Furniture Makers design and build high-quality timber furniture and custom pieces. NZ's growing market for bespoke and handcrafted furniture creates niche but genuine demand for this trade.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Furniture Maker visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →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.
Furniture Makers design, construct, and finish timber furniture and custom interior pieces. Unlike cabinetmakers who focus primarily on kitchen and storage joinery, furniture makers often work with solid timber and traditional hand-tool techniques to produce desks, tables, chairs, and bespoke interior furniture. **What the work involves:** Timber selection and preparation, hand and machine joinery (mortise and tenon, dovetail, dowelling), surface finishing (staining, lacquering, oil), upholstery integration, and custom design consultation with clients. **Where the demand is:** Specialist furniture workshops, bespoke interior fitout companies, and high-end residential builders. Auckland, Queenstown (luxury market), and Wellington have the most opportunities. Some furniture makers establish independent workshops. **AEWV pathway:** Furniture Maker (ANZSCO 394213) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3 — qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement from an accredited employer.
Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.
Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026
Yes. Furniture Maker (ANZSCO 394213) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement.
There is niche but genuine demand, particularly in the bespoke and luxury segment. New Zealand consumers increasingly value handcrafted furniture, and skilled makers are difficult to find locally.
An AEWV ties you to a specific accredited employer. After 2 years of NZ work experience, you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence, after which you can operate your own business.
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.
Speak with a licensed NZ immigration adviser. We'll review your qualifications, registration requirements, and visa options — no obligation.