New Zealand is one of the most attractive countries for immigrants looking for high-paying jobs, fast New zealand visa processing, and employer sponsorship. The country has officially declared labour shortages in healthcare, construction, IT, engineering, agriculture, and trades, making it easier for foreign workers to secure jobs with sponsorship.

With salaries ranging from $60,000 to $180,000+ NZD per year, New Zealand offers excellent career opportunities, work-life balance, stunning landscapes, and a safe environment for families.

This complete guide reveals the highest-paying jobs, requirements, hiring companies, and how to apply for employer-sponsored work visas.

Why New Zealand Is a Top Destination for Foreign Workers

High-demand skill shortage across all industries

Over 120+ occupations are urgently needed.

$80K–$180K+ yearly salaries

Tech, healthcare, engineering, and trades pay very well.

Employer-sponsored work visa available

Approved employers can legally sponsor foreign workers.

Fast visa processing

Most applications are approved within 2–8 weeks.

Opportunity for permanent residency (PR)

Many jobs lead directly to residency pathways.

Safe, peaceful, and family-friendly environment

New Zealand is one of the safest countries globally.

New Zealand Employer-Sponsored Work Visa (Accredited Employer Work Visa — AEWV)

This is the main visa that allows foreigners to work in NZ with sponsorship.

 Job offer from an accredited employer

 Skills or experience relevant to the job

 Employer covers sponsorship paperwork

 Leads to 2–5 year work visas

 Some jobs lead directly to residency

New Zealand currently has over 27,000 accredited employers.

 New Zealand Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Foreigners in 2025

Below are the highest-demand and highest-paying jobs hiring foreign workers.

1. Nursing & Healthcare Jobs 

New Zealand desperately needs nurses, midwives, doctors, caregivers, and aged-care workers.

High-demand roles:

• Registered Nurses

• Midwives

• Healthcare Assistants

• Physiotherapists

• Radiographers

• General Practitioners (GPs)

• Medical Lab Technicians

Top hiring hospitals:

• Auckland District Health Board

• Canterbury Health System

• Waikato DHB

• Southern Cross

• Bupa NZ

Salary:

$80,000 – $160,000 per year
Doctors and specialists can earn $200K+.

2. Construction & Skilled Trades 

Due to rapid growth and rebuilding projects, New Zealand urgently needs skilled tradespeople.

In-demand roles:

• Carpenters

• Plumbers

• Electricians

• Welders

• Fabricators

• Roofers

• Painters

• Scaffolders

Salary:

$60,000 – $140,000 per year

3. Software Engineering & IT Jobs

New Zealand’s IT industry continues to expand, especially in Auckland and Wellington.

Common roles:

• Full-stack developers

• Backend engineers

• Data analysts

• DevOps engineers

• Cloud architects

• Cybersecurity specialists

Top hiring companies:

• Xero

• Datacom

• Spark

• ANZ

• Air New Zealand

• Trade Me

Salary:

$95,000 – $180,000 per year

4. Engineering Jobs

The engineering shortage list includes:

In-demand fields:

• Civil engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Structural engineering

• Geotechnical engineering

• Environmental engineering

Salary:

$80,000 – $150,000 yearly

5. Agriculture & Farm Jobs

New Zealand’s farming sector is constantly hiring foreign workers.

Demanded roles:

• Dairy farm workers

• Fruit pickers

• Horticulture workers

• Livestock managers

• Tractor operators

Salary:

$50,000 – $95,000 yearly

6. Truck Driving & Logistics

Truck drivers are highly needed in all regions.

Salary:

$65,000 – $120,000 per year

7. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs

Hotels, restaurants, and resorts are hiring foreigners due to workforce shortages.

Top Accredited Employers That Sponsor Foreign Workers in New Zealand (2025)

Healthcare Employers

• Southern Cross

• Bupa New Zealand

• Oceania Healthcare

• Ryman Healthcare

Construction & Trades

• Fletcher Building

• Downer Group

• Fulton Hogan

• Beca

IT & Tech

• Xero

• Datacom

• Spark Digital

• Weta Digital

Agriculture & Dairy

• Fonterra

• Silver Fern Farms

• AFFCO

• Alliance Group

Logistics

• NZ Post

• Mainfreight

• Toll Logistics

All the above companies are officially accredited to hire foreigners.

General Requirements to Work in New Zealand (2025)

 Valid passport

 Updated CV (New Zealand format)

 Educational or trade certification

 Proof of experience

 Job offer from an accredited employer

 Clean medical and police records

 English communication ability

READ ALSO: Australia Jobs for Foreigners: Visa Sponsorship & How to Apply

How to Apply for New Zealand Visa Sponsorship Jobs (2025)

1. Prepare a New Zealand–style CV

Clear, simple, results-focused.

2. Search for jobs on trusted websites

• SEEK

• TradeMe Jobs

• LinkedIn

• Indeed NZ

• Careers.govt.nz

• WorkingIn NZ

• New Kiwis

3. Apply directly to accredited employers

Never use agents.

4. Attend online interviews

Employers may conduct:

• HR interview

• Technical interview

• Soft skills assessment

5. Employer files your Job Check approval

This is part of the AEWV process.

6. Apply for your Accredited Employer Work Visa

Processing: 2–8 weeks

7. Travel to New Zealand & begin work

READ ALSO: Germany Visa Sponsorship Jobs for Foreigners in 2026 (Full Guide)

Monthly Salary Expectations in New Zealand (2025)

                                                        Final Thoughts

New Zealand remains one of the easiest countries for foreigners to secure a visa-sponsored job, thanks to its large skill shortages, accredited employer program, high salaries, and clear work visa pathways.

If you have experience in healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, farming, or logistics, you have a very strong chance of getting a $80K–$180K+ job with employer sponsorship in 2025.