Introduction
If you’re an experienced IT professional, consultant, SAP specialist, or tech leader dreaming of life (and work) in one of the world’s most scenic and quality-of-life-oriented countries, New Zealand might be calling your name.
Over the last couple of years, employers across Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand) have continued to actively recruit international talent in technology, consulting, and other professional sectors particularly where local skills shortages are most severe. Many of these opportunities come with work visa support, relocation assistance, and, in some cases, long-term pathways toward permanent residency. (SEEK)
In this article, we’ll break down how the work visa system works, the types of jobs available (including SAP and ICT), what employers are actively hiring, salary expectations, and practical tips to help you begin your journey.
How Work Visa Sponsorship Works in New Zealand
To work legally in New Zealand as a foreigner, you usually need:
- A genuine job offer from an accredited employer;
- A visa class that allows employment;
- Proof that you’re suited (qualifications, experience, skills) to do the job. (Immigration New Zealand)
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The most common route for sponsored jobs is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). To qualify:
- Your employer must appear on the Accredited Employer List maintained by Immigration New Zealand. (Immigration New Zealand)
- The role must meet the skill and salary requirements set by the immigration criteria. (Immigration New Zealand)
Once approved, the AEWV allows you to:
- Move to New Zealand with your job already in hand;
- Bring eligible family members (spouse/children);
- Work in your sponsored position indefinitely (so long as visa conditions are met). (Countrywide Visas)
Green List & Residency Pathways
Some occupations are on New Zealand’s Green List — a priority list for fast-tracked residency. If your role qualifies, you might be eligible for Straight to Residence (immediate residence) or Work to Residence pathways after a couple of years of work. (Immigration New Zealand)
Why New Zealand Is Hiring Global Talent
New Zealand continues to adjust its immigration settings to attract skilled workers, particularly in technology and professional sectors where domestic talent isn’t enough to keep up with demand. New frameworks like the National Occupation List (NOL) are now central to how skills and roles are assessed for visa purposes. (The Economic Times)
At the same time, employers post new jobs with sponsorship offers frequently — and platforms like SEEK New Zealand show hundreds of IT and professional roles with visa sponsorship listed daily. (SEEK)
Top Sponsored Job Categories (Tech & Professional Roles)
Here’s a snapshot of key job areas where overseas candidates are in demand and visa support is often offered:
| Job Category | Examples of Roles | Typical Employers / Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| SAP & ERP Consulting | SAP S/4HANA Consultant, SAP Analytics Cloud Specialist, Supply Chain SAP Lead | Companies like HCLTech, SAP projects across consulting partners (LinkedIn) |
| Software & ICT | Software Engineer, ICT Support Analyst, Full Stack Dev, Systems Engineer | Listed on SEEK, Jora, LinkedIn with sponsorship options (nz.jora.com) |
| Cloud / Data & Security | Cloud Architect, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist | National tech teams & consulting arms of large firms (job.fpoko.com) |
| Business & Professional | Management Consultants, Business Analysts, Project Leads | Professional services firms and corporate teams (nz.indeed.com) |
Spotlight: SAP & ICT Roles with Visa Support
One of the most dynamic spheres in New Zealand’s job market right now is SAP and enterprise IT roles.
SAP Jobs Are Active and Growing
Jobs such as:
- SAP S/4HANA FICO Consultant,
- SAP Analytics Cloud (SAC) Consultant,
- SAP EWM Lead Consultant,
- SAP PPQM Specialist
… are actively advertised with work visa support included — especially in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest tech hub. (SEEK)
Employers offering these positions often:
- Sponsor the work visa application;
- Support relocation logistics;
- Provide structured onboarding with global teams;
- Offer competitive pay and benefits. (LinkedIn)
ICT and Cloud Jobs Everywhere
Beyond SAP, New Zealand companies are listing ICT support and engineering roles that specify visa sponsorship is available, from End User Support Analysts at universities to Lead Tech Engineers at hybrid workplaces. (SEEK)
Typical Tech Salaries in NZ (With Visa Support)
Salary ranges vary by role, experience, and employer, but here’s a rough look based on market trends:
| Role Type | Annual Salary Estimates (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $95,000 – $130,000+ |
| Cloud Architect | $120,000 – $150,000+ |
| Data Analyst / Scientist | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $100,000 – $140,000 |
| DevOps/Integration | $95,000 – $125,000 |
| (Converted to approximate USD: $60k–$90k+) (job.fpoko.com) |
Note: Employers often help cover relocation costs, temporary housing support, and—even in some cases—visa application fees. (job.fpoko.com)
Key Tips for Job Hunters & Visa Applicants
If you’re considering applying, here are practical steps to boost your chances:
✔ Build an NZ-ready Resume
New Zealand CVs are typically skill-focused, clear, and tailored. Employers glance first for experience clearly linked to the job description.
✔ Target Accredited Employers
Only accredited employers can sponsor visas like the AEWV. You can check the official Accredited Employer List on Immigration NZ’s site. (Immigration New Zealand)
✔ Leverage Search Tools
Sites like SEEK, LinkedIn, and Jora show new visa sponsorship jobs added daily — especially for SAP, tech, and consulting. (LinkedIn)
✔ Understand Visa Requirements
Before applying, familiarize yourself with work visa criteria such as skill level, salary thresholds, and documentation — details are outlined on the Immigration New Zealand portal. (Immigration New Zealand)
✔ Be Prepared for Process Times
Visa processing can take weeks to months. Having your job offer, qualifications, and documents in order accelerates things.
Challenges to Keep in Mind
No system is perfect. Job seekers sometimes report:
- Strong competition for specialist jobs;
- Employers taking a preference for candidates already in NZ;
- Temporary visa policy shifts that impact processing.
But with persistence, preparation, and a focused approach, many professionals do land sponsored positions every month. (Reddit)
Conclusion
New Zealand offers a compelling proposition for tech, consulting, SAP, and professional talent looking to work overseas with visa support and relocation assistance. From globally recognised SAP consulting roles to ICT, cloud, data, and security positions — the opportunities are real and refreshed daily. (SEEK)
The key to success is knowing where to look, understanding the work visa pathways (especially the Accredited Employer Work Visa), and presenting yourself as a strong candidate who meets both employer and immigration criteria.
If you’re proactive, adaptable, and ready to embrace Kiwi life — this island nation’s thriving job market could be your next career chapter.