Why to immigrate to New Zealand

If you have been to New Zealand even once in your life, you won’t be able to forget the beauty it holds in every nook and corner. One of the most picturesque nations in the world, New Zealand still remains overshadowed by its big brother Australia. This is probably why immigration to New Zealand is still relatively unexplored among the citizens from most parts of the world. But if you have made up your mind to immigrate to this amazing country, here are a few reasons that would further strengthen your resolve towards your decision –

• New Zealand boasts of one of the lowest personal tax rates in the entire world. This translates into improved savings and an increased amount of money in your hand, thus translating into a better quality of life in the country. Average income earners in the country pay only 17.5% taxes on their income which is much lower as compared to a number of developed nations.
• One of the other reasons behind people immigrating to New Zealand is the absence of any inheritance or capital gains tax. This makes the country an ideal destination to undertake your business activities.
• With a sub-tropical climate in most parts of the country, the residents of New Zealand enjoy a relaxed life all season long. The country’s climate is much better than most of the other developed nations which face harsh and extreme climatic conditions for many months in a year.
• New Zealand is a big country when taken in context of its population. Imagine this – it is 10% larger than the United Kingdom but has only 4.2 million people! There is so much space and land in country that you would never feel congested. Also, since the land availability is much more than the actual demand, the land rates are relatively lower when compared to other countries boasting of a similar standard for living and economy.
• The global recession that shook a number of major economies in the world had a minimal impact on New Zealand due to its robust economy. This means that there are still a number of jobs for the skilled professionals coming in from different parts of the world.
• The Government of New Zealand offers a permanent residence visa in only 3 months’ time period. Additionally, there is no obligatory job requirement for you to get the PR visa for New Zealand, making it one of the most liberal nations in the world when it comes to granting the Permanent Residence.
• The government has ensured that all the public properties in the country are very well maintained. If you are someone who likes greenery and open spaces in your locality, you would fall in love with New Zealand within minutes. The national parks in the country are some of the best maintained ones in the world.

The list is not exhaustive! But if you have made up your mind already, we assure you that New Zealand won’t disappoint you!

Permanent Residency in New Zealand

Holding a permanent resident visa in New Zealand gives you a number of rights that the normal citizens of the country have. The following are the similarities in terms of the rights and privileges between a permanent resident and a citizen of New Zealand.

• Both the classes of residents are allowed to stay in the country for an indefinite duration
• Both the classes of residents can work either in New Zealand or in New Zealand’s exclusive zone
• Both the classes of residents can take up any educational course in the country
• Both the classes of residents are entitled to free or subsidized healthcare at the government funded health service institutes
• Both the classes of residents are entitled to free of cost education in all the state run and financed primary and secondary schools and are entitled to pay a subsidized fee for the domestic students for enrollment in tertiary institutions as well as the private schools in the country
• Both the classes of residents are entitled to vote in the elections. However, the permanent residents can only vote after one year of residence in the country
• Both the classes of residents are entitled to social security benefits including Sole Parent support, Jobseeker support and Supported Living Payment. However, there are certain conditions attached to this clause when it is applied to the Permanent Residents in New Zealand
• Both the classes of residents are entitled to sponsor a partner, parents or any dependent children in the country

However, despite all these similarities, there are still a number of differences in the rights of resident visa holders and permanent resident visa holders in New Zealand. While a PR visa holder in New Zealand is entitled to file an application for granted entry permission at the border, a resident visa holder is only entitled to file for entry permission. It is only once the entry is granted do any of the rights come into force.

If you are looking to apply for the New Zealand Permanent Residency, here are the conditions you need to fulfill –

• You should either currently be holding or have held in the last three months a resident visa of New Zealand
• You should either currently be holding or have held a resident visa of New Zealand continuously for 2 years or more
• You should have a good character
• You must fulfill all the conditions required for a resident visa holder
• You must have met at least one of the five commitments given in the New Zealand criteria.

These 5 commitments are – spending enough time in New Zealand, by becoming a tax resident in New Zealand, by owing a business in New Zealand, by investing in New Zealand and by establishing your own base in New Zealand.

Despite all the rights given to the PR, the government of New Zealand can still deport a PR in case of a gross misconduct or a gross crime committed by the PR.

Culture in New Zealand

Due to its relatively unexplored past, New Zealand boasts of a unique culture which hasn’t been contaminated much by the outer world. Most of traditions and customs in New Zealand have been taken from Britain and other western countries. Being an isolated nation in the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand doesn’t have a long human settlement history but has turned itself into a developed education society in no time, with great emphasis to the environment.

English is the most prevalent local language in the country with most of the citizens using the Australian version and accent. It is slightly different from the English spoken in the US or in the UK due to the choice of certain words and their pronunciation. The locals give great importance to art. Both indigenous and western form of art are appreciated and followed in the country. The government provides generous funding to most of the institutes overlooking the work of art in the country. The museums, art galleries and other similar places are well funded and are usually crowded on all days, highlighting the locals’ appreciation for the art. Some of the most famous forms of art practiced in the country include carving, weaving, dance, drama, music and comedy.

The country also has its own national orchestra and a number of regional orchestras that clearly highlight the significance of the music in the country. The indigenous art form of Kapa haka is also extremely popular in the country. It is a cultural dance performed by the Maori people. The performances are attended in great numbers by the locals and visitors alike.

The tradition of working holidays is extremely common in New Zealand. The locals like to stay overseas for extended periods to gain what they call an ‘overseas experience’. The most commonly visited places by the locals include Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom. Newer destinations such as Japan and South Korea are also gradually gaining popularity among the locals.

Most locals in the country do not have positive thoughts when it comes to politics and politicians. Their dislike for the national politicians is very evident from their conversations. Even after years of history, the country doesn’t have an elaborate written constitution even today and recognizes Queen Elizabeth II as the queen of New Zealand. Despite the lack of trust that the locals have in their political machinery, the country has continuously been ranked as one of the least corrupt nations in the world. Though there is no provision of compulsory voting in the country, New Zealand witnesses one of the highest voter turnouts in the entire world. This highlights people’s trust in democracy and the kind of importance they attach to the entire voting process.

Like most of the developed nations, New Zealanders give utmost importance to the conservation of their environment. It is evident in the way they lead their life. The better you adjust yourself to this lifestyle, the easier it will be for you to lead a successful life in New Zealand.