Crown Relocations is NZ’s leading moving company.
Are you considering a move to Punjab? Whether you are a New Zealander or a returning Indian, this journey to Punjab will be unlike any other. You will find yourself in a place filled with passionate culture, close-knit connections, and deep traditions. Punjab has seen impressive growth in the past 20 years. Cities like Chandigarh and Ludhiana have modernised and developed significantly, with decent infrastructure, increased technology sector opportunities and improved educational institutions. Alongside this progress, Punjab offers a lifestyle that blends both the past and present.
One of Punjab’s strengths is its welcoming environment, with invitations to enjoy home-cooked meals a mark of hospitality. Life here may mean changing to a slower pace and allowing more flexibility when dealing with everyday tasks. This is especially so when coming from New Zealand’s more structured public services and road rules. Different weather patterns may need adjusting to, especially in summer. Punjab is much hotter than Auckland or Northland, with the mid-year monsoons bringing new growth and vibrancy. Winters are similar to Christchurch, being frosty and cold. However, they are also sunnier and drier, making winter an ideal time to enjoy outdoor activities and festivals such as Lohri.
Navigating language differences, rejoining with extended family or making new social connections may take some effort, but those who consider relocation openly can find these experiences to be deeply enriching. On a practical level, it’s wise to think about essential needs, such as securing schooling for children, healthcare access, and navigating different work environments. Whether you’re returning after years abroad in NZ or coming for the first time, understanding and recognising the everyday realities will help ease your move into this vibrant region of India.
When relocating to Punjab, New Zealand citizens have a number of options when applying for visas depending on your situation. A tourist visa allows you to stay up to 6 months and can be a good way to find out more about Punjab on the ground. An employment visa allows you to work, as long as you have a job offer from an employer.
If you have Indian heritage, applying for the OCI card is highly recommended. This gives you advantages that are similar to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) without giving up your NZ passport. The application through the Wellington High Commission of India usually takes about 4 months but can take longer. It’s important to start the process early and get documents certified multiple times.
Crown has licensed Immigration Advisors that can help you with India’s immigration requirements. Call us today on 0508 227 696 to find out more.
Moving from New Zealand to Punjab can come with quite a cost. When relocating, it’s important to think about shipping costs, applying for visas, airfares and securing accommodation, among other expenses. Crown is here to help you have a smooth stress-free move at a reasonable cost. In addition to our packing and relocation services, we also provide extra services such as moving insurance, international vehicle transport, and pet relocations.
Call our friendly team now on 0508 227 696 or request a free quote so you can find out how much it can cost moving from NZ to Punjab.
Shifting from New Zealand to Punjab has exciting opportunities and a few learning curves. The everyday lifestyle here is community-focused and social, which may contrast with the often individualistic approach in New Zealand. However, many returning Indians and expats find that the connections they form in Punjab are strong and fulfilling once they settle in.
People in Punjab are known for their hospitality and friendliness. It’s not uncommon to receive dinner invitations shortly after arriving. Still, it will take time to become familiar with Punjab’s local bureaucracy, especially for things like registration, utilities, and opening bank accounts. Starting these processes early and asking for guidance can make things much smoother.
Even when returning to one’s cultural roots, it’s normal to experience a mix of emotions from excitement to confusion when you’ve been away for some years. Becoming involved in your local community and balancing expectations with patience can be key to feeling at home more easily.
Our team at Crown provides comprehensive service, assisting with both moving to and settling into Punjab. Discover how we can streamline your move to Punjab, India. Call our friendly team on 0508 227 696.
Crown Relocations has a range of international shipping options that can be modified to fit your budget and relocation needs. Whether you’re shipping a few items, or a full household, we provide options to suit your needs. With 60 years of international moving experience, you can trust us to make your move easy and stress-free.
Talk with our friendly team on 0508 227 696 or request an online quote.
Chandigarh stands out for newcomers due to its organised layout, greenery, and modern amenities. Often called The City Beautiful, Chandigarh consistently ranks as one of India’s cleanest cities and boasts excellent schools and hospitals. While it is not geographically located within Punjab, Chandigarh serves as the joint capital of both Punjab and Haryana, making it a significant administrative and urban centre in North India.
Nearby Mohali and Panchkula provide more affordable alternatives with similar conveniences. Collectively part of the Chandigarh Tricity, Mohali and Panchkula have grown quickly, attracting professionals, returning families and retirees due to their strong infrastructure and residential development.
Amritsar presents a rich cultural experience. It’s home to the Golden Temple which is one of India’s most visited sights, and mixes spirituality with energetic daily life. Popular areas like Ranjit Avenue provide modern housing which are close to historical sites.
Patiala is ideal for a relaxed, heritage-filled environment, while Ludhiana and Zirakpur are well suited for business professionals and entrepreneurs. Zirakpur is a growing, more affordable town near Chandigarh, making it a great place to live while commuting to work easily. Traditionally an industrial hub for textiles and manufacturing, Ludhiana has a lively social atmosphere and a growing startup sector.
The real estate scene in Punjab offers something for everyone. You’ll find modern apartment complexes in the suburbs of urban areas, with security, elevators, and backup systems. These are common in places like Chandigarh and Ludhiana and are especially convenient for families.
In contrast, smaller towns and older neighbourhoods offer independent houses with larger spaces and traditional designs. While these provide more privacy, they generally require updating or renovations. When looking for rentals, be aware that verbal agreements are common, and landlords may ask for several months of rent in advance. It’s important to seek guidance from a reputable local property agent or legal advisor.
Our team at Crown can help you find accommodation before moving to Punjab, making your move more simple.
Punjab has a combination of public and private healthcare. Major cities like Mohali and Ludhiana have reliable internationally accredited private hospitals, such as Fortis and Max. Main urban centres provide quality public care for most medical needs but you may face long wait times.
Be aware smaller towns may have fewer options regarding healthcare and are often under-staffed or under-resourced. It is highly recommended to have health insurance when relocating to Punjab. Health insurance can be required for certain visas, and many employers and international schools may require proof of health insurance.
Punjab has many English-medium private schools that follow CBSE or ICSE boards. Top institutions in cities like Chandigarh and Mohali offer advanced facilities and co-curricular programs. Parents should start the admission process early, as popular schools may have limited availability.
Regarding higher education, options include Punjab University in Chandigarh, with regional centres and affiliated colleges in other Punjab cities. Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar and Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar are also known as top universities. All three are known for strong programmes in business, engineering, and computer science.
Our team at Crown can help you to find the best school for your child with our school search programme
Compared to New Zealand, Punjab’s cost of living is much lower. Rent, groceries, and public transport are budget-friendly, and many expats employ domestic help. While premium goods and private school tuition will increase your monthly expenses, private school tuition is stil considerably cheaper than in New Zealand.
Keep essential paperwork like your Aadhaar card and PAN card ready for utilities or services. If you are an Indian citizen, you can apply for both cards straight away. All foreign nationals living in India who are doing any kind of financial transactions, such as opening a bank account, earning income or doing business will require a PAN card. However, foreign nationals, NRIs, and OCI cardholders can only apply for an Aadhaar card after meeting residency requirements.
Transport is readily available. Ride-hailing apps like Ola and Uber work in most urban areas. Public transport, such as buses and shared autos, is widespread but may lack reliability. Hiring a driver can be easier for those unfamiliar with local driving conditions.
Getting around by yourself can also be another adventurous option. Expect honking, quick turns and the occasional animal passing by in both rural Punjab and even some urban streets. While all this may seem a bit chaotic at first, locals follow a rhythm that can soon become familiar. Lastly, you can always use Google Maps, but asking a neighbour often gets you to your destination faster.
Punjab’s most widely spoken language is Punjabi, but Hindi and English are also commonly used in cities and official settings. Knowing Punjabi helps you connect more deeply with the local community. Many gurudwaras (Sikh temples) offer free Punjabi language classes. Language-learning apps like Duolingo or YouTube can help you to pick up basic phrases.
Using respectful, everyday expressions when greeting someone, like “Sat Sri Akal” (meaning God is the eternal truth), often earns appreciation. English is typically understood in workplaces and schools, making things easier for newcomers. However, showing interest in learning the local language can go a long way in building trust and friendships.
With Crown, we can offer you language learning so you can be more confident when living in Punjab.
Social life in Punjab is based on family, community, and shared celebrations. Whether it’s a wedding, a festival, or a local event, you’ll likely be invited to participate. These gatherings are the best way to make friends and be a part of the neighbourhood. Joining groups or classes like yoga, cooking, or dance can also help you meet people with similar interests. Bhangra, a high-energy traditional Punjabi dance, is especially popular and often taught in local studios or community centres.
Online forums and community centres cater to returning NRIs by providing resources, guidance, and social events to ease the transition back to life in Punjab. Participating in ‘langar’, a public-based free-meal service provided by local gurdwaras, is a cultural experience and a way to engage meaningfully with others. Professional networking in Punjab often blends formal and informal approaches. While business cards and LinkedIn are useful, connections are frequently built through word of mouth, family ties, or introductions via mutual contacts. Attending local business events, community gatherings, or industry meetups can also open doors.
Moving to Punjab? Go knowing
Relocating to Punjab from New Zealand is more than a move – it’s a lifestyle shift. Embracing change can initially feel overwhelming, but the rewards are numerous: vibrant communities, close social bonds, delicious food, and a slower, more personally rewording pace of life.
We know how important it is to feel confident during such a significant transition. From providing packing and shipping expertise to helping you choose a school or find accommodation, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Go knowing you can trust Crown to make your journey to Punjab simple and hassle-free. Call us on 0508 227 696, fill in our online quote request, or visit Crown Relocations NZ for more information.
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