💰
🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Financial Adviser
Immigration to New Zealand

Financial Advisers provide personalised financial planning, investment advice, and wealth management services to individuals and businesses in New Zealand. FMA licensing is required to provide regulated financial advice.

ANZSCO Code
222311
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Business
NZ Salary Range
NZ$70,000 – NZ$160,000
Visa Pathway
AEWV Eligible

Free Visa Assessment

Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Financial Adviser visa pathway.

Get Free Assessment →

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.

Financial Advisers in New Zealand provide regulated financial advice to clients on investments, KiwiSaver, insurance, retirement planning, estate planning, and lending. Under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013, all NZ financial advisers must be licensed by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) or authorised by a Financial Advice Provider (FAP). NZ's growing wealth management market, increasing KiwiSaver balances, and ageing population are driving demand for qualified financial planners. Banks (ANZ Wealth, ASB, Westpac), insurance companies, independent advisory practices, and dealer groups employ financial advisers. The CFP (Certified Financial Planner) designation is the global standard.

NZ Salary Range for Financial Adviser

NZ$70,000 – NZ$160,000
Financial adviser income is often a mix of base salary and commissions/performance fees. Top advisers with established client books can earn NZ$200,000+. Employed advisers at banks typically earn NZ$70,000–NZ$100,000 base. Income variance is high.

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 Financial Adviser

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Job offer from an INZ-accredited financial services employer
  • ANZSCO Skill Level 1 — 5-year visa
  • Meets NZ immigration median wage (NZ$35.00/hr)
  • No English test required
  • FMA licensing or FAP nomination required to practise

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ skilled work experience
  • SMC points threshold met
  • Finance degree and FMA licensing
ANZSCO Skill Level 1 Skill Level 1 — Bachelor's degree or higher
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 1 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

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Commerce, Economics, or Business (NZQCF Level 7)
  • CFP (Certified Financial Planner), AFA (Authorised Financial Adviser), or equivalent qualification
  • NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) — required for FMA licensing under FMCA
  • 3+ years financial advice, wealth management, or financial planning experience
  • FMA licensing or nominated representative status under a Financial Advice Provider (FAP)

Registration / Licensing: CRITICAL: NZ financial advisers providing regulated financial advice must be licensed by the FMA or work as a nominated representative under a licensed Financial Advice Provider. The NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) is the minimum education standard. Contact FMA (fma.govt.nz) before practising. Overseas CFP holders may use CFP NZ mutual recognition.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Financial Adviser

1
Contact FMA (fma.govt.nz) to understand NZ financial advice licensing requirements before applying for jobs
2
Complete or arrange to complete the NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) — required for FMA licensing
3
Overseas CFP holders: apply for CFP NZ mutual recognition through Financial Advice NZ
4
Target banks (ANZ Wealth, ASB, Westpac), insurance companies, and independent advisory practices
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa, no English test required

Is Financial Adviser on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Financial Adviser get an AEWV in New Zealand?

Yes. Financial Adviser (ANZSCO 222311) is ANZSCO Skill Level 1, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV. FMA licensing or working under a licensed FAP is required to provide regulated advice in NZ. Most employed financial adviser positions pay at or above NZ$35.00/hr.

Does an overseas CFP qualification get recognised in New Zealand?

Yes — CFP International has a mutual recognition process. Overseas CFP holders can apply for CFP NZ recognition through Financial Advice NZ. You will also need to complete the NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) which covers NZ-specific financial law and regulation. Contact Financial Advice NZ (financialadvice.nz) for details.

What changes has NZ made to financial advice regulation?

NZ reformed financial advice regulation in 2021 under the Financial Markets Conduct Act (FMCA). All advisers must now hold the NZ Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) as a minimum, be licensed by the FMA or nominated under a FAP, and meet ongoing CPD requirements. The regime is now more similar to Australia's AFSL framework.

✉️

Get a personalised assessment for Financial Adviser

Enter your email and we'll match you to the best visa pathway for your situation — no commitment, no spam.

We'll be in touch within 24 hours. Unsubscribe anytime.

Related Green List Occupations

📐
💹
💼
📋
FREE CONSULTATION

Get a Free Assessment for Your Financial Adviser Visa Pathway

Speak with a licensed NZ immigration adviser. We'll review your qualifications, registration requirements, and visa options — no obligation.

  • ✓ Licensed NZ immigration advisers (NZAMI members)
  • ✓ Review of your specific qualifications and pathway
  • ✓ Clear timeline and cost estimate
  • ✓ Response within 24 hours

We'll respond within 24 hours. Your info is kept private.