Top 5 Tips for Emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand

Are you thinking of emigrating from South Africa to New Zealand in the near future? Moving to a new country can be exciting and daunting all at the same time, which is why we’ve compiled a checklist of things to do to help get you started.

1. Start by gathering as much information about the visa you will need 

The Immigration New Zealand website is a resourceful starting point to establish which visa you might qualify for and the requirements attached to each visa. You will find a resource library, fees and decision times, as well as cost of living information here. Do note that applications for temporary visas have temporarily been suspended from outside New Zealand, except if you are exempt. 

2. Explore employment options 

Once you’ve established that you might be eligible for a visa to New Zealand, start your research process to determine whether you might find suitable employment to support you and your family once you move to New Zealand. The government-run website Careers NZ offers career advice and a list of job postings and recruitment websites.

3. Find suitable accommodation 

You will have to determine whether you would want to move into a house or flat as soon as you get to New Zealand and whether you would want to rent or purchase a property (TradeMe Property offers a range of options). If you would first want to explore temporary options while finding the perfect property, you could also consider short-term rentals, such as Airbnb.

4. Get all your paperwork in order

It is wise to take both the original versions and certified copies of your official documents with you. Common documents you should take to New Zealand include:

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Academic qualification certificates
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical certificates

5. Establish whether you want to take your personal belongings with you 

Determine whether you would be willing to take on the expenses and administrative responsibilities of transporting your personal belongings, or whether you’d prefer to sell them in South Africa. This will be a time-consuming process, either way, so do what would suit your personal and financial requirements. Keep in mind that there will be regulatory requirements and that it might be best to collaborate with a reputable freight forwarder in South Africa. Other options include additional luggage when you fly to New Zealand or sea freight. Go to the New Zealand Customs website to determine what items are allowed and prohibited in your move. 

If you need help immigrating to New Zealand, get in touch with our team of experts at Tri-Nations Migration today.