Install and maintain water, gas, drainage and sanitation systems in buildings.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Plumber / Gasfitter / Drainlayer 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.
Plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers are in shortage across New Zealand's construction, infrastructure, and maintenance sectors. The licensed trades are tightly regulated by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) — all work on water, gas, and drainage systems in NZ buildings must be performed or supervised by a licensed tradesperson. International plumbers and gasfitters must complete NZ competency assessments before practising independently. Green List Tier 2 status allows licensed and qualified tradespeople to obtain an Accredited Employer Work Visa and apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence after two years. Self-employed plumbers and gasfitters can earn NZ$100,000–NZ$140,000+ with a Master Plumber licence, making it a financially strong pathway.
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. Plumber/Gasfitter/Drainlayer (ANZSCO 334111) is Green List Tier 2 — Work to Residence. Qualified tradespeople work in NZ for 2 years, then apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.
You do not need full PGDB registration before your AEWV is granted — you can work under a licensed NZ tradesperson while completing registration steps. However, you must have a clear pathway to registration and many employers want PGDB assessment underway before offering a position.
Yes — after gaining full PGDB registration (licensed plumber/gasfitter/drainlayer), you can apply for a Certifying licence which allows independent contracting. Master Plumbers NZ membership supports business setup. Self-employed licensed plumbers typically earn NZ$100,000–NZ$140,000+.
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