Registration, banking and utilities in Auckland

Visas

Most working arrivals hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa, which requires the employer to be accredited and the role to meet job-check and wage criteria, or a residence route under the skilled categories. There are also working holiday schemes for younger applicants from participating countries, and partner and student pathways. Immigration New Zealand's settings change, sometimes materially, so confirm the current criteria on their site rather than in a forum.

• The Accredited Employer Work Visa depends on the employer's accreditation, not just your role.
• Residence routes have their own points and wage thresholds, revised periodically.
• Working holiday schemes are age-limited and country-specific.
• Check Immigration New Zealand directly — the settings move.

IRD number and tax

Apply for an IRD number as soon as you can; without one your employer must deduct tax at a no-declaration rate that is considerably higher than the normal scale. New Zealand has no general capital gains tax but does tax worldwide income for tax residents, and there is a transitional residents' exemption on some foreign income for a period after arrival that is worth understanding early rather than late.

• IRD number before your first payday if at all possible.
• Choose the correct tax code; the wrong one costs you cash flow.
• Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, with a transitional exemption available to some new arrivals.
• KiwiSaver enrolment is automatic for many new employees, with an opt-out window.

Banking and driving

Banks will often let you begin an account application from overseas before arrival, which is worth doing. A foreign driving licence can be used for a limited period after arrival, after which you convert it — conversion requirements depend on which country issued it. EFTPOS is ubiquitous and cash is rarely necessary.

• Start the bank application before you fly where the bank allows it.
• Foreign licences are valid for a limited period, then must be converted.
• Conversion requirements vary by issuing country; some require testing.
• EFTPOS and contactless are near-universal.

In order

1. 1Confirm your visa category with Immigration New Zealand before committing.
2. 2Have the employer complete accreditation and job check where relevant.
3. 3Start a bank account application before arrival if possible.
4. 4Apply for an IRD number immediately on arrival.
5. 5Set the correct tax code and check your KiwiSaver position.
6. 6Convert your driving licence before the grace period expires.