Are New Zealand citizens eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Yes. New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 35 can apply for the Youth Mobility Scheme, which allows 2 years of living and working in the UK.

Do New Zealand citizens need a TB test?

No. New Zealand is not on the Home Office TB testing list.

Are New Zealand citizens exempt from English language tests?

Yes. New Zealand is a majority English-speaking country. New Zealand citizens are exempt from English language testing requirements.

Can New Zealanders apply for the Ancestry visa?

Yes. As a Commonwealth country, New Zealand citizens with a UK-born grandparent can apply for the Ancestry visa, which allows 5 years in the UK with no sponsor required.

Moving to the UK from New Zealand: Guide 2026

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.

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.

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

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.