Guidance

Living in New Zealand

Information for British citizens moving to or living in New Zealand, including guidance on healthcare, residency and benefits.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
18 December 2013
Last updated
28 March 2023 — See all updates

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in New Zealand. Read about how our High Commission and Consulate General in New Zealand can help.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the New Zealand authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Support for British Nationals Abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.

To stay up to date: follow the UK in New Zealand on Facebook and on Twitter.

Before you go

See our travel advice for New Zealand for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.

Get a personalised task list to help you prepare for moving to New Zealand.

Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from New Zealand.

Check the New Zealand travel advice for passport validity requirements.

Healthcare in New Zealand

New Zealand and the UK have reciprocal healthcare agreements, which means UK nationals who live in the UK and who are on a short-term visit to New Zealand are eligible for prompt medical attention for an acute condition that arose after arrival, or became acute.

The agreement will not cover all healthcare needs and does not include primary care visits. Despite this reciprocal agreement and the Accident Compensation Commission you should make sure you have adequate travel health insurance. You should buy comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you enter the country.

The New Zealand Ministry of Health has information on eligibility for publicly funded health services. The NHS has information for people moving abroad.

See New Zealand: medical facilities.

UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.

Medicine

If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in New Zealand. Certain medicines may not be available in New Zealand (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to New Zealand to find out about any alternative medication.

See bringing medicines into New Zealand.

Working in New Zealand

If you are planning to move to New Zealand and work, you may need a visa. Read the New Zealand government’s guidance on working in New Zealand and how to get a visa.

To apply for a job, you need to:

Studying in New Zealand

If you plan to study in New Zealand, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. Read the New Zealand government’s guidance on studying in New Zealand and how to get a visa.

Contact the relevant higher education provider in New Zealand to check what fees you may have to pay.

Tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with New Zealand so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief.

You should get professional advice on paying tax in New Zealand. Find an English-speaking lawyer in New Zealand.

Read guidance on:

You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.

Benefits

Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you are abroad for more than 4 weeks.

For information on residency requirements for claiming New Zealand benefits, see the New Zealand Government’s guidance.

Pensions

Read State Pension guidance if you have lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and you are claiming or waiting to claim your UK State Pension.

If you retire in New Zealand, you can claim:

Read the New Zealand government’s guidance on the social security agreement with the United Kingdom for information on claiming pensions in New Zealand.

Life certificates

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad.

See information about renting or buying property in New Zealand.

Driving in New Zealand

See driving abroad and read the road travel guidance if you intend on travelling by road in New Zealand.

If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (e.g. the DVLA).

If you wish to take your vehicle with you, see taking vehicles out of the UK.

Once you’ve been in New Zealand for more than 12 months, you can no longer use your UK driving licence. See how to convert to a New Zealand driving licence.

To apply for a New Zealand mobility parking permit, see CCS Disability Action Mobility Parking Scheme.

Acceptable forms of identification in New Zealand

To open a bank account, get an IRD number or purchase alcohol you may need another form of identification other than your UK Passport. You can apply for a Kiwi Access Card (18+), a government recognised form of photographic ID and evidence of age card which is an alternative to a Drivers Licence or Passport. The Kiwi Access Card is valid for 10 years and is available to international visitors who are over the age of 18.

Voting

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnerships

Births

If your child is born in New Zealand you must register the birth with the local authorities, usually within two months from when the baby was born. For information on how to apply, see the New Zealand government guidance on registering a new baby and getting a birth certificate.

If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.

Deaths

If someone dies in New Zealand read our guidance on:

Marriage and civil partnership

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.

Find out how to apply for a New Zealand marriage licence.

Pets

If you intend to bring your cat or dog to New Zealand, there are specific health standards, see NZ Customs Service.

See travelling with pets.

Emergencies

Dial 111 for the police, ambulance or fire brigade, or:

  • dial 105 or use 105.police.govt.nz to report situations that don’t require immediate Police or Emergency Services attendance (105 is for Police, not other emergency services)
  • *555 for urgent but non-life threatening traffic matters that don’t need an emergency Police response
  • Community Roadwatch form to report unsafe or risky driving behaviour
  • local police stations – view list of Police stations
  • the Mental Health Support Line is available 24/7 (text or call) on 1737 or at www.1737.org.nz

New Zealand has a lot of natural hazards. Find out what to do to protect your family before, during and after an earthquake, tsunami, floods, landslides or volcanic activity. Follow the New Zealand government’s Civil Defence social media for updates on emergencies, your local civil defence groups, emergency mobile alerts and how to get ready.

Check if your mobile phone is capable of receiving emergency mobile alerts.

If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in New Zealand, read our guidance on what to do and where to get support if abroad. You can also contact a New Zealand support service near you or [the NZ Police.

If you’re the victim of a crime, have been arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British High Commission Wellington.

Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.

Returning to the UK

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Disclaimer

Note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the New Zealand authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Updates to this page

Published 18 December 2013
Last updated 28 March 2023 + show all updates

  1. Updated and reviewed guidance in full.

  2. Reviewed and updated the guidance.

  3. Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.

  4. Complete revision of guidance to ensure it's up to date and accurate.

  5. Updated driving rules

  6. First published.

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