Diagnose, treat and prevent diseases and injuries in animals — companion, livestock, and wildlife species.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Veterinarian 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.
Veterinarians are in significant shortage across New Zealand's companion animal, equine, and rural (large animal) sectors. With a thriving agricultural industry — dairy, sheep, beef, and deer — as well as a booming companion animal market, demand for qualified vets far exceeds the output of Massey University's veterinary school (the only vet school in NZ). Overseas veterinarians who pass NZVA registration processes can obtain NZ residence directly under Green List Tier 1, without waiting two years. New Zealand offers vets stunning natural environments, diverse clinical experiences, and career pathways in small animal practice, dairy/beef practice, wildlife, or public health.
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. Veterinarian (ANZSCO 234711) is Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence with a job offer from an accredited employer.
The New Zealand Veterinary Examination (NZVE) is a registration exam for overseas-trained vets. Whether you need to sit it depends on your training jurisdiction. Australian vets can transfer registration under Trans-Tasman mutual recognition without sitting the exam.
Both are in shortage. Rural vets (dairy, beef, sheep, equine) are in critical shortage — particularly in Waikato, Manawatū, Southland, and Canterbury. Companion animal vets are in demand in urban centres, especially Auckland and Wellington.
Yes. Overseas vets who obtain VCNZ registration can own or partner in veterinary practices in NZ after establishing themselves as employees first. Practice ownership is a common long-term pathway.
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