Panel Beaters restore vehicle bodies after collision damage. NZ's buoyant insurance repair industry and shortage of qualified tradespeople make this a strong AEWV occupation.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Panel Beater 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.
Panel Beaters repair and reshape damaged vehicle body panels using hand tools, power tools, and panel-beating equipment. They work closely with vehicle painters to return vehicles to pre-accident condition. The NZ collision repair industry is large, driven by high vehicle ownership rates and mandatory third-party insurance. **What the work involves:** Panel straightening and realignment, welding, cutting and replacing damaged panels, surface preparation, corrosion treatment, and coordinating with vehicle painters for final finish. **Where the demand is:** Smash repair workshops (independent and franchise), insurance-approved repairers (IAG, Suncorp networks), and dealer-owned bodyshops. Demand is national, with Auckland having the highest volume. **AEWV pathway:** Panel Beater (ANZSCO 324111) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3 — qualifying directly 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. Panel Beater (ANZSCO 324111) is ANZSCO Skill Level 3, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English evidence requirement.
Yes — NZ has a shortage of qualified panel beaters. The insurance repair industry is active, and most smash repair workshops regularly seek experienced tradespeople from overseas.
Overseas trade certificates are generally accepted by NZ employers, especially from Australia, UK, Ireland, South Africa, and Europe. No formal NZ re-qualification is typically required.
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