New Zealand launches 4-year ‘golden visa’

Alongside the golden visa, two new seasonal visa categories will open from December 8 under New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme — the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).

Authorities said the scheme aims to make it “easier for accredited employers to hire international seasonal workers for genuine short-term roles while protecting local employment opportunities.”

This three-year visa caters to workers with at least three seasons of relevant experience in the last six years. Employers hiring under this category are not required to conduct a labour market test, meaning they do not have to prove a shortage of local candidates.

Applicants must, however, spend three months outside New Zealand each year. English tests are not required, though health and character checks remain mandatory.

The PSV is designed for short-term roles of up to seven months, such as peak harvest or tourism periods. Employers must advertise the job locally and obtain either Work and Income endorsement or show good-faith engagement with the agency.

Those working for more than three months on a PSV must hold valid health insurance covering their entire stay, including urgent care, hospitalisation and emergency repatriation.