It’s no secret that New Zealanders love to travel and explore different cultures and destinations. But, have you wondered where Kiwis love to migrate to the most?
The Top 5 Favourite Destinations for Kiwis to Migrate To
Of all the countries that Kiwis love to migrate to, Australia is top of the list. This is an easy choice because there’s a lot of similarities in lifestyle and values. Plus, it’s not a difficult move thanks to the close proximity of both countries to each other.
Next on the list is the UK. This is especially popular with the younger generation who want to expand their opportunities in the workforce by moving to the UK. The UK is closely followed by Singapore, the USA and Canada.
Another benefit of these top destinations for New Zealanders looking to live abroad is the lack of language barrier. This makes it much easier to settle in and start enjoying their new home.
Why Australia Tops the List
Moving across the ditch is as easy as it gets. Australia and New Zealand have an agreement that allows Kiwis to move to Australia to work and live indefinitely.
New Zealanders who want to live permanently in Australia just need to apply for a Special Category visa (subclass 444)(SCV). This was updated on the 1st of July 2023 to give New Zealand citizens a direct pathway to Australian citizenship.
Of course, both Kiwis and Aussies share the same laidback attitudes, a love of sport and socialising. This makes the transition that much easier.
The United Kingdom Hosts a Lot Of New Zealand Expats
You might be interested to learn that there are around 60,000 Kiwis who live in the UK. These are spread across the various countries of Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The major cities scattered around the UK offer a vibrant culture that is particularly popular with younger expats. The UK also offers a plethora of travel opportunities to other European countries and a lower cost of living.
Singapore Offers Job Security and a Highly-Regarded Education System
Singapore has one of the world’s most secure economies and this is one reason that Kiwis choose to migrate there. There are plenty of good job opportunities and their education system is highly regarded around the world.
Singapore is a modern country well renowned for its clean streets and almost non-existent crime rate. If this sounds enticing, make sure you understand the various visa requirements before you make the move.
The United States Offers a Lower Cost of Living
The US has long been known as the Land of Opportunity and that’s why many Kiwis choose to move there. It’s a vast country with a range of very different climates and diverse natural landscapes.
Overall job opportunities are good but you will need to apply for a Green Card to work and move to the US.
Discover The Allure Of Canada’s Natural Beauty
The natural beauty and amazing landscapes are what draw New Zealanders to migrate to Canada. On top of that, Canadians are very friendly and environmentally responsible.
Canada also has an impressive migration policy with targets to attract 430,000 to 542,000 new residents in 2024 alone.
How Many Kiwis Live Overseas?
According to statistics from 2020, there are between 600,000 and 1 million Kiwis who live overseas. Of those, around 570,000 live in Australia.
Where Can New Zealand Citizens Live and Work Overseas Due to Ancestry and Visa Flexibility?
Many countries make it easy for New Zealand citizens to live and work there with flexible visa options, such as the working holiday visa. These include Australia, countries in South America and Europe, the UK and the USA.
If you are considering emigrating from New Zealand but aren’t quite sure where to, we hope the list above helps you get thinking and planning. Once you have decided, get in touch with us for a free moving quote or any advice on moving and settling you and your family there. Call our friendly team today on: 0508 227 696
