirming the fact that a foreign citizen is enrolled in any educational institution in the country.
Example of a work visa to New Zealand
It should be noted that getting an education in New Zealand is quite expensive and requires payment from 15 thousand to 30 thousand New Zealand dollars per year. Almost all of our fellow citizens who have successfully entered any educational institution in the country use the period of study to look for work after completing their education.
Reasons for issuing a residence permit
There are a number of reasons that allow you to count on being granted a residence permit. And first of all, this is employment in New Zealand.
Labor contract
The country of the long white cloud (as locals call it) attracts foreigners with fairly high standards of living. And yet it lacks many specialists. Therefore, if a trip to New Zealand makes you think about migrating, you can try your hand. First of all, it is worth checking whether the conditions for participation in the program to attract foreigners are suitable for the applicant. Sometimes a specialist is lucky - he is invited by an accredited employer. A person who has exceptional achievements in art or sports also has a high chance of settling in the state.
Business in the country
Entrepreneurs are also welcome in New Zealand. True, for this it is necessary to go through several stages of legalization and meet certain criteria. It is important that the applicant must score at least 12 points on the immigration service scale. They take into account his age and business experience, financial capabilities and the value of the project for the country’s economy.
When opening a business in New Zealand, you need to present a specific development plan for the company. Investments to be made - from 100 thousand in local currency. However, the exception to the last paragraph will affect entrepreneurs in the IT field and manufacturers of imported products. It is worth understanding that business immigration to New Zealand will be successful if the project turns out to be financially sound and not unprofitable. Moreover, literally six months later, the creator of a particularly valuable enterprise can already be granted permanent residence.
Family reunion
It is possible to move to this state if relatives already live there. But, as an option, it is possible to migrate to a partner. And this is not only the official spouse, but also the common-law husband or wife. However, this does not mean that it will be easy to obtain a residence permit. Since the immigration service pays attention to many points: how long people live together, in what conditions, the nature of their relationship, the presence of joint property and children. It’s good when both partnership and kinship are documented. Moreover, the good news is that the service is ready to take photographs, postcards, and letters, including emails, as evidence. Witnesses can be brought in.
Business and work in this country
For multiple visits to the country through business contacts with representatives of local companies, a business visa is used. It allows multiple border crossings and stay in New Zealand for no more than 90 days within one year. This visa is used by representatives of the scientific community to participate in seminars, symposiums and conferences.
This visa can be used to organize and register your own business in order to subsequently count on obtaining permanent residence. To obtain a work visa, you must meet certain requirements.
In New Zealand, there is a list of required specialties, which lists all the professions that are in demand in the country at the moment.
If the candidate has such a specialty and there is an employer willing to provide a job, then after the interview you can apply for a work visa.
There is also a category of employers who have a special document that allows them to recruit labor from among foreign citizens.
Working on New Zealand farms is a great option for immigrants
Most often, residents of other countries are invited to temporary and seasonal work in agriculture, which New Zealanders are reluctant to do. The fact is that the standard of living in the country is quite high and few people agree to work on sheep farms and other agricultural enterprises, doing hard and dirty work.
You can enter into a contract for this type of activity in order to legally enter the territory of this state and use your free time to look for a new, more prestigious and highly paid job.
Moving to New Zealand for permanent residence is greatly simplified for people in the so-called liberal and creative professions. These include: artists, artists, writers and athletes.
Of course, it is necessary to have achievements in these areas that have official confirmation.
Conditions for refugees
Like any modern state, New Zealand is ready to accept people who are forced to leave their homeland due to persecution for one reason or another. But practice shows that the number of such applications is small. To obtain political asylum in New Zealand, you must prove that the person was in danger in his country. If there really is reason to assert this fact, there is documentary evidence of this, and other methods of proof, it is permissible to contact the embassy. Alternatively, refugees come to the country legally, and there they already declare their request.
Read also: Visa to New Zealand for Russians Buying a house in New Zealand
Permanent residence for investors
Individuals who invest $1.5 million in the country's economy over four years can obtain permanent residence status in New Zealand. There are certain requirements for being in the country. You must have been in New Zealand for at least 146 days in the last three years.
The age limit is 65 years, and when taking the English language test, you only need to score 3 points.
If a person invests an amount equal to $10 million, then the required period of stay is reduced to 44 days in the last two years and there is no age limit. The amount is calculated in New Zealand dollars, and all funds invested must have confirmation of legitimacy.
Citizenship Process
To obtain a New Zealand passport, applicants must strictly follow the step-by-step instructions prescribed by the authorities for generating a set of documents.
Where to contact
The applicant must submit documents to the Immigration Service, which has offices in all cities of the country. After review of the application, an interview will be scheduled. Investors, refugees and persons over 65 years of age are exempt from the latter.
List of required documents
The applicant must submit to the Immigration Service:
- Birth certificate.
- International passport.
- 4 photos.
- Confirmation of legality of stay in New Zealand.
- Health certificate.
- Information about income.
- List of real estate objects in the country.
- Tax payment information.
Timing and cost
After passing the interview, the waiting period is about 3 months, but not more than 1 year. The applicant is required to pay a state fee of $350.
Actions in case of refusal
If an official refusal is received indicating the reason, the applicant has the right to appeal to the court. You can file it yourself or hire a lawyer. The court will make a positive decision if the refusal has no significant grounds.
New Zealand Citizen's Passport.
English language test
A very important factor influencing the obtaining of permanent residence in New Zealand is knowledge of the English language according to the IELTS test. All citizens applying for resident status must pass this exam. The test itself is divided into three categories:
- Academic option.
- General option.
- Colloquial speech.
Persons planning to study at colleges or higher education institutions in New Zealand take the exam using the academic option. To apply for a work visa and then obtain permanent residence in the country, you only need enough knowledge to pass the general version test. You can find practice courses online to prepare for the test.
Anyone who is planning to move to the country for family reunification and does not intend to engage in work can only pass the third version of the speaking test, but if they plan to find employment in the future, the test will have to be retaken.
In what cases can you apply for permanent residence?
It is quite possible to establish a strong foothold in the country. New Zealand is ready to provide permanent resident status, which practically equals the rights of a visitor with a local resident. Permanent residence status for Russians in 2021 is attractive simply because after two years of owning it, you can even start receiving social benefits. The only limitation is that the migrant will not be able to apply for a seat in the state parliament. Theoretically, any person who is a resident has the right to apply for permanent residence. In practice, status is often granted for special merits.
Investing in the New Zealand economy
Very interesting conditions are designed for wealthy people. If a person is ready to invest 500 thousand or more in local currency, then within six months they are ready to grant him permanent residence. There is also a program for people who are willing to strengthen the local economy by spending about a million US dollars.
Country requirements for residents when obtaining permanent residence on a business basis
Let's present them in the form of a table.
| Criteria | Permanent residence after 24 months | Permanent residence in six months |
| Length of stay in the country and type of visa | 2 years of living in New Zealand, business visa or other permit that allows you to conduct business activities | 6 months, temporary business visa |
| Investment size | There is no minimum specified. It is important to deposit capital in the amount that the applicant wrote in the application | From 500 thousand in New Zealand dollars |
| English level | The applicant has knowledge at the IELTS level with an average score of 4.0. His family members must also prove that they speak the language or take ESOL courses | Knowledge at IELTS level with an average score of 4.0 from the applicant. Family members must also prove that they speak the language or take ESOL courses |
| Age limit | No | No |
| Benefit for New Zealand | It is necessary to prove that the enterprise is profitable: the period 12 months before submitting the application is taken into account | It is necessary to confirm that the business generates income: data for 12 months before submitting the application. At least 3 jobs should be created (full time). When purchasing a company, you need to open 3 additional vacancies to employ local citizens |
| Health, criminal record | All the requirements for applicants for a temporary business visa | All the requirements for applicants for a temporary business visa |
Package of necessary papers
To submit an application, all standard documents must be prepared. They are accompanied by a certificate confirming knowledge of English at a certain level. It is also important to prove that a person not only has funds, but also that they were obtained legally, are free from debt, and can be transferred through a bank or other means.
Submission procedure and consideration
This is a multi-step procedure that begins with an “Expression of Interest”. A person draws up a document in which he talks about himself, his entrepreneurial experience, finances and their origin. The Immigration Service examines the application and, if it finds it attractive, offers to apply for residency or permanent residence. Next, this application is considered, upon approval of which the person is granted the appropriate status, after which he can make investments.
Mandatory English language testing
The New Zealand authorities are very sensitive to ensuring that newcomers adapt normally to their new place of residence. Therefore, the requirements for knowledge of English are high. Moreover, the reference point is IELTS standards. Therefore, the easiest way is to confirm your level of proficiency in this language by passing the appropriate test. Conveniently, the procedure can be completed in any country. Based on the tests, a certificate is issued, which is attached to the documents.
Marriage with a citizen of the country
It is quite natural that special conditions are provided to those visitors who are ready to start families with local residents. It is not prohibited to move for permanent residence to New Zealand in parallel with establishing a personal life. In this case, you must first obtain a resident visa by proving your partnership. They must last for at least a year. And only then should you prepare to obtain permanent residence.
