The new favorite country of fleeing Hungarians

New Zealand is an increasingly popular target among Hungarian workers thanks to high quality of life and competitive wages – information Money center summed up.

Attractive target

The country’s economic stability and impressive landscapes attract those who want to start a new life. In 2022, the average gross annual salary was 84,297 New Zealand (about $ 17.5 million), which rose to $ 89,227 ($ 18.5 million) by 2023, and by the end of 2024 it fell to $ 73,332 ($ 15.2 million). These amounts, based on purchasing power parity, relate to Hungarian salaries as if someone at home earns a gross wage of 7-8.5 million forints a year.

New Zealand attracts not only its beautiful landscapes, but also with a relaxed lifestyle and stable economy from all over the world to those who want to start a new life. Although the Hungarian community is not one of the largest in the country, statistics show that some thousand-about 2-4,000 people-are currently living and working in New Zealand. Many of them settled in Wellington, Auckland or Christchurch, while others found their calculations in smaller rural communities.

The opportunities

Hungarians come primarily to New Zealand with a work visa and a working Holiday visa. The Working Holiday program provides young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to travel, work and gain experience in the country for one year. Applying is made every year, limited places, so speed and precise preparation are important. For those who are planning for the longer term, the employer’s sponsorship visa or the point -based immigration system can be a solution.

The Working Holiday Program is a particularly attractive opportunity for young people as they can live, work and travel to New Zealand for 12 months. For the year 2025, 100 places are available for Hungarian candidates and the application will be opened on April 23, 2025. A valid Hungarian passport, financial cover and, in some cases, a health examination, requires a valid Hungarian passport. Due to the limited number of locations, it is worth submitting your application as soon as possible.

A wide range of work opportunities awaits the Hungarians in New Zealand. The economy is mainly based on agriculture, tourism, health and the IT sector, so there is the highest demand for labor in these areas. Many Hungarians come for hospitality, chefs, waiter, barista work, while others work as a construction worker or technical qualification. There are also opportunities in health care – nurses, physiotherapists, elderly carers are always sought after, especially if the candidate speaks English and can recognize his qualifications.

There are plenty of ads on the internet where New Zealand companies are looking for foreign workers. Pages such as Seek.co.nz, Trademe Jobs or New Kiwis offer daily updates. Some mediation companies specialize in European employees and also help with visa management. In addition, it is worth watching the « Hungarians New Zealand » groups on Facebook, where many people share their experience and fresh job ads.

The quality of life in New Zealand is usually high-air is clean, food is of good quality and public security is excellent. The locals are friendly, and they place great emphasis on balance of work-life. Salaries, especially in the case of skilled labor, are generally sufficient for someone to live comfortably, although in recent years, real estate prices and rentals have increased significantly around Auckland. In the last three years, average gross wages in New Zealand have been as follows:

• 2022: The average annual gross wage was 84,297 New Zealand dollars, equivalent to about € 50,836, which is approximately $ 17,457,908.7, which is a gross average annual salary at home with a purchase power parity.
• 2023: The average annual gross wage rose to $ 89,227 to New Zealand, which is approximately $ 50,634, which is approximately $ 18,478,911.7, which is a gross average annual salary at home.
• 2024: According to Trade Me Jobs, the average annual salary reached the $ 73,332 New Zealand dollar by the end of the year, ie approximately $ 15,187,057.2, which is a gross average annual salary at home with a purchasing power parity.

The portal notes that these data are derived from different sources and the differences may be due to the methodology of collecting data, differences between periods, and exchange rate fluctuations. Those who want to live in New Zealand in the long run should be a degree of education on the country’s « deficiency professions » list (Skills Shortage List). These include, for example, IT, electrician, engineer, truck driver, health worker, teacher or some agricultural professions. Those with such qualifications get a visa more easily, and in some cases, even settlement is a realistic option.

Anyone who wants to work in New Zealand is also important to prepare for the English language challenges. Although the level of language skills can be variable in different jobs, in most cases, confident communication is expected. In addition, adapting to cultural differences is important: Kiwi mentality is direct but respectful, and there is particular emphasis on equality and teamwork.

New visa conditions allow telework to be a foreign employer or customer

New visa conditions now allow visitors to work remotely for a foreign employer or customer. The change applies to all visitors, including tourists, family visitors, and partners and guardians with longer-term visitor, who submit their application from January 27, 2025.

These new conditions mean that tourists can stay as digital nomads in New Zealandand stay in contact with their home work without offending the conditions of their visa. Both Visitor Visa Visa and NZZETA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority-New Zealand electronic travel permit) will receive these new conditions.