Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan

Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan in 2023

To immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan you will first need to apply for an Immigration visa. New Zealand is a popular long term Immigration destination for Bhutanese Citizens. Individuals and families are drawn to New Zealand for its quality of life, nature, strong economy and safe environment.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan

These are the most popular ways to Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan

Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan with a Work Visa

If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer then you might be eligible for a work visa. The most common types of work visas for Bhutan Citizens are the Essential Skills Work Visa and the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa.

The Essential Skills Work Visa is for Bhutanese applicants who have a job offer in an occupation that is in demand in New Zealand.

The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa is for applicants from Bhutan who have a job offer from an accredited employer, which is a company that has been approved by the New Zealand government to recruit workers from overseas.

Both types of work visas require you to meet the following criteria:

• having a job offer
• passing a health
• passing a character check
• having enough money to support yourself while you’re in New Zealand

Study Visas are popular for Bhutanese Citizens to Immigrate to New Zealand

To be eligible for a New Zealand student visa as a Citizen of Bhutan you’ll need to have been accepted onto a course at a New Zealand educational institution and have enough money to support yourself while you’re studying. You will also need to pass a health and character check.

As an Bhutanese Citizen studying in New Zealand you’ll be permitted to work part time during term time and full time during the holidays. If you have a spouse from Bhutan joining you in New Zealand they’ll be able to work full time.

Once you’ve completed your studies, you may be able to apply for a work visa or a post-study work visa, which allows you to work in New Zealand for a certain period of time after you’ve completed your studies.

Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan on a Family Visa

If you have a family member who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident they may be able to sponsor you for a New Zealand visa. The most common types of family visas for Bhutanese Citizens are:

• Parent Retirement Visa
• Partner Visa
• Child Visa

• The Parent Retirement Visa is for Bhutanese parents of New Zealand citizens or residents who want to live in New Zealand permanently.
• The Partner Visa is for applicants from Bhutan who are in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• The Child Visa is for Bhutanese children of New Zealand citizens or residents who want to live in New Zealand permanently.

Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan as a Skilled Migrant

This is a points-based system that allows Bhutanese individuals to apply for permanent residence in New Zealand based on their qualifications, work experience, age and language ability. To be eligible to relocate to New Zealand from Bhutan as a Skilled Migrant you must pass a points test and eligibility criteria:

1. Have an occupation in on the LTSSL (New Zealand Occupation in Demand List)
2. Be aged under 55 years of age
3. Have a functional level of English
4. Score at least 100 points on the New Zealand Points Calculator

The first step in Immigrating to New Zealand from Bhutan as a Skilled Migrant is to have an occupation that is ‘in demand’ in New Zealand.

The current occupations in Demand in New Zealand for Bhutanese applicants are:

Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutanese Points Calculator

To make an application to relocate to New Zealand from Bhutan you will need to score a minimum of 100 points on the New Zealand Immigration Points Matrix. As an applicant from Bhutan these are the points you can be awarded for certain criteria such as age, education, occupation and English language ability.

Age Points

• 20-39 Years: 30 Points
• 40-44 Years: 20 Points
• 45-49 Years: 10 Points
• 50-55 Years: 5 Points

Employment Points

Up to 100 Employment Points are available on the New Zealand Points calculator for Bhutan Citizens already working in New Zealand

• Recognized Qualifications from Bhutan
• Trade qualifications: 10 points
• Undergraduate Degree from Bhutan: 50 Points
• PhD: 70 Points

To claim qualification points from education in Bhutan your educational qualification and paperwork must first be assessed by the NZQA.

Work Experience Points in Bhutan or elsewhere

• 2 years work experience: 10 Points
• 4 Years work experience: 20 Points
• 6 Years work experience: 30 Points
• 8 Years work experience: 40 Points
• 10 Years+ work experience: 50 Points

Points for Partner Skills

Up top 40 extra points are available if an applicants partner has good English skills, verified qualifications or a formal job offer in New Zealand.

Is 100 Points all I require to Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan?

No. 100 points is the minimum score requires to lodge an application from Bhutan. You will require 160 points to actually receive an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence in New Zealand.

Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan on a Business Visa

Bhutanese entrepreneurs and investors may be eligible for a business visa. The most common types of business visas for Bhutanese Citizens are the Entrepreneur Work Visa and the Investor Visa.

The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for people from Bhutan who want to start a new business in New Zealand or buy an existing business. The Investor Visa is for people from Bhutan who want to invest in a New Zealand business.

If you’re awarded a New Zealand Entrepreneur visa, you can buy or set up a business in New Zealand. You must make a capital investment of at least NZ$100,000. If your business is in the science or ICT sectors this requirement can be waived or reduced for Bhutan citizens.

Why Bhutan Citizens are relocating to New Zealand

New Zealand is ranked as one of the best places in the world to live and the many Bhutanese citizens agree that Immigrating to New Zealand was one of the best life choices they have ever made.

There are many Bhutanese citizens now living in New Zealand in strong, safe and thriving communities. New Zealand has reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming individuals and families looking to Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan.

Some New Zealand visas, such as those for qualified Bhutanese migrants, grant immediate permanent residence, but you must meet the conditions attached to the visa to ensure that your journey to Permanent Residence in New Zealand from from Bhutan is not interrupted.

Do I need a job offer to Migrate to New Zealand from Bhutan?

No. Bhutan Citizens immigrating to New Zealand in the Skilled Visa category do not need a job offer although more New Zealand Immigration points are awarded for applicants with a job offer.

Visa Processing times for Bhutanese applicants to New Zealand

Most visas for New Zealand migration from Bhutan are processed in as little as 12-14 months from the date an applicant receives an invitation to apply.

Is it hard to Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan?

The immigration process for Citizens of Bhutan is the same as it is for other migrants looking to start a new life in New Zealand. There is no unfair discrimination against Bhutan residents and as long as you have the right skills, experience and qualifications then New Zealand want you.

Does New Zealand want Immigrants from Bhutan?

Yes. New Zealand is open to Immigration from Bhutan and has one most ambitious skilled migration programs with generous permanent residency programs.

Jobs in New Zealand for Bhutan Citizens

Bhutan Citizens have great job prospects in New Zealand commanding higher than average salaries in major areas and more rural areas. Bhutan Citizens are well regarded in New Zealand as having good work focus and the right skills.

Finding Accommodation in New Zealand for new Immigrants from Bhutan

Most newcomers to New Zealand from Bhutan stay in Serviced Accommodation for at least the first few months as they get settled. Newcomers from Bhutan to New Zealand use services like Book Direct and Save to book hotels, vacation rentals and fully serviced accommodation in New Zealand.

Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan on a Temporary to Permanent Visa Pathway

As a Bhutan national, if you have a work visa from your employer in New Zealand you have the option of living in the country for at least two years on a two-year work or residence visa. After this time you can make an application for Permanent Residence.

Immigrate to Australia via New Zealand from Bhutan

A number of New Zealand Immigration applicants from Bhutan actually want to eventually immigrate to Australia.

They choose to Immigrate first to New Zealand because it is easier and then use their New Zealand Permanent Residency to settle in Australia.This pathway is especially popular with Bhutan Citizens who are aged over 45 years old because they are welcome in New Zealand but cannot apply to Immigrate to Australia because they are too old.

how to Immigrate to New Zealand from Bhutan