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🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Baker
Immigration to New Zealand

Produce breads, pastries, and baked goods using commercial baking equipment and techniques in bakeries, supermarkets, and foodservice settings.

ANZSCO Code
351112
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$45,000 – NZ$68,000
Visa Pathway
AEWV Eligible

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About This Occupation in New Zealand

🔵 AEWV Eligible — Skill Level 3

This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.

Bakers are in consistent demand across New Zealand's artisan bakeries, supermarket bakeries, food manufacturing, and hospitality sector. ANZSCO 351112 (Baker) is a Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa. New Zealand's growing artisan bread culture, strong café scene, and industrial bakery sector (Tip Top, Goodman Fielder, Bakers Delight, Coupland's) create ongoing employment opportunities. European-trained bakers, German bread specialists, and those with sourdough or laminated pastry expertise are highly valued.

NZ Salary Range for Baker

NZ$45,000 – NZ$68,000
Skilled artisan bakers and production bakers for large manufacturers can earn toward the top of range. Night shift and early morning premiums are common.

Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.

Visa Pathways for Baker

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Skill Level 3 — 5-year visa
  • Meets NZ median wage

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months processing 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ work experience
  • SMC points threshold met
ANZSCO Skill Level 3 Skill Level 3 — Trade qualification or AQF Certificate IV
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 3 is eligible for the 5-year AEWV maximum)
English evidence: Not required for Skill Level 1–3 occupations
Partner work visa: Available if earning ≥ NZ$28.00/hr (from March 2026)
Dependent children: Eligible if family income ≥ NZ$55,844/year

Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026

Required Qualifications

  • Trade qualification in bakery (Certificate in Baking or equivalent)
  • Minimum 2–3 years experience in commercial baking
  • Food safety certification (required by all commercial food businesses)

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ registration. All commercial food workers must comply with the Food Act 2014 food safety requirements.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Baker

1
Gather bakery trade certificate and employment references showing commercial baking experience
2
Target artisan bakeries, supermarket bakery chains (Countdown, New World, Pak'nSave), and food manufacturers
3
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
4
Employer submits Job Check for Baker (ANZSCO 351112)
5
Apply for 5-year AEWV and enter NZ

Is Baker on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Baker get AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Baker (ANZSCO 351112) is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa, no English test, and partner/dependent eligibility.

What kind of baking jobs are available in NZ?

NZ has both industrial bakery positions (Tip Top, Goodman Fielder, Bakers Delight, Coupland's) and artisan bakery roles. Supermarket in-store bakeries (Countdown, New World) also hire regularly. Auckland and Christchurch have the most opportunities, but demand exists nationally.

Do I need a NZ baking qualification?

Not mandatory, but helpful. A New Zealand Certificate in Baking or equivalent overseas qualification demonstrates competency. Most employers require a trade certificate plus 2–3 years commercial experience. Food hygiene training is required by law.

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