🎨
🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Painting Trades Worker
Immigration to New Zealand

Apply paint, varnish, and coatings to interior and exterior surfaces on residential and commercial buildings across NZ.

ANZSCO Code
333111
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$50,000 – NZ$80,000
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.

Painting Trades Workers are in consistent demand across New Zealand's construction sector, including new residential builds, commercial fitout, and maintenance painting. ANZSCO 333111 is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa. Auckland's ongoing residential build programme and commercial development keeps painting tradespeople in steady employment. Self-employment as a painting contractor is common in NZ.

NZ Salary Range for Painting Trades Worker

NZ$50,000 – NZ$80,000
Self-employed contractors typically earn more. Industrial and commercial painters often earn higher hourly 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 Painting Trades Worker

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 certificate in painting and decorating (apprenticeship or equivalent)
  • Minimum 2–3 years post-qualification experience
  • Knowledge of NZ coating systems (timber weatherboards, plasterboard, concrete)

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ licensing. Master Painters NZ membership is optional. Site Safe card expected on commercial sites.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Painting Trades Worker

1
Gather trade certificate and references from painting employers
2
Target residential builders, commercial fitout firms, and painting contractors
3
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
4
Employer submits Job Check for Painting Trades Worker (ANZSCO 333111)
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa

Is Painting Trades Worker on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Painter get AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Painting Trades Worker (ANZSCO 333111) is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement.

What painting work is in demand in NZ?

Residential new builds (Auckland's housing programme), commercial fitout, industrial painting, and maintenance painting for schools, hospitals, and public buildings.

Can I work as a self-employed painter in NZ?

Yes, after 2 years on AEWV employment. Many overseas painters eventually establish their own painting business after gaining NZ work experience and local contacts.

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