India and New Zealand have taken a major step towards closer economic cooperation with the signing of a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA). While the deal focuses on boosting trade and services, it also brings meaningful opportunities for Indian professionals looking to work in New Zealand.
One of the most significant outcomes of the agreement is the creation of a dedicated work visa route for Indians, aimed at easing labour shortages and supporting skilled mobility.
Under the FTA, New Zealand has introduced a Temporary Employment Entry Visa exclusively for Indian professionals. This visa allows eligible applicants to live and work in New Zealand for up to three years.
At any point in time, up to 5,000 visas will be available under this category. Once this cap is reached, new applications will be considered only as existing visas expire, keeping the programme regulated and predictable.
The visa covers a wide mix of professions. Alongside technical roles, it includes occupations linked to Indian culture and wellness, such as yoga instructors, AYUSH practitioners, Indian chefs and music teachers.
It also extends to sectors facing strong demand in New Zealand, including information technology, engineering, healthcare, education and construction. This broad coverage ensures that both specialised skills and professional services are supported under the new framework.
The trade agreement also improves work prospects for Indian students studying in New Zealand. Graduates completing recognised degree programmes can qualify for post-study work visas of up to three years. Those pursuing higher-level or postgraduate studies may receive longer work permissions.
These changes make New Zealand more attractive for Indian students who wish to gain international exposure and work experience after completing their education.
Beyond the new visa category, skilled Indians aged 55 or below can still apply for existing work-to-residence options. Several skilled residence visas continue to receive priority processing, especially for roles listed under New Zealand’s skill shortage framework.
Professionals with confirmed job offers from approved employers may also explore employer-sponsored work visas, which can allow longer stays depending on role and experience.
Read more: Ather Energy to Raise Scooter Prices by Up to ₹3,000 From January 1, 2026.
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement goes beyond trade numbers by opening a clear and structured work pathway for Indian professionals. With 5,000 dedicated visa slots, broader job coverage and improved student work options, the agreement strengthens people-to-people ties while supporting workforce needs in New Zealand.
Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.
Published on: Dec 23, 2025, 2:14 PM IST
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