$90k+ High-Paying Jobs With Visa Sponsorship in New Zealand for Foreigners in 2025
New Zealand continues to be one of the world’s most attractive destinations for foreign workers seeking high-paying career opportunities, a stable economy, and clear, structured immigration pathways. For many foreigners, the promise of visa sponsorship, high salaries, and a work-life balance that ranks among the best globally makes New Zealand a top target country for relocation.
This detailed guide walks you through:
- ✔️ The best high-paying careers currently offering visa sponsorship in New Zealand
- ✔️ Immigration pathways for foreign workers
- ✔️ Salary ranges by profession
- ✔️ Skills shortage lists
- ✔️ How to apply for sponsorship jobs
- ✔️ Top New Zealand employers hiring foreigners
- ✔️ Step-by-step process for securing a work visa
- ✔️ Sample CV format for NZ employers
- ✔️ Useful links to official immigration resources
This post is structured for clarity, SEO advantage, and easy scanning.
🌏 Why New Zealand Is One of the Best Countries for Sponsored Jobs
New Zealand consistently ranks high on global employment, safety, and quality-of-life indexes. Special reasons foreign workers choose NZ include:
1. High demand for skilled foreign workers
Many sectors are experiencing critical shortages due to an aging population, low local supply, and increased global mobility. This creates opportunities for international talent.
2. Clear and transparent visa pathways
Unlike many countries, New Zealand’s immigration system is straightforward and frequently updated to reflect labour shortages.
3. Employers are legally allowed to sponsor visas
Through visas like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
4. Wages are globally competitive
Most skilled jobs pay well above minimum wage and include relocation support.
5. Pathway to residency
Many high-demand occupations lead directly to permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or Green List visas.
🏆 Top High-Paying Jobs With Visa Sponsorship in New Zealand (2025)
Below are the most in-demand high-paying jobs currently open to foreign applicants, based on the New Zealand Green List, official immigration shortage lists, and employer hiring trends.
Note: Salaries shown are averages before tax and depend on experience, location, and employer.
1. Healthcare & Medical Professionals (⭐ Highest Demand)
New Zealand faces a persistent shortage of medical staff, making healthcare one of the easiest pathways to visa sponsorship and permanent residency.
High-Paying Roles
| Job Title | Average Annual Salary (NZD) | Residency Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| General Practitioners (GPs) | $180,000 – $300,000 | Direct Green List |
| Registered Nurses | $60,000 – $95,000 | Green List |
| Surgeons | $200,000 – $550,000 | Green List |
| Radiographers | $75,000 – $120,000 | Green List |
| Mental Health Specialists | $70,000 – $150,000 | Green List |
Visa Sponsorship: Extremely high across the sector.
Top Employers Hiring Foreigners:
- Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) – https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz
- Geneva Healthcare – https://www.genevahealth.com
2. IT & Tech Professionals
Due to digital transformation, NZ tech companies are actively sponsoring global talent.
High-Paying IT Jobs
| Job Title | Salary Range (NZD) | Visa Sponsorship Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineers | $90,000 – $150,000 | High |
| Cloud Engineers | $110,000 – $160,000 | High |
| Cybersecurity Analysts | $100,000 – $150,000 | High |
| Data Scientists | $95,000 – $180,000 | Medium–High |
| DevOps Engineers | $120,000 – $160,000 | High |
Top Tech Employers Hiring Foreigners:
- Xero – https://www.xero.com
- Datacom – https://www.datacom.com
- Fisher & Paykel Healthcare – https://careers.fphcare.com
3. Construction & Infrastructure Workers
Construction remains one of the biggest contributors to NZ’s GDP, and labour shortages have created huge opportunities for sponsored roles.
High-Paying Construction Jobs
| Role | Annual Salary | Visa Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineers | $85,000 – $140,000 | High |
| Quantity Surveyors | $90,000 – $160,000 | High |
| Electricians | $70,000 – $110,000 | High |
| Plumbers | $65,000 – $105,000 | High |
| Project Managers | $90,000 – $150,000 | Medium |
Top Employers:
- FULTON HOGAN – https://www.fultonhogan.com
- Downer Group – https://www.downergroup.com
4. Agriculture, Farming & Forestry
New Zealand’s economy relies heavily on agricultural exports, and foreign labour fills many key roles.
High-Paying Agricultural Jobs
| Job Title | Salary | Visa Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Farm Managers | $70,000 – $120,000 | High |
| Agricultural Technicians | $60,000 – $95,000 | Medium |
| Horticulture Managers | $65,000 – $110,000 | Medium |
Top Employers:
- Fonterra – https://www.fonterra.com
- Silver Fern Farms – https://www.silverfernfarms.com
5. Engineering (All Fields)
Engineering shortages are among the most severe nationwide.
High-Paying Jobs
| Role | Salary Range | Shortage Level |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineers | $80,000 – $130,000 | High |
| Civil Engineers | $90,000 – $140,000 | Critical |
| Electrical Engineers | $85,000 – $140,000 | High |
| Chemical Engineers | $95,000 – $155,000 | Medium–High |
Pathway: Mostly Green List.
6. Education & Teaching Professionals
Foreign teachers are in high demand in both public and private education.
High-Paying Roles
| Position | Salary | Visa Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Teachers | $55,000 – $85,000 | AEWV |
| Secondary School Teachers | $65,000 – $100,000 | Green List |
| Special Education Teachers | $70,000 – $110,000 | High Shortage |
7. Transport & Logistics Workers
Due to increasing dependence on imports/exports, logistics careers offer great prospects.
Jobs
| Role | Salary | Sponsorship Level |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Drivers | $55,000 – $90,000 | High |
| Supply Chain Managers | $80,000 – $130,000 | Medium–High |
| Crane Operators | $60,000 – $95,000 | High |
📌 The New Zealand Work Visas That Allow Employer Sponsorship
1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
This is the main visa for foreigners in 2025. Employers must be accredited and willing to sponsor you.
More info:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas
2. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) – Residence Visa
Points-based system for skilled migrants.
3. Green List Straight-to-Residence Visa
For occupations in critical shortage.
List:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/policy-and-law/green-list
4. Work to Residence Visa
After 24 months of work in a shortage occupation, you can apply for residency.
💰 Salary Comparison: High-Paying Visa Sponsorship Jobs in NZ (Table)
| Sector | Average Salary (NZD) | Visa Sponsorship Ease | Residency Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $60,000 – $350,000+ | ⭐ Very High | Green List |
| ICT / Software | $90,000 – $180,000 | High | Work-to-Residence |
| Engineering | $80,000 – $160,000 | High | Green List |
| Construction | $65,000 – $150,000 | Very High | Work-to-Residence |
| Agriculture | $55,000 – $120,000 | High | AEWV |
| Logistics | $55,000 – $130,000 | Medium–High | AEWV |
🧲 How to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in New Zealand (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Search Through Accredited Employers
The NZ government provides a list of accredited companies:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz
Step 2: Apply to Jobs on Official NZ Job Portals
- Seek NZ – https://www.seek.co.nz
- TradeMe Jobs – https://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
- WorkHere NZ – https://workhere.co.nz
- Careers.govt – https://www.careers.govt.nz
Step 3: Tailor Your CV to New Zealand Format
NZ CVs are straightforward:
- No photos
- No marital status, age, or religion
- Focus on skills, achievements, and experience
- Add references
Step 4: Attend Online Interviews
Employers often conduct:
- 1 HR interview
- 1 technical interview
- 1 practical test
Step 5: Receive Job Offer + Employment Agreement
Needed for visa application.
Step 6: Submit AEWV Application
Through Immigration New Zealand portal.
📝 Sample New Zealand CV Format (Visa Sponsorship Friendly)
1. Contact Information
Name, phone, email, LinkedIn.
2. Professional Summary (3–4 lines)
Highlight skills, years of experience, and key strengths.
3. Skills Section
List relevant technical and soft skills.
4. Work Experience
Include job title, company, dates, key responsibilities, and achievements.
5. Education & Certifications
Highlight NZ-recognized qualifications.
6. References
Include at least one professional referee.
🏢 Top New Zealand Employers That Sponsor Work Visas
Below is a curated list of employers known for sponsoring AEWV visas:
Healthcare
- Te Whatu Ora
- Geneva Healthcare
- Bupa New Zealand
IT & Technology
- Datacom
- Xero
- Spark
Construction
- Fletcher Building
- Downer Group
- Fulton Hogan
Agriculture
- Fonterra
- Silver Fern Farms
- Alliance Group
📦 Benefits of Working in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Strong work-life balance | Standard 40-hour work week |
| Competitive salaries | Especially in IT, healthcare, engineering |
| Family-friendly immigration | Bring partner & children |
| Free healthcare for residents | Major incentive |
| Clear pathway to residency | One of the easiest globally |
| Low crime rates | Safe society |
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can foreigners get visa sponsorship in New Zealand easily?
Yes—especially in sectors listed on the Green List.
2. Do employers pay for the visa?
Many do, but not all. Confirm in your employment agreement.
3. Can I bring my family on a work visa?
Yes, through dependent visas.
4. Do I need IELTS?
Most AEWV roles require an English level equivalent to IELTS 4.0–6.5 depending on the job.
5. How long does visa approval take?
Typically 4–8 weeks.
📌 Final Thoughts: Is New Zealand a Good Place for Sponsored Jobs?
Absolutely. With high salaries, critical labour shortages, clear immigration pathways, and employers actively recruiting foreigners, New Zealand is one of the best countries for foreign workers in 2025.
Whether you’re a nurse, IT specialist, engineer, driver, teacher, or construction professional — your chances of securing a visa-sponsored job in NZ are extremely strong.