Design vessels, marine structures, and offshore systems — from superyachts to commercial ships.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Naval Architect / Marine Designer visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →This occupation qualifies for direct New Zealand residence. With a job offer from an accredited employer and the right qualifications, you can apply for residence immediately — no need to wait two years.
Naval Architects and Marine Designers are a niche but strategically important profession in New Zealand. Auckland — the self-styled 'City of Sails' — is home to a world-class superyacht design and build industry, with companies such as McMullen & Wing, Yachting Developments, and Southern Spars employing specialist naval architects. Beyond superyachts, NZ's commercial fishing fleet, inter-island ferry operators (Interislander, Bluebridge), harbour infrastructure, and maritime regulatory authority (Maritime NZ) all require naval architecture expertise. Naval Architect (ANZSCO 233916) was added to the NZ Green List in April 2024, qualifying for Tier 1 Straight to Residence with a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer. The profession is small — there are fewer than 200 naval architects in NZ — creating significant leverage for experienced international practitioners.
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. Naval Architect / Marine Designer (ANZSCO 233916) was added to the NZ Green List Tier 1 in April 2024. Qualified naval architects with a job offer from an accredited employer can apply for NZ residence directly.
The main employers are superyacht design and build companies (concentrated in Auckland's Hobson Bay area), commercial fishing vessel operators, ferry companies (Interislander, Bluebridge), port authorities, and Maritime NZ (the regulatory body).
There are fewer than 200 naval architects in NZ and only a handful of specialist firms. This makes it a seller's market for experienced practitioners. Auckland superyacht companies often recruit directly from overseas via LinkedIn and RINA networks.
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