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🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Pastrycook
Immigration to New Zealand

Create pastries, cakes, desserts, and confectionery in commercial patisseries, hotels, bakeries, and restaurants across NZ.

ANZSCO Code
351113
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 3
Sector
Trades
NZ Salary Range
NZ$48,000 – NZ$72,000
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.

Pastrycooks and pâtissiers are in strong demand across New Zealand's premium hospitality sector, patisseries, and fine dining restaurants. ANZSCO 351113 is a Skill Level 3 occupation qualifying directly for AEWV with a 5-year visa. New Zealand's café culture, wedding cake industry, and high-end hotel pastry operations create ongoing opportunities for skilled pastrycooks. European-trained pâtissiers with skills in chocolate work, sugar sculpting, laminated doughs, and plated desserts are particularly sought after.

NZ Salary Range for Pastrycook

NZ$48,000 – NZ$72,000
Senior pastry chefs and pâtissiers at luxury hotels and fine dining earn toward the top of range. Specialty cake artists can earn significantly more self-employed.

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 Pastrycook

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Skill Level 3 — 5-year visa, no English test
  • Meets NZ median wage

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months processing 💰 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

  • Pastry chef trade qualification or Certificate in Patisserie (or overseas equivalent)
  • Minimum 2–3 years experience in commercial pastry production
  • Specialist skills (chocolate, sugar work, laminated dough) are highly valued

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ registration. Food Act 2014 food safety requirements apply.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Pastrycook

1
Compile your pastry portfolio — photographs of your work, references, trade qualifications
2
Target luxury hotels (Hilton, Sofitel, Grand Hyatt), fine dining restaurants, and patisseries in Auckland and Wellington
3
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
4
Employer submits Job Check for Pastrycook (ANZSCO 351113)
5
Apply for AEWV and enter NZ on a 5-year visa

Is Pastrycook on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Pastrycook get AEWV in NZ?

Yes. Pastrycook (ANZSCO 351113) is Skill Level 3, qualifying directly for a 5-year AEWV, no English evidence required, with partner and dependent eligibility.

Where is demand for pastrycooks in NZ?

Auckland (luxury hotels, premium cafés, patisseries), Wellington (fine dining, corporate catering), Queenstown (premium resort and lodge sector), and Christchurch (growing hospitality scene post-earthquake rebuild). Wedding venues and event caterers also hire pastrycooks nationwide.

Is a pastrycook the same as a baker in NZ?

Different ANZSCO codes. Baker (351112) primarily produces breads, rolls, and basic bakery products. Pastrycook (351113) focuses on pastries, cakes, desserts, and confectionery — typically higher skill and more specialised.

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