New Zealand is increasingly becoming a popular destination for foreign workers seeking legal employment in the domestic service industry. With an aging population, busy working families, and growing demand for in-home care, the country offers many opportunities for housekeepers, nannies, caregivers, cooks, and domestic assistants. For foreigners looking to live and work in New Zealand, domestic jobs can provide a legal pathway to employment through visa sponsorship and sometimes even permanent residency. Although these jobs are generally considered low-skilled by immigration authorities, they are vital to many households and often come with stable contracts, housing, and employer-provided benefits. In 2025, the New Zealand government continues to address labor shortages in the caregiving and support services sectors by allowing accredited employers to hire foreign nationals under regulated visa schemes. This article will guide you step-by-step on how to find and apply for domestic jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship, the most common job roles available, required qualifications, expected wages, and how to settle successfully as a foreign worker
What Are Domestic Jobs and Why They’re in Demand in New Zealand
Domestic jobs involve services provided within private homes or caregiving facilities. These roles focus on supporting the daily needs of households, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or children. The demand for these jobs in New Zealand is rising due to several factors including increasing life expectancy, more dual-income households, and limited availability of local workers for hands-on caregiving and household tasks. Additionally, many Kiwis prefer to have trusted and trained individuals managing their homes, childcare, or elder care needs. This growing demand has created a sustainable employment opportunity for foreigners willing to work hard, learn cultural norms, and contribute meaningfully to New Zealand society
Common Domestic Jobs Available for Foreign Workers
Housekeepers are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of homes. This includes daily chores like vacuuming, mopping, laundry, dusting, kitchen cleaning, and sometimes grocery shopping or errand running. Most housekeepers work in private homes, while others are hired through cleaning services or home support agencies
Nannies are hired to care for children, usually while both parents are working. Duties can include preparing meals, taking kids to school or daycare, helping with homework, organizing playtime, and maintaining a clean and safe environment. Some nanny roles are live-in and may require flexible hours, especially during holidays or weekends
Aged care assistants or elder care workers provide personal care and assistance to elderly individuals, either in private homes or residential care facilities. Tasks include bathing, dressing, administering medications, helping with meals, and companionship. These roles are in high demand, and many employers offer full-time contracts with visa sponsorship
Live-in caregivers typically reside in the employer’s home and provide 24-hour care and assistance to an elderly or disabled individual. This role may include meal preparation, mobility support, medication reminders, and light housekeeping. It’s intensive work but offers housing, food, and legal sponsorship in many cases
Domestic cooks or kitchen assistants are sometimes employed by private households, especially in larger families or by employers who prefer home-cooked meals due to dietary needs or preferences. Responsibilities include planning meals, grocery shopping, preparing food, and cleaning up afterward
Household managers are higher-level domestic workers who supervise other staff and manage daily household operations. This may involve scheduling cleaners, overseeing childcare, handling budgets, and managing appointments. While rare, these positions do exist in affluent households or multi-family properties
Visa Options for Foreigners Looking for Domestic Work in New Zealand
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the most relevant visa pathway for foreigners seeking domestic jobs with legal sponsorship. Under this scheme, employers must first become accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Once accredited, they can hire foreign workers for full-time roles that cannot be filled by locals. This visa replaces earlier work visa categories and is valid for up to three years. The AEWV is the most direct and legal route to employment for most domestic jobs like caregiving and housekeeping
The Partnership-Based Work Visa allows spouses or partners of New Zealand citizens, residents, or certain visa holders to work in the country, including in domestic roles. While this is not specific to domestic employment, it’s commonly used by foreign spouses to earn income through flexible job options such as housekeeping or childcare
The Care Workforce Work to Residence Pathway was introduced as part of New Zealand’s Green List strategy. If a foreigner is employed in an eligible care role such as aged care, disability support, or health care assistance, and earns at or above the median wage, they may apply for residence after two years of continuous work. Domestic caregivers may qualify under this pathway
Student Visa Work Rights allow international students enrolled in full-time courses to work up to 20 hours per week during the school term and full-time during holidays. Many students take up domestic work such as babysitting or part-time housework to support themselves
Working Holiday Visas are available for young people from select countries aged 18 to 30 or 35, depending on nationality. These visas allow temporary work across various sectors, including domestic jobs. However, the work must be casual or short-term, and these visas are not renewable for long-term employment
How to Find Domestic Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Start by researching accredited employers or registered agencies in New Zealand. You can check the official Immigration New Zealand website or search the Accredited Employer list to find legal job openings in domestic work or caregiving
Use job search websites like Seek.co.nz, Trademe.co.nz, Careers.govt.nz, and Indeed New Zealand. Search with keywords like caregiver visa sponsorship, housekeeper work visa, or nanny sponsorship to find relevant listings. Read job descriptions carefully to verify visa support
Apply to domestic staffing agencies in New Zealand that recruit internationally. Examples include Geneva Healthcare, Bupa NZ, Visionwest, and Life Plus. These agencies help match foreign workers with employers and provide assistance with visa documentation, housing, and relocation
Join social media groups or expat communities where domestic workers or caregivers share job leads and employer contacts. Facebook groups such as “Filipinos in New Zealand” or “Nannies and Carers in Auckland” are often used to find real opportunities from verified employers
Prepare a professional resume that includes your work history, skills, references, and any relevant training. Tailor it to New Zealand standards and keep it one to two pages in length. Add a short cover letter explaining your interest in the role, visa status, and availability
Once shortlisted, you’ll likely be interviewed by the employer or agency. This may happen online via video call. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience, duties performed in previous jobs, availability, and willingness to relocate. If selected, the employer will assist in lodging the visa application
Skills and Qualifications That Help You Get Hired
While many domestic jobs do not require formal education, having experience in caregiving, housekeeping, or child support increases your chances. Documented work history from past employers is valuable
Basic English communication skills are often required, especially in caregiving or nanny roles. Being able to understand instructions, communicate with family members, or read medication labels is essential
Certificates such as CPR, First Aid, Elderly Care Training, or a National Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2–3) from your home country or from New Zealand can make your application stronger
Patience, trustworthiness, cleanliness, time management, and adaptability are considered essential soft skills. Employers often hire based on personality and reliability more than education
A driver’s license is sometimes required for roles that involve errands, school pick-ups, or doctor appointments. If you have one, include it in your resume and be prepared to convert it to a New Zealand license
Expected Salary and Benefits for Domestic Jobs in New Zealand
Housekeepers typically earn between NZD $23 and $27 per hour depending on the location and employer. Live-in positions may offer slightly lower hourly pay but include free accommodation and meals
Nannies and childcare workers earn NZD $25 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, age of children, and whether the job is full-time or part-time. Live-in roles may offer flexible schedules and better overall compensation
Aged care or disability support workers generally earn NZD $26 to $32 per hour. Those employed under Green List roles may also receive benefits such as health insurance, transportation, and residency pathways
Live-in caregivers can expect weekly salaries of NZD $800 to $1,200 along with full room and board. While hours may be longer, the total cost of living is reduced significantly due to the housing benefit
Cooks and home chefs can earn NZD $27 to $35 per hour based on experience and whether meals are prepared daily or only for special occasions
Legal workers are entitled to paid annual leave (at least four weeks per year), sick leave, and public holidays. Some employers also offer overtime pay, bonuses, or transportation support
Life in New Zealand as a Foreign Domestic Worker
New Zealand is known for its clean environment, friendly people, and high quality of life. Domestic workers who live with families usually enjoy a safe, comfortable home and a quiet lifestyle. Public healthcare is accessible and many communities are supportive of foreign workers
Domestic workers are protected under New Zealand labor laws and must receive the legal minimum wage. Contracts should be signed before employment begins and must include hours, pay, duties, and conditions
Cultural differences may exist, but New Zealanders generally value politeness, honesty, and a positive attitude. Respecting privacy, punctuality, and communication is important in maintaining a good working relationship
There are many support groups for migrants and foreign workers. Joining community centers, churches, or ethnic associations can help you make friends and find emotional and social support as you settle into your new role
Long-Term Opportunities and Pathways to Residency
Foreign domestic workers on the Accredited Employer Work Visa may apply for permanent residency after working for a qualifying employer for two years and earning at or above the median wage. This is part of New Zealand’s new residency pathway aimed at high-demand roles
Those working in aged care or support work may qualify for the Work to Residence pathway. This allows applicants to become residents after completing a 24-month contract under the Green List if wage and employer conditions are met
If you build a long-term working relationship with a family and they are willing to sponsor you under an Employer-Assisted Work Visa, you may remain in New Zealand legally for several years or transition to permanent residency
Marriage to a New Zealand citizen or resident may allow you to apply for a partner visa. This permits full-time work and eventually permanent residency. Relationships must be genuine and legally recognized
If you gain valuable work experience in New Zealand, you may qualify for other skilled migration categories, or study and gain local qualifications to transition to other industries later on
Final Thoughts: Domestic Work in New Zealand is a Real Opportunity for Foreigners
Domestic jobs in New Zealand are not only available but legally accessible to foreign workers through proper visa sponsorship and accredited employers. With a growing demand for household and caregiving help, foreigners who are hardworking, respectful, and willing to learn will find many open doors. From live-in caregivers to housekeepers and nannies, these roles offer a secure income, a supportive lifestyle, and a path to a better future. By understanding the visa options, preparing strong applications, and following legal steps, you can successfully start a new life in New Zealand through honest domestic work. The key is to stay informed, avoid illegal recruiters, and always work with verified employers or agencies. Your journey toward a stable, fulfilling job abroad begins with the right decision and the right guidance