Moving to the UK from New Zealand: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Youth Mobility Scheme available (ages 18-35, 2 years).
- •Ancestry visa available if you have a UK-born grandparent.
- •No TB test; no English language test required.
- •New Zealand permits dual citizenship.
- •Well-established Kiwi community in London and throughout the UK.
New Zealand citizens enjoy several advantages in UK immigration: eligibility for the Youth Mobility Scheme, exemption from English tests, no TB test, and access to the Ancestry visa. The UK has a large and well-established New Zealand community.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
Visa Routes for New Zealand Citizens
- Youth Mobility Scheme. Ages 18 to 35, 2 years, no sponsor needed.
- Ancestry visa. 5 years if you have a UK-born grandparent. No sponsor needed. See the Ancestry visa guide.
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Student visa. See the student visa guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid New Zealand passport.
- No TB test required.
- No English language test required. Exempt as a majority English-speaking country.
- Police certificate. Apply for a Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction History. Available online for approximately NZD 30. Processing is typically 1 to 3 working days.
Costs in New Zealand Dollars
- Youth Mobility visa: £298 (approximately NZD 600)
- Ancestry visa: £531 (approximately NZD 1,050)
- Skilled Worker visa: £719 to £1,420 (approximately NZD 1,430 to 2,980)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately NZD 2,060)
See our UK visa fees guide.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
The New Zealand Community in the UK
Approximately 50,000 to 60,000 New Zealanders live in the UK, concentrated in London (Shepherd's Bush, Clapham, Wimbledon) but also across the country. The Kiwi community is highly active with sports clubs, social groups, and strong networks through organisations like the New Zealand Society and the High Commission.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
- Review the full UK visa fees
Path to Settlement
After 5 years on a qualifying visa (including the Ancestry visa), apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. New Zealand permits dual citizenship.
Next Steps
For the Youth Mobility Scheme, visit the GOV.UK Youth Mobility page. For the Ancestry visa, see the GOV.UK Ancestry visa page.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.