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🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Beauty Therapist
Immigration to New Zealand

Provide beauty treatments including facials, waxing, massage, nail services, and skin care therapy in salons and spas across NZ.

ANZSCO Code
391212
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$42,000 – NZ$65,000
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.

Beauty Therapists are in demand across NZ's growing beauty and wellness industry — day spas, beauty salons, resort spas, and medical aesthetics clinics. ANZSCO 391212 is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa. NZ's tourism sector, resort destinations (Queenstown, Rotorua, Bay of Islands), and urban day spa market create consistent employment. Advanced skills in laser treatments, IPL, and cosmetic tattooing command significant premium.

NZ Salary Range for Beauty Therapist

NZ$42,000 – NZ$65,000
Advanced aestheticians, laser technicians, and cosmetic tattoo artists earn toward the top.

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 Beauty Therapist

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Skill Level 3 — 5-year visa, no English test
  • Meets NZ median wage

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months 💰 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

  • New Zealand Certificate in Beauty Therapy (Level 4) or overseas equivalent
  • Minimum 2 years post-qualification experience in a commercial salon or spa
  • Laser/IPL certification for advanced aesthetic roles

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ registration. Laser and IPL treatments require compliance with NZ radiation protection standards (NCRPA).

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Beauty Therapist

1
Verify your beauty therapy qualification — check if it equates to NZ Certificate Level 4
2
Target day spas, resort spas, and medical aesthetic clinics with AEWV accreditation
3
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
4
Employer submits Job Check for Beauty Therapist (ANZSCO 391212)
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa, no English test required

Is Beauty Therapist on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Beauty Therapist get AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Beauty Therapist (ANZSCO 391212) is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement.

Is a NZ beauty therapy licence required?

No mandatory licence, but employers expect a Level 4 Certificate in Beauty Therapy or equivalent. Laser and IPL treatments require NZ radiation compliance certification.

Where are beauty therapists in demand in NZ?

Auckland (day spas, medical clinics), Queenstown (resort spas), Rotorua (tourist spa sector), Wellington (urban day spas), and regional wellness centres.

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