Australia and New Zealand have a unique immigration relationship under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement (TTTA), but the rules are often misunderstood. New Zealand citizens can live and work in Australia freely — but the reverse is not automatic. Australians do not automatically get NZ residence, and those who are Australian residents or hold temporary Australian visas face a different situation again. Getting clarity on your specific status is essential before making decisions.
Visa Situations for People in Australia
Australian Citizens Moving to New Zealand
Australian citizens have the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely — no visa is required. You can simply arrive and stay. However, if you want to become a New Zealand permanent resident or citizen, you do need to apply formally. Many long-term Australian residents in NZ don't realise they're still technically on an informal status until they need to sponsor a family member or renew a document.
Australian Permanent Residents Moving to New Zealand
Australian PRs do not have automatic rights to live and work in New Zealand. You need a work visa (typically an AEWV if you have a job offer) and to go through the standard immigration process. Your Australian PR status does not transfer. If you have a job offer and a qualifying occupation, the AEWV is usually straightforward; if you want residence, you'll need to meet NZ's own residence criteria.
Non-Citizens in Australia Applying for NZ Visas
If you're living in Australia on a temporary or permanent visa but hold citizenship from another country, your NZ immigration application is assessed on your passport country and your current circumstances — not your Australian status. You'll need police clearances from both your home country and Australia.
Common Pathways for Australian Applicants
AEWV (for non-citizen Australian residents)
If you're an Australian PR or temporary resident and have a NZ job offer, the AEWV is the standard route. Your employer accreditation, Job Check, and wage requirements apply in the same way as for any other applicant.
Residence via Green List or SMC
If your occupation is on NZ's Green List, you may be able to apply for residence directly. Otherwise, working on an AEWV first and then applying through the Skilled Migrant Category is the standard two-step pathway to NZ residence.
NZ Citizenship (for Australian citizens long-term in NZ)
Australian citizens who have been living in New Zealand for 5 years can apply for NZ citizenship. A licensed adviser can help you confirm your eligibility and navigate the application.
Australia-Specific Considerations
Trans-Tasman confusion: Many people assume the arrangement is reciprocal — it's not. Australian citizens get automatic rights; New Zealanders in Australia get a specific (and more limited) special category visa. Don't assume your Australian status gives you NZ entitlements beyond what applies to your citizenship.
Police clearances: If you've lived in Australia, you'll need an AFP (Australian Federal Police) national police check as part of most NZ visa applications.
Health insurance gap: Australia has Medicare; New Zealand has ACC (for accidents) and the public health system. There's typically a stand-down period before new residents access some services. Your adviser can advise on what to arrange.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an Australian permanent resident just move to New Zealand?
No. Australian PRs need a NZ work visa or residence visa to live and work here. Only Australian citizens have automatic rights. Contact us to discuss your options based on your specific visa status.
Does living in Australia count toward NZ residence eligibility?
Not directly. NZ residence eligibility is based on your NZ presence, NZ employment, and NZ qualifications — Australian experience counts as an offshore factor but doesn't substitute for NZ-specific requirements under SMC.
I'm an Australian citizen already in NZ — what do I need to formalise my status?
If you want to become a NZ permanent resident or citizen, you apply formally even as an Australian citizen. A licensed adviser can tell you your eligibility date and the most efficient way to apply.
Have questions about moving from Australia to New Zealand? Get matched with a licensed adviser below.