🪵
🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Floor Finisher
Immigration to New Zealand

Sand, polish, and finish wooden and other flooring surfaces in residential and commercial properties across New Zealand.

ANZSCO Code
333311
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$52,000 – NZ$80,000
Visa Pathway
AEWV Eligible

Free Visa Assessment

Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Floor Finisher 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.

Floor Finishers specialise in sanding, coating, and finishing timber floors, plus installing and finishing engineered flooring. ANZSCO 333311 is Skill Level 3, qualifying for AEWV. New Zealand's housing stock — predominantly timber-framed homes — creates consistent demand. Upmarket residential refurbishment, rental property upgrades, and commercial fitout all drive employment. Timber floor specialists with staining, lime washing, and high-gloss finishing expertise are in particular demand.

NZ Salary Range for Floor Finisher

NZ$52,000 – NZ$80,000
Self-employed floor finishing contractors typically earn more. Commercial projects pay higher rates.

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 Floor Finisher

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 💰 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 floor finishing (apprenticeship or equivalent)
  • Minimum 2–3 years experience in timber floor sanding and finishing
  • Knowledge of floor coating systems (waterborne, oil-based, hardwax-oil)

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ licensing. Master Floor Coverers NZ (MFCNZ) membership is optional.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Floor Finisher

1
Compile portfolio of floor finishing work — photos of sanding, staining, and coating projects
2
Target flooring contractors, property renovation companies, and commercial fitout firms
3
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
4
Employer submits Job Check for Floor Finisher (ANZSCO 333311)
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa

Is Floor Finisher on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Floor Finisher get AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Floor Finisher (ANZSCO 333311) is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence required.

What flooring work is in demand in NZ?

Timber floor sanding and polishing (residential), vinyl and LVT installation (commercial fitout), bamboo and engineered flooring (new homes), and concrete grinding and polishing (industrial).

Can I work as a self-employed floor finisher in NZ?

Yes — after 2 years on AEWV. NZ allows self-employment through small business registration, and floor finishing has good opportunity for sole traders.

✉️

Get a personalised assessment for Floor Finisher

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 Floor Finisher 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.