Diagnose, treat and manage mental health conditions including mood disorders, psychosis, and addiction.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Psychiatrist 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.
Psychiatrists are in critical shortage across New Zealand's mental health system. The He Ara Oranga government mental health inquiry (2018) identified severe under-resourcing of specialist psychiatric services, and subsequent government investment has increased demand for psychiatric consultants. Health NZ (Te Whatu Ora) actively recruits psychiatrists internationally, particularly in adult inpatient services, forensic psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry — all shortage subspecialties. As a Green List Tier 1 occupation, psychiatrists with Medical Council NZ specialist registration and an accredited employer job offer can apply for residence directly. New Zealand offers competitive public sector salaries under the Senior Medical Officer collective agreement, good work-life balance, and a small enough country for psychiatrists to have genuine influence on system change.
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. Psychiatrist (ANZSCO 253411) is Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence. Psychiatrists with MCNZ specialist registration and an accredited employer offer can apply for NZ residence directly, without a two-year wait.
Child and adolescent psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction psychiatry have the most acute shortages. General adult psychiatry vacancies are widespread across all district health boards, including rural and provincial areas.
Psychiatrists employed by Health NZ earn NZ$250,000–NZ$380,000 under the Senior Medical Officer collective agreement, with on-call allowances on top. Private practice psychiatrists and those combining public and private work can earn NZ$400,000–NZ$500,000+.
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