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what should an overseas nurse arrange before moving to New Zealand with a partner and children?
Moving to New Zealand as an overseas nurse: A family relocation checklist
Moving to New Zealand as an internationally qualified nurse involves more than securing a nursing job. If you're relocating with a partner and children, you'll also need to plan for professional registration, immigration, housing, schooling, healthcare, finances and settling your family into a new country.
My recommendation is to organise your nursing registration and visa pathway first, then coordinate your family's visas, employment, accommodation and children's education around your intended arrival date. This will help reduce the risk of arriving before you can work or before your family has access to the services they need.
Here is a practical checklist of what to arrange before leaving your home country.
1. Arrange nursing registration and employment
Before you move, establish whether you can register and practise as a nurse in New Zealand.
Nursing registration
The Nursing Council of New Zealand regulates nursing registration and practice.
You should:
- Check the Nursing Council's requirements for internationally qualified nurses.
- Confirm that your nursing qualification meets the applicable requirements.
- Gather your nursing degree or diploma certificates and academic transcripts.
- Obtain evidence of your current and previous nursing registrations.
- Arrange verification of your registration and professional qualifications where required.
- Obtain employment references and evidence of your nursing experience.
- Prepare evidence of English-language proficiency if required.
- Check whether you need to complete a competence assessment, examination or other registration requirements.
- Arrange certified copies and translations of documents that are not in English, where required.
The exact requirements depend on where you trained, your registration history, your qualifications and your experience.
Important: Do not assume that a nursing qualification or registration from another country automatically allows you to practise in New Zealand.
Start with the official Nursing Council of New Zealand.
Secure a nursing job
Although it may be possible to explore immigration options before securing employment, having a suitable nursing job offer can make your relocation planning much easier.
Before accepting an offer, confirm:
- The employer's name, location and type of healthcare facility.
- Your nursing role, responsibilities and expected working hours.
- Your salary, allowances, overtime arrangements and shift patterns.
- Whether the employer is an accredited employer, if this is relevant to your visa pathway.
- Whether the employer offers relocation assistance.
- Whether assistance is available with registration, immigration paperwork or initial accommodation.
- The expected start date and any conditions attached to your employment.
- Whether the employer will help you understand any New Zealand-specific orientation or training requirements.
Ask whether the employer can provide written confirmation of the job offer and the documents needed for your visa application.
You can explore nursing vacancies through Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and other healthcare employers.
Practical tip: If you have children, ask about the roster before accepting a position. Night shifts, rotating shifts and weekend work can affect childcare arrangements and your partner's ability to work.
2. Arrange the correct visa for every family member
This is one of the most important steps because your visa does not automatically give your partner and children the right to live, work or study in New Zealand.
The visas available to your family depend on your own visa type, occupation, pay and other eligibility requirements.
Your visa
Depending on your circumstances, possible pathways may include:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): A work visa associated with an eligible job offer from an accredited employer.
- Straight to Residence Visa: A residence pathway that may be available to eligible nurses with a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer and who meet the other requirements.
- Another eligible work or residence pathway: Depending on your registration status, job offer and circumstances.
Nursing is included on New Zealand's Green List, but this does not mean every overseas nurse automatically qualifies for residence. You must meet the specific requirements of the relevant pathway. Health New Zealand provides information for internationally qualified nurses and recruitment opportunities. healthnz.govt.nz
Check the current criteria with Immigration New Zealand.
Your partner's visa
Before moving, establish which visa your partner can apply for.
Depending on your visa and circumstances, your partner may be eligible for:
- A partner work visa.
- A partner visitor visa.
- A visa associated with a residence application, where applicable.
Do not assume that your partner will automatically be allowed to work. Confirm the conditions of the actual visa granted.
Prepare evidence of your relationship, such as:
- Marriage or civil union certificates, if applicable.
- Evidence of living together.
- Joint tenancy agreements or mortgage documents.
- Joint bank statements or shared financial commitments.
- Utility bills and correspondence showing a shared address.
- Other evidence demonstrating the genuine nature and duration of your relationship.
The documents needed will depend on your circumstances and the requirements of your application.
Official information: Bringing family to New Zealand. immigration.govt.nz
Your children's visas
Check the appropriate visa for each child before booking flights.
You may need to prepare:
- Each child's valid passport.
- Birth certificates showing the relationship to the parents.
- Evidence of legal guardianship, if relevant.
- Consent or custody documents if one parent will not be travelling.
- Medical and character documents, where required.
- School records and immunisation records for enrolment purposes.
Check each child's visa conditions before deciding whether they can attend school as domestic or international students. Their immigration status can affect school fees and other entitlements.
If you are considering a residence pathway, check whether you and your family can apply together or whether separate applications are necessary.
3. Check your children's schooling and childcare
If you are moving with children, research education arrangements before choosing your accommodation.
If you have school-aged children
New Zealand generally has primary and secondary education for children aged approximately 5–18, although the rules on starting school, attendance and fees depend on individual circumstances.
Before moving:
- Research schools near the areas where you might live.
- Check the school's enrolment zone.
- Contact schools to ask about enrolment dates and available places.
- Obtain previous school reports and transcripts.
- Obtain immunisation records and any other documents requested by the school.
- Arrange English-language learning support if your children may need it.
- Ask about uniforms, stationery, devices, school trips and other expenses.
- Check school transport options.
Some schools give priority to children living within their enrolment zones, so try to understand the school options before signing a long-term rental agreement.
Official information: New Zealand Ministry of Education.
If you have preschool children
Research early childhood education and childcare options before you arrive.
You should:
- Contact early childhood education centres in your preferred areas.
- Check waiting lists and enrolment requirements.
- Compare opening hours with your nursing roster.
- Ask about fees, deposits, meals and holiday closures.
- Consider who will look after your children when you work nights, weekends or public holidays.
New Zealand has a 20 Hours ECE funding scheme for eligible children aged 3–5 at participating services. However, eligibility, additional charges and the actual hours available should be confirmed directly with the provider.
Find information at Education.govt.nz.
Consider your partner's role in childcare
If both adults intend to work, prepare a childcare plan before arriving.
For example, if you work rotating shifts, your partner may need flexible employment or a different work schedule. If your partner also works shifts, you may need paid childcare or another reliable arrangement.
This can influence which nursing job and location are most suitable for your family.
4. Organise accommodation before departure
You do not necessarily need to secure a permanent home before arriving, but you should have a realistic accommodation plan.
What to arrange
- Research rental properties in areas near your likely workplace.
- Compare rent, transport costs, school options and access to childcare.
- Arrange temporary accommodation for your first few weeks if necessary.
- Budget for a rental bond and rent in advance.
- Prepare references from previous landlords, if available.
- Gather evidence of employment, income and savings for rental applications.
- Check whether the property has enough bedrooms for your family.
- Ask about heating, insulation, ventilation and general condition.
- Confirm how you will travel between home, work, school and childcare.
New Zealand rental properties can be expensive, and prices vary substantially by location and property type.
Use Tenancy Services New Zealand to understand rental agreements, bonds, tenants' rights and landlords' responsibilities.
Should you arrange a house before travelling?
If your employer provides relocation support, ask whether they can arrange temporary accommodation or help you find a rental.
Otherwise, temporary accommodation can give you time to inspect properties and understand the local area before committing to a long-term lease.
Be cautious about sending deposits to people you have not verified. Confirm that the property and person offering it are legitimate.
5. Understand healthcare and medical insurance
Before leaving your home country, check what healthcare services your family will be entitled to receive in New Zealand.
What to arrange
- Check whether you and each family member qualify for publicly funded healthcare.
- Arrange appropriate medical or travel insurance if you are not eligible for publicly funded services.
- Obtain copies of medical records for yourself, your partner and your children.
- Bring prescriptions and details of any regular medicines.
- Obtain your children's immunisation records.
- Arrange copies of relevant specialist reports and treatment plans.
- Check how to access a general practitioner (GP) near your intended home.
Do not assume that holding a work visa automatically makes every family member eligible for publicly funded healthcare. Eligibility depends on immigration status and other criteria.
New Zealand citizens and residence-class visa holders are generally eligible for publicly funded healthcare. Some temporary visa holders may also qualify, depending on their circumstances.
Check the official Ministry of Health eligibility guidelines.
What about your children?
Before relocating, make sure you understand how your children will access:
- GP appointments and routine medical care.
- Emergency treatment.
- Prescription medicines.
- Dental services.
- Specialist care, if needed.
New Zealand provides publicly funded immunisations to children regardless of their immigration status. However, eligibility for other services can differ.
If a family member has an ongoing medical condition, check healthcare eligibility and insurance arrangements before committing to the move.
6. Prepare a realistic family relocation budget
One of the biggest mistakes families can make is budgeting for flights and rent without considering the additional costs of establishing a household.
I recommend preparing a budget covering at least the first three months in New Zealand, with an emergency reserve if possible.
Expenses to budget for
| Expense | What to consider |
|---|---|
| Nursing registration | Verification, registration fees, English testing and any required assessments |
| Immigration | Visa application fees, medical examinations, police certificates and translations |
| Flights | Tickets for the entire family and baggage charges |
| Temporary accommodation | Hotel, serviced apartment or short-term rental |
| Rental property | Bond, rent in advance and household setup |
| Food and essentials | Groceries, toiletries and household supplies |
| Transport | Public transport, vehicle purchase or rental, insurance and fuel |
| Schooling | Uniforms, stationery, devices, trips and any applicable tuition fees |
| Childcare | Enrolment fees, deposits and ongoing childcare costs |
| Healthcare | Insurance, prescriptions and other costs not publicly funded |
| Communications | Mobile phones, internet and other services |
| Emergency savings | Unexpected expenses or delays before your first salary |
How much money should you bring?
There is no single amount that is right for every family.
Your budget will depend on:
- The number and ages of your children.
- Your destination within New Zealand.
- Whether your partner will work.
- Whether you have secured a nursing job.
- Whether your employer provides relocation assistance.
- Whether your children qualify for domestic school enrolment.
- Whether you need a vehicle.
As a practical approach, calculate your expected monthly household expenses and aim to have enough money for your initial costs plus a contingency fund.
Remember that you may need to pay for accommodation and living expenses before receiving your first salary.
Ask your employer about relocation assistance
Before paying for everything yourself, ask whether your prospective employer offers:
- Reimbursement for flights.
- Assistance with nursing registration costs.
- Visa-related support.
- Temporary accommodation.
- Relocation allowances.
- Help finding permanent accommodation.
Do not assume these benefits are available. Ask for the details in writing and check whether any repayment conditions apply if you leave the job early.
You can also consult Immigration New Zealand's living in New Zealand resources.
7. Prepare your essential documents
Gathering documents before departure can save time, money and stress.
I recommend creating a digital folder and a separate physical folder containing copies of the following.
Your nursing and employment documents
- Passport.
- Nursing degree or diploma.
- Academic transcripts.
- Current and previous nursing registration certificates.
- Evidence of nursing experience.
- Employment references.
- English-language test results, if required.
- Nursing Council registration correspondence.
- Written job offer and employment agreement.
- Visa approval and visa conditions.
Family and immigration documents
- Passports for all family members.
- Marriage or civil union certificate, where applicable.
- Evidence of your partnership.
- Birth certificates for all children.
- Adoption or guardianship documents, if applicable.
- Custody agreements or permission to relocate children, where relevant.
- Police certificates, if required.
- Medical examination records, if relevant.
- Certified English translations of documents where required.
Children's education and health documents
- School reports and transcripts.
- Immunisation records.
- Medical histories and specialist reports.
- Prescription information.
- Learning support or disability-related documentation, if applicable.
- Contact details for previous schools and healthcare providers.
Other useful documents
- Driving licence.
- International Driving Permit, if appropriate.
- Previous rental references.
- Bank statements or evidence of savings.
- Insurance policies.
- Emergency contacts.
Keep important documents accessible during travel rather than packing everything in checked luggage. Maintain secure digital copies as well.
For immigration applications, follow the document and translation requirements specified by the relevant New Zealand authority.
8. Decide whether your partner will work
If your partner plans to work, it is worth researching their employment prospects before you move.
Before departure
Your partner should:
- Check whether their occupation requires registration or licensing in New Zealand.
- Update their CV to suit the New Zealand employment market.
- Research suitable vacancies.
- Gather qualifications and employment references.
- Check whether their intended visa permits employment.
- Consider whether additional training or qualifications will be needed.
Your partner's ability to work can make a substantial difference to your family's finances and lifestyle.
However, avoid basing your initial budget on the assumption that your partner will immediately find a job.
If your partner will initially stay home with the children, include that in your financial and childcare planning.
9. Understand transport and driving requirements
You should decide how your family will travel to work, school, childcare and medical appointments.
New Zealand has public transport in many areas, but its availability varies considerably. Some jobs, particularly in rural healthcare settings, may require access to a car.
Before moving:
- Check whether your current driving licence can be used in New Zealand.
- Find out whether you need an International Driving Permit or an approved translation.
- Check whether you must convert your overseas licence.
- Research public transport near your intended accommodation.
- Budget for vehicle costs if you expect to drive.
- Check whether your nursing role requires driving between patients or healthcare facilities.
Use the official New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) website to check the current rules for overseas driving licences.
Do not purchase a vehicle immediately unless you need one. You may want to explore your new area and assess your family's transport needs first.
10. Plan your family's first month in New Zealand
Even when the major arrangements are complete, settling into a new country takes time.
Here is what I would prioritise after arrival.
During the first week
- Obtain New Zealand mobile numbers.
- Arrange a suitable bank account.
- Confirm your accommodation.
- Learn the local transport routes.
- Check the status of any outstanding immigration or registration matters.
- Locate the nearest GP, pharmacy and emergency department.
- Purchase essential household items.
During the first two weeks
- Complete school enrolment and meet the school staff.
- Finalise childcare arrangements.
- Register with a local GP if eligible.
- Review your family's monthly expenses.
- Familiarise yourselves with the local community.
- Check that your partner understands their visa and work conditions.
During the first month
- Establish a routine around your nursing shifts.
- Review whether your accommodation suits your family.
- Check your first payslip and understand your deductions.
- Build an emergency savings buffer.
- Explore local activities for your children.
- Review your longer-term plans for residence, employment and family settlement.
Allow time for your children to adjust to a different school system, climate, friendships and culture.
If you are moving from a country with a warmer climate, remember that New Zealand winters can be cold indoors, so warm clothing and suitable bedding may be necessary.
11. Follow this order when preparing to move
To keep the process manageable, I would use the following sequence.
| Stage | What to do |
|---|---|
| Stage 1: Explore eligibility | Check Nursing Council registration requirements and possible immigration pathways. |
| Stage 2: Start nursing registration | Arrange qualification verification, English evidence and other required documents. |
| Stage 3: Secure employment | Apply for suitable nursing positions and obtain a written offer where required. |
| Stage 4: Confirm family visa options | Establish the correct visa pathway for your partner and each child. |
| Stage 5: Plan education and housing | Research schools, childcare, rental accommodation and transport. |
| Stage 6: Prepare financially | Calculate relocation costs, initial living expenses and emergency savings. |
| Stage 7: Submit applications | Complete the necessary registration and immigration processes, allowing for processing times. |
| Stage 8: Confirm your move | Once the necessary approvals and arrangements are in place, finalise flights, accommodation and departure plans. |
| Stage 9: Settle your family | Arrange schooling, healthcare, banking, transport and a sustainable work–family routine. |
One particularly important warning
The Nursing Council recommends that internationally qualified nurses avoid making relocation plans until registration is complete or they have been advised that they need a competence assessment and have secured a place on the required programme. Registration and immigration requirements can take time, so start early. See the Nursing Council's information for internationally qualified nurses.
12. Official websites to bookmark
These are the key resources I would use throughout your preparation.
| Organisation | What it helps you with | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Council of New Zealand | Overseas nursing registration and competence assessments | nursingcouncil.org.nz |
| Immigration New Zealand | Work visas, residence pathways and family visas | immigration.govt.nz |
| Health New Zealand | Nursing jobs and recruitment information | healthnz.govt.nz |
| Ministry of Education | Schooling and education | education.govt.nz |
| Ministry of Health | Public healthcare eligibility | health.govt.nz |
| Tenancy Services | Renting and tenancy rights | tenancy.govt.nz |
| NZ Transport Agency | Driving licences and transport rules | nzta.govt.nz |
13. Let me help you make a plan for your specific family
The best pathway depends on your nursing background, your current country of residence and the ages of your children.
Could you tell me three things?
- Which country are you currently living in, and where did you complete your nursing qualification? For example, the UK, India, the Philippines, South Africa or another country.
- How many children do you have, and what are their ages?
- Have you already obtained New Zealand nursing registration or a job offer, or are you just starting to explore the move?
With those details, I can help you develop a more specific New Zealand relocation plan covering the likely nursing registration pathway, visa options for your partner and children, estimated initial costs, and the steps to complete before departure.
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Captured 15–20 October 2026