KKWhen you picture New Zealand, what comes to mind? For many, it’s the stunning landscapes of Lord of the Rings, a world-class work-life balance, and friendly, welcoming cities. But beyond the beautiful scenery, New Zealand is a modern, thriving economy with a problem: it doesn’t have enough skilled people to fill critical jobs. To solve this, the New Zealand government isn’t just waiting for talent to arrive; it’s actively recruiting. They have created a clear, prioritized system to attract the exact skills they need to grow. The centerpiece of this strategy is the Green List a curated list of in-demand occupations that provides a streamlined and faster pathway to residence for qualified foreign professionals.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a life in New Zealand, this 2026 guide is for you. We’ll break down how the Green List works, the top jobs that can get you fast-tracked, and the steps you need to take to seize this incredible opportunity.
What is New Zealand’s “Green List”?
The Green List is the official list of occupations that are in highest demand and face the biggest shortages in New Zealand. It’s the government’s way of rolling out the red carpet for professionals in these specific fields.
The purpose of the Green List is to make the immigration process simpler and more certain for both the migrant and the employer. If your role is on this list, you have access to a special residence pathway.
However, there is one crucial requirement that underpins the entire system: you must have a job offer from an INZ Accredited Employer. An accredited employer is a company that has been approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to hire migrants on work visas. The good news is that there are thousands of them across the country.
The Two Tiers of the Green List Explained
The Green List is cleverly divided into two distinct tiers, each offering a different pathway to New Zealand residence. Where your occupation sits on the list determines how quickly you can apply to live in the country permanently.
Tier 1: The “Straight to Residence” Pathway
This is the fastest and most direct route to making New Zealand your permanent home. If your occupation is on the Tier 1 list, you can apply for the **Straight to Residence Visa** immediately, even from outside of New Zealand, provided you have a job offer from an accredited employer that meets the role’s specific requirements.
Key Occupations on the Tier 1 “Straight to Residence” List Include:
- Most Engineering specializations (Civil, Structural, Electrical, Geotechnical)
- Various Medical Doctor roles (GPs, Surgeons, Anesthetists)
- IT Professionals (Software Engineer, ICT Security Specialist, Multimedia Specialist)
- Scientists (Clinical Psychologists, Physicists)
- Construction Project Managers and Surveyors
Tier 2: The “Work to Residence” Pathway
If your occupation is on the Tier 2 list, the pathway takes a little longer but is just as clear. You will first apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). After working in that role in New Zealand for two years, you will then be eligible to apply for residence.
Key Occupations on the Tier 2 “Work to Residence” List Include:
- Registered Nurses (and Midwives)
- Most Skilled Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Automotive Electricians, Fitters)
- Teachers (Secondary, Early Childhood)
- Veterinarians
- Medical Laboratory Technicians
Top In-Demand Roles on the Green List for 2026
While the full Green List is extensive, some sectors are experiencing particularly acute shortages. Focusing on these areas gives you a significant advantage.
Healthcare
New Zealand’s public healthcare system is actively seeking talent. **Doctors** of almost all specializations are on the Tier 1 list, offering a direct path to residence. **Registered Nurses** are on the Tier 2 list, making them one of the most in-demand professions for the Work to Residence pathway.
Construction & Engineering
From building new infrastructure to addressing the housing shortage, New Zealand needs engineers and tradespeople. Civil Engineers and Construction Project Managers are on Tier 1, while essential trades like Electricians and Plumbers are on Tier 2.
Information Technology
The tech sector is a major growth engine for the NZ economy. Software Engineers, Developers, ICT Security Specialists, and ICT Project Managers are all on the Tier 1 list, reflecting the country’s need for top digital talent.
Education
There is a nationwide shortage of teachers, particularly at the secondary school level. Secondary School Teachers (especially in subjects like science, math, and technology) are on the Tier 2 list, offering a clear pathway for qualified educators.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Green List
Ready to take the next step? Here’s a clear action plan.
- Step 1: Confirm Your Role is on the Green List. Your first step is to visit the official Immigration New Zealand website and check the most up-to-date version of the Green List. Make sure your occupation is listed and that you understand which tier it falls under.
- Step 2: Check the Specific Requirements for Your Role. Each occupation on the list has specific requirements for qualifications, experience, or professional registration. For example, a nurse must be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and an engineer may need to meet certain criteria set by Engineering New Zealand.
- Step 3: Find a Job with an “Accredited Employer.” This is the most crucial step. Focus your job search on companies that are INZ Accredited. You can use major NZ job boards like Seek.co.nz and Trade Me Jobs, and often filter by or look for “accredited employer” status in the job description. Immigration New Zealand also provides a public list of accredited employers.
- Step 4: Apply for the Correct Visa. Once you have your signed employment contract, you and your employer can begin the visa process. If your role is on Tier 1, you can apply for the Straight to Residence Visa. If it’s on Tier 2, you’ll first apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Your Pathway to Paradise
New Zealand’s Green List is a clear and direct invitation to skilled professionals around the world. It cuts through complexity and offers a prioritized pathway for the people it needs most. It’s a system that rewards expertise and provides certainty for your future.
By carefully matching your skills to the list, securing a job with an accredited employer, and diligently meeting the requirements for your profession, you can turn the dream of living and working amidst New Zealand’s incredible landscapes and friendly culture into a reality.
KK