The prospect of a new job abroad, sounds like a fantastic opportunity to start a new life for you and your family overseas. However, the financial reality can put a damper on your dream if you are not prepared for the costs of moving half-way round the world.
It is recommended that you have in savings enough money to pay for your first 3 months living expenses.
What are the costs?
Firstly, you will need a job offer. It is only at this point that you can apply for a work visa to New Zealand. For the correct type of visa, you will need to contact your new employer, an immigration agent or visit The New Zealand Immigration website for types and costs.
To get document ready to apply for your visa, there may be additional costs involved like police clearance and medical reports.
Work Visa Costs
Most migrants will emigrate to New Zealand under the Accredited Employer Work Visa. You can apply for this visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer and the skills and qualifications for the job. This visa entitles you to live in New Zealand as a resident for a period of 3 years. At the end of this period, providing you meet certain criteria, you can apply for permanent residency.
The cost of this type of visa is NZ$ 750
For more details, visit: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
The immigration process can be challenging and complicated and it can cause a lot of uncertainty. For the best chances of success in applying for the correct work visa, and to understand and explore your short- and long-term options we recommend speaking to a New Zealand Licensed IAA Immigration Adviser.
Utilising the services of a NZ licenced immigration adviser can mitigate the chance of something going wrong and advisers can provide information on your eligibility for a NZ work visa and tailor advice and recommendations to suit your goals and future plans.
Licensed advisers can help navigate policy changes that can occur and provide you with the peace of mind that your visa applications are in safe hands.
Flights
The cost of flights can vary significantly. Spend time online searching for the best deals. Skyscanner gives a lot of carrier options and prices. On searching Skyscanner we found a one-way ticket for:
- Johannesburg to Auckland – NZ$ 1686
- London – Auckland – NZ$ 1356
The cost of living
In the run up to your first month's salary being paid at the end of the first month, you will need your own savings for accommodation, food, and transportation.
The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Auckland is estimated at around NZ$ 500 per week
- Housing Rent for 1 bedroom apartment - NZ$ 2,000 per month. Rental costs vary according to location.
- Utilities - NZ$ 285 per month
- Transport Ticket - NZ$ 155 per month
- Internet - NZ$ 70 per month
Additional costs to consider:
- Rental in advance. You may be asked to provide advance rent. Landlords can only ask for a maximum of 2 weeks rent in advance.
- Rental bond/deposit. This can be up to 4 weeks' rent. Landlords must give you a receipt and lodge it with Tenancy Services within 23 days. Tenancy Services will hold your money until your tenancy ends. You will get your money back if you leave the property in good condition.
- Essential furniture including bedding and soft furnishings
- Food and beverages
- Shipping, and other expenses incurred when moving to a new home
- Own transport. If is recommended that you purchase your own vehicle for travelling to sites outside of urban areas.
Most of your savings will be used in the first month of arriving in New Zealand.
In summary
As a rough guide, we stipulate the following in savings needed to get yourself set up for your first day at work in NZ.
This includes a car, emergency money, accommodation costs and anything extra you may need:
- Single Person - NZ$10,000
- Families - NZ$15,000
This excludes: Visa and immigration costs and tools needed for the job. In some cases, tools and equipment may be provided by the employer but you will need to check this with your new employer.
Additional expenses to consider:
Its important to have emergency money on arrival as well, to cover unforeseen costs when things don't go to plan, including insurance, tools, car and accommodation.
For instance. If you miss your flight and don't have insurance or refund policies in the original booking, you will need new tickets. These additional costs can reduce your savings needed for your other living expenses.
Another thing to bear in mind when travelling, is the cost of extra visas which may be needed if transitting through countries en route to New Zealand. For instance people transiting Australia can get caught out. Please check with your airline when booking your flights.