Moving to New Zealand as an IMG: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Relocating to New Zealand as an international doctor is an exciting opportunity. It’s a chance to rebalance your lifestyle, grow your career in a supportive health system, and experience some of the world’s most spectacular natural beauty. But the decision to relocate is about more than just the job, it’s about your life.

Whether you're early in your medical career or an experienced specialist considering a move, there’s a lot to consider both personally and professionally.

From navigating medical registration to choosing where to live, organising visas, and settling in with a partner or family, planning ahead is key to making the move as seamless as possible.

This guide outlines what you need to know as an International Medical Graduate (IMG) preparing to relocate to Aotearoa - helping you start this next chapter with confidence.

1. Career and lifestyle goals: define your “why”

Relocation decisions aren’t just about contracts and credentials, they’re about your whole life.

Ask yourself:

• Are you looking for a 12 month working holiday or a permanent relocation?
• Do you want to maintain your training pathway, expand your clinical skills, or simply find better work-life balance?
• Would you prefer working in a busy tertiary hospital, a secondary setting with hands-on experience, or somewhere quieter to slow down the pace?

New Zealand offers options for all stages of your career - from Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) looking to gain exposure in a new system to experienced specialists ready for a change. Your answers will shape everything from your visa choice to location preferences.

For junior doctors, many arrive at F3 level, often outside formal training pathways. This gives you the chance to explore different specialties while growing professionally and personally. If you’re unsure which specialty to pursue, New Zealand offers flexibility to try various areas, making it a great time to explore.

Several roles suit junior doctors exploring their options. We suggest listing three preferred specialties to help secure a hospital job in your areas of interest. One popular role is the reliever, which gives exposure across departments whilst still having a structured roster and a higher salary.

2. Registration and relocation timelines

The registration process with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) varies depending on your qualifications and experience.

Keep in mind:

• Processing times can vary depending on the pathway you're eligible for
• You'll need a job offer before you can apply for medical registration and a work visa

Start early and work closely with your Solutions Specialist at Medrecruit who understands the MCNZ process. Good planning here will reduce delays down the track.

Once you’ve decided on your specialty and location, the next important consideration is when to make your move. In our experience, for junior doctors the best time to relocate to New Zealand is at the start of a quarter however, for UK doctors, there is an unofficial UK start date of late August to align with the UK clinical year.

• Quarter 1: January – April
• Quarter 2: April – July
• Quarter 3: July – October
• Quarter 4: October – January

January start dates can be difficult because they align with New Zealand’s national recruitment cycle for the start of the clinical year, meaning more competition from local doctors who are naturally moving around at that time. Hospitals usually advertise roles from May to June, mainly for local doctors, with offers made in August. Most January positions go to locals, and only unfilled roles become available to international doctors. While January starts are possible, waiting until roles are readvertised around September/October is often the key to success if you're considering a January start date.

Hospitals favour candidates who can commit to a full 12 months to avoid frequent recruitment. Timing your move around these cycles increases your chances of a smooth transition and successful placement.

What we’ll need to get started

To begin matching you with roles and arranging interviews, we’ll ask for a few key documents:

• CV: must include internship details and all relevant experience
• Cover letter: outline your background, interests, and why you want to work in New Zealand (we’re happy to share an example)
• 3 references: from colleagues you’ve worked with in the past 3 years
• Copy of your passport
• EPIC verification: You’ll need to verify your primary medical degree via EPIC's website. Set-up: USD$130; Degree upload: USD$100
• English language exam – if applicable; we’ll discuss this at the right time

Preparing for interviews

We’ll help schedule and prepare you for interviews, which are usually informal 30-minute Zoom or Teams calls. Typical questions include:

• Why New Zealand, and why now?
• How long do you plan to stay?
• What’s your clinical experience and key skills?
• What can you bring to the team?

We’ll share example questions and help you feel ready.

Medical Council of NZ (MCNZ) application

Once you're offered a position, we’ll help you apply for registration with the Medical Council. Your pathway will depend on your background (e.g. Competent Authority, Comparable Health System, or UK General Registration).

MCNZ costs:

• Application: $587 NZD
• Annual Practising Certificate: $927 NZD (reimbursed once you start)

Visa costs:

• We offer a free immigration consultation to ensure you have all the information you need to apply for the correct visa based on your employment to avoid visa breaches. If you proceed with the advisor’s services, this will be at your own expense.

What else?

There’s a lot to set up — like a driver’s licence, healthcare, IRD (tax), bank accounts, and a local SIM. We’ll prompt you with these tasks at the right time to keep everything manageable.

3. Visas and immigration for you and your family

Most IMG doctors move to New Zealand on Accredited Employer Work Visas. These usually allow:

• Your partner to work in New Zealand via an open work visa
• Your children to attend school as domestic students (free or low cost)
• Pathways to permanent residency, depending on your role, location, and long-term goals

If you're coming with a partner or children, there are logistics to work through — from visa timing to school enrolments. We work closely with our in-house, licensed immigration advisor who can guide you through every step.

4. Housing & Transport: what to expect

New Zealand's rental market varies greatly by location. Major cities like Auckland and Wellington tend to be more competitive and expensive, while other areas often offer better value, more space, and shorter commutes.

Most IMG doctors find their accommodation in hotels, motels, or Airbnb for around four weeks whilst searching for longer-term rentals. Key platforms for longer-term rentals include:

• Trade Me Property
• Realestate.co.nz
• Local Facebook groups

Tip: Always check if a property is insulated, heated, and meets Healthy Homes standards.

Transport in New Zealand:

Kiwis love to drive. Our roads are scenic, wide and quiet which is why the good old Kiwi road trip is so popular. Given the many amazing places that you’ll be able to explore, having a vehicle is often essential. The best ways to buy a car are on:

• Trade Me
• Facebook Marketplace (popular for private sales)
• Local garage dealers

Insurance & Legal Requirements:

• The most popular insurance provider is AA – it covers the car, not the driver, allowing you to share cars without extra hassle.
• You’ll need a WOF (Warranty of Fitness, similar to an MOT) and REGO (vehicle registration) to drive legally

5. Settling in with a partner and children

Schooling New Zealand offers a mix of public, private, and integrated (often religious or philosophical) schools. Things to consider:

• School zoning: your address often determines where your child can enrol
• The school year starts in late January or early February
• Public schools are free to attend, though voluntary donations are common

Childcare

• Early childhood centres offer care for children aged 0–5
• For 3–5-year-olds, 20 hours per week of free care is subsidised by the government
• Availability can be limited in regional areas, so it’s worth researching early

Partner employment Most IMG doctors’ partners can work under an open work visa, but:

• They may need help with local job networks
• Some professions require local registration or recognition of overseas qualifications

We can help connect your partner with useful resources to support their job search or further study.

6. Everyday life in New Zealand

Work-life balance New Zealand’s healthcare culture places a strong emphasis on well-being. Many IMGs report:

• Fewer excessive rosters or long on-calls
• More protected time off and shorter commutes
• A culture that encourages time outdoors, time with family, and rest

Family-friendly lifestyle

• Playgrounds, parks, and safe public spaces are abundant
• Community groups, sports clubs, and after-school activities are easy to find
• Many towns — especially regional ones — have close-knit hospital communities that extend beyond the workplace

Exploring New Zealand New Zealand is famous for its outdoor lifestyle, offering countless opportunities to explore nature and enjoy adventure. Whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or surfing, there are great resources to help you plan your activities and make the most of your time here.

• Department of Conservation (DOC): extensive guides for hiking trails, campsites and backcounty huts nationwide
• Pure New Zealand: a comprehensive site for exploring the regions of Aotearoa
• Neat Places: insider tips and guides on hidden food, drink and shopping gems in New Zealand
• Ski fields: The Remarkables, Coronet, Cardrona, Treble Cone, Ohau (South Island), and Mt Ruapehu (North Island)

Kiwi slang: a quick guide Once you’re settled, you’ll start picking up the unique and fun Kiwi slang that’s part of everyday life. Here are some popular examples to get you started:

• Sweet as: means “it’s all good,” “no worries,” or “that’s cool.”
• She’ll be right: a laid-back way of saying everything will be okay.
• Chur: an essential thank you, often heard as “Chur, bro.”
• Hard case: someone known for funny or outrageous behavior.
• Far out: an exclamation meaning wow or awesome.

There’s plenty more where these came from—embracing the slang is a fun way to connect with locals and truly experience Kiwi culture!

7. Financial planning and cost of living

Salary Doctor salaries in New Zealand are competitive and increase with experience. Your contract may include:

• Salary step based on your years of experience
• Continuing medical education (CME) allowances and leave You can explore average pay ranges in our [FY25 Salary Guide] or ask us for a tailored breakdown by role and region.

Cost of living

• Auckland and Wellington are the most expensive centres
• Groceries, petrol, and some utilities may be higher than you’re used to
• Regional living tends to be more affordable

If your partner plans to work, it may take time to find a job — factor this into your financial planning during the transition.

8. Healthcare and insurance

• Most doctors and their families become eligible for public healthcare once holding a visa for two years or more, or if the job contract exceeds two years
• General practice visits are partially subsidised but not fully free
• Some families choose to purchase private health insurance for faster access to elective procedures

If you're not yet eligible, travel or bridging insurance may be helpful — we can guide you.

9. Building community and support networks

Moving to a new country can be daunting - but you’re not alone, you’ll meet many other IMGs who have made the move along with locals here to welcome you with open arms. We often encourage IMGs to find community through:

• Hospital staff networks and orientation programmes
• WhatsApp or Facebook groups for international doctors
• Sports, cultural, or parent groups in their local area

We can help introduce you to other doctors arriving at the same time or settling in the same area.

Final thoughts

Relocating to New Zealand as an IMG, whether solo, with a partner, or as a family, is about more than just a job; it’s about creating a new chapter of your life.

From understanding your registration pathway to finding the right school or house, we’re here to make it simpler. With the right planning and support, your move can be the start of something incredible.

Sign up today and we can talk about what your move could look like.