If you’re a skilled tradesperson dreaming of building a future in New Zealand, there’s exciting news. Starting 18 August 2025, ten new trades occupations will be added to New Zealand’s Work to Residence Green List Pathway. This change is part of the government’s efforts to address ongoing skill shortages and attract experienced professionals from around the world.
For tradespeople already working in New Zealand or those with a job offer, this could be a major step toward securing permanent residency. If you’ve been working full-time in one of the newly listed trades for at least 24 months, you may be eligible to apply for residency, opening the door to long-term stability and access to broader rights and benefits.
The roles being added include Fitter (General), Metal Machinist (First Class), Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner, Pressure Welder, Vehicle Painter, Fitter Welder, Panel Beater, Paving Plant Operator, and Welder. These occupations were selected based on industry needs and are vital to supporting New Zealand’s economic growth.
To qualify, applicants must be 55 or younger at the time of application, meet health and character standards, demonstrate English language competency, and be earning at least the required hourly wage for their role. Metalworkers, fitters, and welders will need to earn a minimum of \$43.63 per hour (or \$90,750 annually), while vehicle painters, panel beaters, and paving plant operators must earn at least \$38.59 per hour (or \$80,267 annually).
In addition, from the same date, the government will update the median wage thresholds across various skilled residence visa categories. The new median wage will rise to \$33.56 per hour, based on updated market data from 2024, helping ensure immigration policies reflect current economic conditions.
This is a promising development for trades professionals seeking to make New Zealand their home. With clearer pathways to residency and defined wage benchmarks, skilled workers can now look forward to more opportunities and greater certainty in building their future in New Zealand.
