Life of Russians in New Zealand: pros and cons, reviews

How Russians come to New Zealand

What are the chances of emigrating from Russia?

To assess your chances of entering the country, it is enough to calculate the number of points scored. Each applicant undergoes a special test showing whether he is capable of bringing benefit to the new state. If a person does not score the required number of points, the visa center issues a refusal. In this case, you can obtain permanent residence only if you work on other criteria.

The highest number of points is awarded for:

• An existing contract for work for a period of 12 months or more.
• The presence of a profession in the list of in-demand specialties.
• Work in promising and fast-growing industries (including IT).
• Higher education diploma confirmed by the local registry.
• Age from 20 to 29 years.
• Passing the IELTS English language proficiency test with a score of 6.5 or higher.

Brief description of visa options available for entering New Zealand

To visit the country to purchase real estate and explore local attractions, you must contact the visa center. Fill out a special form and indicate for what purpose you plan to enter. Depending on this, you will be issued one of the visas.

New Zealand has the following types of entry permits:

• Tourist. If you want to get acquainted with the local nature, walk through the valleys and see unusual sights.
• Guest. To visit family and friends living in New Zealand or to take courses of 3 months or less.
• Business. To participate in negotiations, attend a seminar or conference. An invitation is required.
• Student. For people who have officially entered and entered into a contract with an educational institution.
• Working. For citizens of another country who have received an invitation from an employer to cooperate.
• Transit. Suitable if you have an Australian visa, but you are traveling there through Zealand.
• Investor. Allows you to invest money in the assets of local companies.

Is there a problem with illegal migration?

New Zealand is a country that does not want to participate in the endless conflict in the Middle East of the European continent. The authorities are sensitive to the composition of their country’s population, clearly limiting the quota for refugees per year. The rest are simply turned back. In a small country, illegal immigrants have a hard time. None of the local residents want to break the law. Therefore, migrants are quickly caught and deported.

They get here in two ways. Residents from civilized countries simply apply for a tourist permit, enter the territory of the country and try in every way to hide from the lawmen. Refugees fleeing a war-torn country board small boats. But such a journey often ends in tragedy.

How to move to New Zealand

Only a truly brave person can decide to move. There are several ways to immigrate to New Zealand. Each method has a list of documents and deadlines for obtaining residence status. The same immigration method can cost different amounts of money for two different people. Before you begin immigration, you must obtain a visa; without it, all other steps are simply impossible.

You can stay in the country for some time on the basis of a visa:

• tourist;
• working;
• student, etc.

After some time of stay, an immigrant can apply for permanent residence.

Documentation

The list of documents is almost the same among the immigration methods. It usually includes:

• Russian internal passport;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• certificate of employment (if available);
• bank statement indicating the availability of funds in the bank account;
• certificate of absence of diseases that prevent you from moving to the kingdom;
• proof of English language proficiency;
• education document.

The internal passport of the Russian Federation, certificates and certificates issued in English or Russian do not require translation or notarization.

Deadlines

Upon arrival on the island, the immigrant can live on the island for exactly as long as permitted by the visa. If a person plans to stay in the country forever, then this is not a big deal.

To apply for a residence permit, you must live in the country for at least 3.5 years on a visa. To obtain New Zealand resident status, the period of legal stay before submitting the list of documents is 5 years.

Price

Services for processing various types of documents on the island are expensive. Therefore, if you want to immigrate, you need to stock up not only with patience, but also with finances. The cost will differ depending on the basis on which the person arrived.

For example, if a person moves on the basis of a student visa. He goes to learn English and subsequently receive additional education. For training, accommodation, food and additional expenses you will need from 40,000 NZD.

Language courses for visitors

To independently assess all the pros and cons of living in New Zealand, you need to know English well. Of course, in order to get a visa and entry permission, be sure to pass a special test, because there are very few people here with zero level of training. However, families “reunited” on the territory of the state periodically need free courses.

The state logically assumes that all people with appropriate education speak English. Therefore, no official programs simply exist. If you want to learn to speak the local dialect, pay for a place at school. The exception is university students. Most institutions arrange a small adaptation for their students.

Category of visas without the right to permanent residence

Russians can temporarily visit the country on visas that do not give the right to obtain a residence permit.

Visitor's or guest's room

A visa for tourism or visiting relatives is issued for a period of up to 9 months. In this case, the foreign citizen does not receive a work permit, but has the opportunity to undergo training on short-term courses. Upon entry, you must confirm your financial solvency.

Visitor visa to New Zealand.

For guardians

The visa is issued to the legal representative of a minor visiting the country for the purpose of study or treatment. It does not provide the right to work, but allows multiple entries into and exits from the country.

How to get a job and start a business

Who gets paid the most?

If you are afraid of being unemployed or receiving a meager salary on which you cannot survive, get the appropriate education. In New Zealand, like in all countries, there is a list of the highest paid professions. Such people are paid a lot, regardless of the industry and region where they are employed.

Interesting

As the local population gradually grows, hospitals suffer from a shortage of highly qualified specialists. If you are a doctor of a narrow category, then expect a high salary. But therapists have it worse; they are paid much less.

In second place in terms of wages are workers in the field of computer technology. Local large companies are constantly in need of programmers and system administrators.

In-demand professions for immigrants

There is a whole list of people whose abilities are needed in a gradually developing state. If you have an education in one of these industries, you definitely won’t be left without a job. In addition, there is a chance to get into the state program and get a residence permit without any problems. It is better to look at the complete and current list on the embassy’s website; we will provide data for 2018.

New Zealand needs specialists in the following sectors:

• Healthcare: doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and scientists of all qualifications.
• Engineering: electronics engineers, electrical engineers, industrial specialists.
• Science: natural scientists, food technologists and ecologists.
• Cooking: chefs.
• Construction: managers, surveyors, designers and surveyors.
• Computer Science: Various administrators, testers and developers.
• Finance: purchasing manager, accountants.
• Hotel business: guides, instructors, jockeys.
• Education: lecturers, doctoral students.
• Agriculture: workers on farms.

The state's attitude towards entrepreneurship

The advantages of living in New Zealand directly stem from the state's attitude towards entrepreneurship. The local government encourages both large corporations and small firms headed by start-up businessmen. Almost no industry requires government permission or licensing.

One of the main advantages of doing business in this country is a very simple and understandable tax system. Most entrepreneurs do not even employ accountants, hiring them only to submit annual reports. In addition, the local tax department itself helps to sort out the papers.

All this has led to the fact that in 2021 there are about 250 thousand firms in the small state. And their number continues to grow rapidly.

Russians and Russian-speaking people in New Zealand

Mostly citizens of China, India, Great Britain, the USA, Germany, the Philippines, and Korea come to New Zealand for permanent residence. Migrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union do not move very willingly, and therefore are not very noticeable. There are about twenty thousand Russian speakers in New Zealand. Russians arrived here in several waves of immigration. Thanks to the first waves of immigration, Orthodox communities emerged in New Zealand. But the majority of children born to immigrants no longer consider themselves Russian; they have assimilated into society. The main wave of migration poured into the islands in the 90s of the 20th century . And now people come here in search of work and to study. The centers of communication and meetings of Russian speakers are Orthodox churches - in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. The largest number of immigrants from Russia live in these cities. However, no stable community, much less a diaspora, has developed in the country. There is a Russian theater in Auckland, and a cultural center in Christchurch. There are also several Russian-language portals and forums.

Photo gallery: cities where emigrants from Russia live

A Russian cultural class=”aligncenter” width=”600″ height=”375″[/img] There is a Russian Orthodox community in Wellington

About 10 thousand Russian speakers live in Auckland

Where migrants from Russia work: reviews and real stories

The largest number of Russians - about 10 thousand - live in Auckland. They are mainly employed in construction or computer technology related businesses. But competition in this industry is very high. Although workers in the field of computer technology are in great demand, Russian IT experts have to compete with people from Thailand, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and so on, where there are also very good specialists. To get a well-paid job, you need to learn English, have a good education and know local employment standards.

Opportunities and specifics of employment of migrants in New Zealand

Many jobs in New Zealand are seasonal. And there are a lot of people who want to find work on the islands - both from Oceania and from Europe. Therefore, there is a lot of competition. The New Zealand government's policy in the field of labor migration is to establish quotas. No more than 45 thousand people a year can come here to work. And before accepting an applicant, he is asked to pass a special test. Depending on the number of passing points, a foreigner’s ability to get a job in any industry is assessed. If a person passes the test with the best results, indicating that he is a very qualified specialist, he may even be offered to apply for citizenship. But for any good place there is a real battle, because the qualification requirements are very high.

Video: how to become successful in New Zealand

Job search online

In recent years, New Zealand has created a special online database where people thinking about moving can register and receive information about job fairs in the country, organized annually by the Immigration Service. Employers also have access to this database. You can send them official job requests, as well as send resumes. Such a database helps to select highly qualified specialists that the country needs.

Video: expenses and income in New Zealand

Specialists required

Most Russians living in New Zealand do not engage in unskilled labor. Moreover, finding such a job is not very easy. Even in agriculture, everything is so mechanized that the agricultural industry does not require unskilled services. Livestock farming requires specialists who are familiar with the latest advances in automatic milking and who can work on a computer. The same requirements apply when applying for a job in a port, construction, auto repair, and so on. Good specialists - welders, turners, plumbers - can find employment without any problems, even without knowing the language at first. But finding an unskilled job - an office cleaner, a caregiver for the elderly, a dishwasher in restaurants - is only possible with knowledge of the language. There are many offers of good work in the field of high technology, programming, web design, and advertising. Without computer literacy, you cannot work either in a police station or in a travel agency.

Finding a job right away is only possible if you have 100% knowledge of the language. The salary in New Zealand allows you to live well and comfortably. Pay for unskilled work ranges from 8 to 12 local dollars (4–6 US dollars). Mostly unskilled women's work consists of cleaning premises, washing dishes in cafes and restaurants, and caring for the elderly. But even for such vacancies knowledge of the language is required. Men will be able to find work at construction sites, ports, and car repair shops. Qualified work here pays much higher. So, programming specialists are always required. Also, qualified welders and turners are always in demand on the labor market.

Alexander

//evroportal.ru/nashi-za-granicej/podborka-otzyivov-emigrantov-iz-rossii-o-raznyih-stranah/#hcq=cloF7Jp

Life in New Zealand through the eyes of Russians

Almost all migrants from Russia received good passing grades during employment and, after several years of work, purchased five- to six-room houses in the best areas. This was also facilitated by the government's housing policy. An employed foreigner can take out a loan to buy a house at 6–7% per annum for a period of twenty-five years, and the down payment may not exceed 5% of the cost of housing. But the houses themselves are unusual for Russians - there is no central heating system, and the walls are very thin. Hot water is not served - it is specially heated in boilers. For insulation, migrants use various electrical appliances, since for local residents the temperature of + 15°C in the room is quite normal. The law strictly prohibits making noise at night, and the penalties for this are severe, so the thickness of the walls does not interfere too much. Even if a person is not engaged in agriculture, there is always a garden or vegetable garden around his home. Therefore, Russian dacha lovers will be completely delighted here. Fruit trees bear fruit well, greenery grows all year round, and tomatoes do not need greenhouses.

Migrants from Russia who got jobs in New Zealand, after a few years, purchase five- to six-room houses in the best areas

What do Russians like about New Zealand?

New Zealand Russians also have enough money to travel home - round-trip air tickets from these ocean islands to Russia cost one and a half times less than from Russia to New Zealand. Therefore, connections with home are not interrupted. The success of any hardworking and persistent person is guaranteed, and each ethnic and cultural community is valuable in its own way. The state pays significant funds not only for the development of the country’s culture as a whole, but also finances various associations of national minorities. There are no mutual suspicions, claims or grievances here, including among the local population - Maori - and immigrants.

Although the number of Russians is increasing every year, compared to Asian immigrants, there are not so many of our people there. Local residents are quite friendly towards Russians - sociable and smiling. New Zealanders are very friendly, they can easily start a conversation with a complete stranger. Aucklanders will not be confused by your accent, because their ears are tuned to visitors.

[email protected]

https://emigration-property.blogspot.com/2011/10/blog-post_31.html

Being a pensioner in New Zealand

The average life expectancy in New Zealand is over 80 years . People retire at 65. But there is one peculiarity for foreigners. If a pensioner has worked in this country for ten years, then he receives a fixed payment, which is revised every year and increases taking into account inflation and the growth of average wages. If a foreigner, including a Russian, has less than 10 years of work experience in New Zealand, he receives benefits. It is less than the official pension, which is 35% of the average salary. The pension is not calculated automatically. Upon reaching the required age, you need to submit a special application for its accrual. The pension is paid every two weeks. Single citizens receive $550 twice a month, and married couples receive $448 each.

The pension in New Zealand is 35% of the average salary

Additional pension systems and benefits

In addition, the Kiwisaver program was created in New Zealand in 2007. Anyone who has an official job automatically becomes a participant. Thanks to monthly salary deductions (3–8%), which are made by investment companies, people receive a significant increase in their pension if the contract with the company is concluded before reaching retirement age. Well, as an added bonus, there are many benefits and various benefits - for treatment, for travel by public transport. Elderly people have the opportunity to work and receive both a full salary and a pension - there are no restrictions in this area.

What social benefits do immigrants from Russia have?

Russians, like other migrants who have received the status of a resident of the country and lived here for two years, are entitled to a large number of social benefits and benefits. Their children attend government-run schools for free. Young people of college age receive higher education at a quarter of its cost. In addition, they often use a student loan, which covers their expenses for study, transportation, and more. If a family has a child, and at least one of the parents is employed, they are paid assistance in the amount of 24 thousand New Zealand dollars or 16,800 US dollars per year (with more children, payments increase accordingly). If migrants who have not lived in the country for two years find themselves in a difficult financial situation, they are paid special assistance that allows them not to live in poverty and to actively look for work.

Income of local New Zealanders and expats

Minimum salary

The local Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment regularly creates a kind of statistics, telling its citizens at what minimum wage they can work. Based on data from April 1, 2021, every adult citizen employed under a contract expects to earn a rate of NZ$16.5 per hour.

Important

Per day, with an average working week, it comes out to about $78.5. In a week (most often a five-day week) a citizen receives 392.4. From all this it follows that the average citizen over the age of 16 can count on $2,860 per month.

Rates are slightly different for interns and new employees. People in this category earn about $13 an hour unless they have a ton of work experience.

Average salaries

The standard of living in New Zealand is attracting an increasing number of tourists. The prosperity of the local population can be judged by the level of wages. Most often, only new employees without experience or seniority work at the minimum rate. Local entrepreneurs are ready to pay experienced workers. Moreover, they do not skimp on funds.

According to the same ministry, on average citizens receive about 30 New Zealand dollars per hour. For a standard work week with 8-hour days, the amount accumulates is $1,000. In a month, a specialist with higher education and qualifications can count on 5 thousand.

At the same time, the difference between the capital and the regions is not too big. Each region has a shortage of specialists, but they are paid approximately the same.

Net average income per capita after taxes

Despite fairly high salaries, the level of money received by residents of the country is slightly lower than that of Europeans and Americans in similar positions. On average, a local family receives about 30 thousand New Zealand dollars, taking into account all taxes paid.

The employment rate is very high - it is not customary for New Zealanders to idle. The working category is considered to be all people aged 15 to 64 years. Among all residents of the state, more than 76% of residents received their contracts. Among them, about 81% are men. Only 71% fell to women.

The rates of people working overtime are quite high - on average, about 15% receive increased hours. This also falls on the share of men: 22% versus 8% of the female population.

Russian community and features of Russian life

The first mentions of Russian settlers in New Zealand date back to the 20s of the 19th century. Today, most immigrants from Russia and the CIS countries live in Auckland, Wellington and, until recently, Christchurch.

The Russian diaspora in New Zealand has not formed. There are seven Russian public organizations that are engaged in cultural and educational work, solving social problems, and helping newly arrived compatriots adapt. In addition, two printed publications are published in Russian, three radio programs, and an information telephone line operates. The parishes of the Australian-New Zealand Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia have been operating for more than fifty years. There is a Russian church school in Auckland that helps immigrant children become involved in traditional cultural life.

Our strongest parish in New Zealand is still the Resurrection Parish in Auckland, because most of the newly arrived Russians live here. Auckland is the country's largest city and the easiest place to find work. A third of New Zealand's population lives in Auckland.

Archpriest Vladimir Boykov (Dean of ROCOR parishes in New Zealand)

https://www.pravoslavie.ru/46911.html

Immigrants from Russia who arrived in New Zealand in the 90s of the 20th century were not always able to realize themselves in the profession due to the language barrier and the need to retrain, since Soviet-style diplomas were often not recognized. Today people come more prepared and aware of the conditions and requirements for entering work or study. If our citizen was in Russia, for example, a doctor with extensive work experience and a high category, then in New Zealand he will still have to confirm his qualifications by passing exams. Average salary per year:

• doctors - 100,000 NZD;
• programmers - 80,000 NZD;
• accountants - 65,000 NZD;
• engineers - 75,000 NZD;
• lawyers - 70,000 NZD;
• teachers - 50,000 NZD;
• agricultural workers - 45,000 NZD;
• service workers - 40,000 NZD;
• sellers - 36,000 NZD;
• hotel workers - 35,000 NZD.

  
  Most Russian immigrants live in Auckland

If you are planning a move to sunny Italy, find out how Russians live there. Standard of living, education system and other issues in this article:.

Inviting relatives for permanent residence and the life of pensioners

Having settled in New Zealand and got a job, our compatriots quite often invite relatives for permanent residence: parents, for example, including those of retirement age. Immigrant pensioners fall under the care of New Zealand social services: first they are paid a weekly benefit, then a pension is assigned (after 10 years of residence in the country), the minimum amount of which is 900 US dollars (the pension increases with inflation). A visit to a doctor will cost half the price; consultations, examinations, and tests are free. Most medications are subsidized. For chronic diseases, all treatment costs are reimbursed.

The doctor sent me for an ultrasound. I assumed it was free for me, but I asked the receptionist if I had to pay. Her answer surprised me. She didn’t say “it’s free”, because she receives a salary, or “the state pays for you”, the state does not produce valuables - money. She answered with exceptional precision: “Society is paying for you.”

Volodya New Zealand (“Moskvich in New Zealand”)

https://www.stihi.ru/2012/09/03/4685

In addition, the state provides social housing to immigrant pensioners, which is usually a small house with a plot and parking for a car. Due to the fact that such housing belongs to the state, repairs and maintenance are carried out by government services. Travel in city and suburban transport is free for pensioners. For lonely and needy citizens there is a wide network of volunteer services.

Local education

Educational system of general, secondary and higher education

Any child of local residents who has reached the age of 3 years has the right to go to kindergarten. Parents are given a quota for their child’s stay in the institution: no more than 20 hours per week. The remaining time outside the quota is paid - from 7 to 10 dollars per hour.

At the age of 6, every child must go to school. He remains there until he is 16 years old. Classes are traditionally divided into junior, middle and senior. State institutions teach both general education and art subjects. Children can engage in dancing or horse riding, of their choice. The school is free for locals. Migrants must pay about $12,000 a year.

Higher education is only partially free. The state pays a huge part of the amount. Citizens of the country give about 7 thousand dollars a year. Foreigners have to pay the entire amount.

All universities study according to a ten-level system:

1. Certificates Levels (1-3 years), primary specialized education.
2. Diplomas Levels 5-6 (1-2 years), specialist.
3. Bachelor Degree (3-4 years), bachelor.
4. Graduate Diplomas and Certificates Level 7 (up to one year), confirmation of qualifications.
5. Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates, Bachelor Degree with Honors Level 8 (up to a year), advanced training.
6. Masters Degree Level 9 (1-2 years), master's degree.
7. Doctoral Degree Level 10 (3-4 years), doctoral studies.

What are the types of scholarships and grants?

If you are a responsible and diligent student, you can apply for a state scholarship. It's only given out to a select few, but it's worth a try. Nationality, chosen specialty, personal qualities, and reviews from teachers are taken into account.

The second option is to receive funding from the university. If the university you choose is interested in the flow of bright minds from other countries, it will pay for the tuition in full and set a monthly payment. Such encouragement is most often given to students with high academic performance and an impressive list of achievements.

Various grants can also be established by universities and colleges. But their list is not constant. Therefore, to determine possible payments, study the website of your specific university.

Grocery prices in New Zealand

Reviews of Russians in New Zealand often note fairly affordable prices for food. Local farmers do not seek to inflate prices - it is simply not customary here to profit from the misfortune of others. Therefore, the country buys delicious and fresh food at an affordable price.

The following prices are typical (in New Zealand dollars, kilograms, unless otherwise stated):

• 1 liter of local farm milk – 2.67.
• 500 grams of fresh white bread – 2.19.
• Rice – 2.73.
• 12 pieces of chicken eggs - 4.72.
• Local cheese – 9.50.
• Chicken meat without bones and skin – 12.62.
• Beef – 16.60.
• Apples – 3.60.
• Bananas – 2.98.
• Oranges – 3.76.
• Tomatoes – 5.33.
• Potatoes – 3.05.
• Onion - 2.54.
• 1 head of lettuce – 2.83.
• 1.5 liters of clean drinking water – 1.83.
• Bottle of wine – 15.00.
• 0.5 liters of local beer – 4.59.
• 0.33 liters of imported beer – 4.96.
• 20 cigarettes – 26.00.

The basic diet of the average New Zealander

To eat healthily, occasionally indulging in various delicacies, it is enough to allocate about $100 a week for one person. If the amount seems prohibitive, shop only at local supermarkets, buying the essentials.

For one meal at a catering establishment you need to pay from 10 to 30 dollars.

From time to time, residents allocate up to $200 for entertainment, such as going to the movies or an amusement park.

On average, a New Zealander spends about $800 a week, without denying himself anything. If desired, this amount is reduced several times, giving up luxury products and expensive entertainment.

Benefits of business immigration to New Zealand

Business in New Zealand is a great way to invest and grow businesses. Foreign citizens can open or buy a ready-made company in the country that makes a profit. The main condition is ownership of the enterprise by at least 25%. A business visa is initially issued for 9 months with the right to extension. After three years, a foreigner can obtain New Zealand citizenship.

Businessmen who plan to start their own business in the territory of this amazing state must meet a number of requirements, namely:

• draw up a detailed business plan;
• have managerial experience in this field;
• have authorized capital, the amount of which depends on the type of activity;
• be financially secure and able to support yourself and your family;
• speak English for business communication;
• undergo a medical examination and obtain health insurance;
• provide a certificate of no criminal record and involvement in financial fraud or fraud.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=dn-j3sU2pBI%3Ffeature%3Doembed

It is important that a foreign company in New Zealand is profitable and also creates vacancies for the local labor market. The most common forms of activity in the state are private enterprise, joint stock company, LLC, partnership, trusts, joint ventures, subsidiaries of foreign companies, etc.

Relatives of a businessman can apply for a visa on preferential terms with the period of stay specified in the investor visa. All family members must prove proficiency in the national language or undergo training in the country.

Buying real estate or renting

Since the state is interested in the flow of wealthy migrants, there are no restrictions on the purchase of housing. You can come to the country at any time and make a financial investment. The only condition is a binding contract. You need to seal the deal by filling out a written form.

The price of housing varies depending on its type. The so-called townhouses are very popular among local residents. They are large multi-story buildings designed to accommodate 2-5 families at the same time. The price of such a home is 300 thousand dollars, but this amount is divided among everyone.

Russian emigrants in New Zealand most often settle in country houses. To purchase such an object in small towns, you need to allocate an amount of 50 thousand dollars. In the capital the price reaches 400 thousand.

Rent expenses

Some foreigners who do not plan to stay here forever rent houses from a local real estate company. Since the cost of one square meter is very high in some areas, people who want to live in the capital prefer monthly payments.

If you wish, you can rent an apartment in installments. In this case, you live in it, pay rent and gradually contribute money towards the purchase. As a result, over 5-7 years the amount accumulates on its own.

The price directly depends on the region. In Auckland, you will have to pay about $1,000 a month for a one-room apartment. In the regions, the amount does not even reach 800, remaining around 400 per month.

The rental price for three-room housing is in the range of 1000-1500.

Public utilities

Another disadvantage of the state is the high cost of utilities.

Tariffs vary depending on the region, but in any case you will spend at least $200 per month on various benefits of civilization.

If there are two people in a family who moderately use electrical appliances, they will pay around $80-300 for the network, depending on the number of watts spent. Internet of average quality will cost around 80 per month.

Water is quite cheap here. You will have to pay between 20 and 40 dollars for it. A similar amount must be prepared for using unlimited communications.

Negative aspects of Russians moving to New Zealand for permanent residence

Russians with low incomes cannot afford frequent trips to visit relatives or travel to Europe or the United States due to the geographical remoteness of the island state and the high cost of long air flights.

The country is not suitable for those seeking to make a career and earn big money, since there are few large companies or corporations here.

In New Zealand, cultural events are rare and there is no vibrant nightlife, so lovers of social parties and public events may get bored.

Use of transport

Need for a car

If you are planning to move to Auckland or another large region, you cannot do without your own car. There is no developed public transport network. Periodically, to get home, you have to make transfers. It is impossible to leave by bus in the evening. Therefore, a personal car is required.

A simple car can be bought for $5,000. If you want to save even more, take a second-hand example. But in this case, the amount for repairs will exceed the cost of a new one. For the most common 91 gasoline you need to pay 2 dollars per liter.

For technical inspection - 40, for registration - another 70. Regular inspection and maintenance of the car costs $200 per year.

Development of public transport

Buses with air conditioning, reclining seats and other amenities regularly run between major cities. They will charge you about $100 for one trip. To move around the city itself, you only need to pay 2 dollars.

If you live in a region that is popular with tourists, you may see minibuses on the roads. But traveling in them is quite expensive - from 20 dollars for one trip. You can hail a small private taxi. In this case, you will need to pay 4 dollars for each kilometer, and another 2 for landing.

General condition of roads and sidewalks

A network of broadband highways connects Auckland and other major cities. The condition of the road surface on them is close to ideal. But in the regions things are worse - in some towns there is no normal asphalt at all.

But local residents are loyal to cyclists. There are many people on the streets who have chosen a healthy lifestyle. They are considered full road users. Motorists are quite friendly and do not try to cut you off when they see that you have chosen a two-wheeler.

Social security

Features of health insurance

Local residents may not think about taking out a policy in a timely manner. For all citizens of this state, medical care is provided without insurance. All that is necessary for this is to have a passport with a valid registration. But this opportunity is not provided for migrants; they must take out a policy themselves.

To get an appointment with a doctor, you need to talk about your symptoms and receive a coupon. If we are talking about a serious threat to life and health, assistance is provided urgently and free of charge. In all other cases, it is mandatory to have a certain amount of money with you.

However, medicine is not paid in full. For locals there is a flexible system of discounts and benefits.

Social guarantees of the state in matters of insurance

If a woman works more than 10 hours a week for at least six months, she has the right to keep her job in the event of pregnancy. The employee is sent on leave for 18 weeks and is paid all expenses. They pay at least $500. Parents of children under 5 years old can also count on small payments.

Single mothers or fathers with children under 14 receive up to $300. There are such financial grants for the elderly, unable to care for themselves and the disabled, as well as payments for people who rent, have lost a breadwinner, or are unable to pay bills on their own.

How do pensioners earn income?

Pensioners live very well here - the state provides them with various benefits and payments. The average person earns more than 20 thousand New Zealand dollars per year. At the same time, he can continue to work, this will not affect the size of his pension in any way. Moreover, it will increase.

It is not customary here to sit on the necks of older children. Most pensioners live and support themselves independently. The government encourages this approach to life. Therefore, anyone who has reached retirement age can count on free lunches being delivered to their home. They are helped to move around the city and take care of themselves.

How Russians live in New Zealand: reviews

Today, about 20 thousand Russian-speaking citizens live in New Zealand. According to statistics, in 2001 there were about 1,500. Almost 1,200 Russians received work visas in 2010; in subsequent years, this figure began to decrease for a number of reasons, including the devastating earthquake in Christchurch in February 2011, which claimed the lives of 185 people. The situation is similar with students - in 2008 there were more than 1000 of them, but by 2012 there were less than 400.

Video: first impressions of New Zealand by an immigrant from Russia

How Russian-speaking immigrants end up in New Zealand

A citizen of Russia (as well as Ukraine and Belarus) can assess his chances of obtaining permanent residence in New Zealand by using the official calculator on the Immigration New Zealand website (Point Indicator). For residents of Belarus and Ukraine, there is an additional difficulty due to the lack of a consulate of these countries in New Zealand and embassies in Minsk and Kyiv, the nearest one being in Moscow. When deciding to go to New Zealand for work or permanent residence, our compatriot must first of all apply to the Moscow branch of the state immigration service to obtain a visa. There you can get answers to all your questions related to the trip. To obtain a visa, a citizen must fill out a special form, the form of which depends on the purpose of the visit, and provide a package of documents that includes:

• valid international passport;
• receipt of payment of the duty;
• certificate of no criminal record;
• medical certificate of health.

The submitted documents are reviewed by an immigration officer who affixes the visa to the passport if he has no additional questions for the applicant. If any documents require clarification, the applicant will receive a letter with questions that should be answered as clearly and reliably as possible. All documents must be in English.

Most migrants come to New Zealand on a work visa and then stay here for permanent residence. All arriving migrants are given the opportunity to improve their English in special courses, the cost of which depends on the educational institution: at the Languages ​​International school in Auckland, for example, it is 300–400 New Zealand dollars per week.

Do you want to live on an island? Find out about the features of moving to Bali: //

What do Russian emigrants do?

Those least likely to be unemployed in New Zealand are experts in the field of high technology, web designers, system administrators, and IT specialists. In addition, as of 2015, most often Russian migrants worked in the following positions:

• electrician;
• cook;
• construction worker;
• nurse;
• welder;
• Auto Mechanic;
• accountant;
• a carpenter;
• plumber;
• roofer.

It is precisely these vacancies that, as a rule, migrants from the CIS countries apply for. It is quite difficult for a foreigner to get a job, since it is much easier for an employer to hire a local resident with knowledge of the language. And yet:

here are Russian doctors, Russian carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, builders, drivers, entrepreneurs, lawyers - everything is there.

Stas Kulesh (blogger, Auckland, New Zealand)

Video: working in New Zealand - language requirements

Level of medicine and attitude towards sports

Level of medicine in the country

Medicine here is not the most developed. Local doctors treat well, but there are catastrophically few staff. Therefore, New Zealanders joke that only healthy and young people can move here, otherwise the foreigner simply will not be granted the necessary visa.

If you feel unwell, you should contact your family doctor. He has the right to conduct an initial examination and, if necessary, prescribe paracetamol. After that you are put in a long queue. Sometimes you have to wait months for medical help. The exception is local emergency or ambulance services, where people go in critical cases.

Attitude to sports

The local parliament supports the development of many sports disciplines. Residents of the state try to lead an active lifestyle, spending more time in nature or in the gym. It’s simply not customary here to sit on the couch and watch TV when there are so many interesting and unexplored things around.

Most New Zealanders value their national sport, rugby. Competitions are held annually, with experienced teams reaching the level of international tournaments. The second most popular sport is cricket. It is played mainly by older people. Finally, residents of the state value water sports. Sailing races are held periodically, and sometimes people go surfing.

New Zealand taxes

The tax system here is quite pleasant and transparent. Each resident of the country fills out a short declaration, indicating all sources of income for the previous reporting period. Depending on the amount indicated in the final document, the income tax percentage is calculated.

If you earn up to $14 thousand a year, then you pay about 10% on income. From 14 to 48 thousand the rate increases to 18%. The next category – from 48 to 70 thousand – pays even more, around 30%. Above this limit – 33%. But if you did not bother to fill out the documentation in a timely manner and are overdue for taxes, be prepared to pay 45%.

New Zealand vs Russia

Standard of living in New Zealand according to Numbeo

One of the most authoritative portals in the world for comparing living standards in different countries and cities. Many factors are taken into account when assessing:

• Income and purchasing power of citizens;
• Cost of basic products and real estate;
• Nature, climate and ecological component;
• Life safety and crime rates;
• Level of health care and life expectancy;
• Time and financial costs of travel and traveling.

If we talk about New Zealand, then questions will arise here, perhaps, only on the last point. This is reflected in the Numbeo ranking , where the country took 9th place in 2021 . For those who speak English, we also advise you to look at comparative statistics of countries for various indicators here. Well, we will move on to a more detailed consideration of aspects of life on the islands.

Russian diaspora in New Zealand

The Russian diaspora in New Zealand is not very large. Most of our compatriots live separately, not trying to communicate with their neighbors and support new migrants. But there are as many as 7 local communities in the country that help in the early stages of adaptation to new conditions.

Most immigrants from Russia cannot boast of a good financial situation. Former fellow citizens work in physically demanding jobs, such as construction or domestic services. There are as many as 2 printed publications in Russian published in the country, but they are not in great demand.

Where do Russian immigrants live?

In Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch there are full-fledged Orthodox churches built specifically for our compatriots. It is not surprising that the majority of immigrants here are from Russia.

But in general, the number of people living here is not too large - 20 thousand Russians. Germany and the UK are ahead by a huge margin.

Living wage in New Zealand

New Zealand is not a cheap country. But human labor, especially physical labor, is paid decently - about 3,500 (2,500 after taxes) New Zealand dollars per month. At the same time, the cost of living has been established for January 2021, it is 2300 NZD per month. The minimum wage is NZD 16.50 per hour, so work cannot be paid below this limit. It does not matter on what basis the employee is on the island: as a visiting student or as a local resident.

As in many other countries, salaries in New Zealand depend on experience and specialty. And the quality of life depends on the needs of the immigrant. Many Russian migrants rent a small room for themselves upon arrival. And after some time, when they make friends and improve their standard of living, they may be able to rent the entire house for several people.

Feedback from those who took the risk

Oleg:

“I can’t say for sure whether it’s worth going here. I was in love with the country and local customs, so I'm happy. But even for me there are several controversial issues, including regarding medicine.”

Anton:

“I consider New Zealand the most attractive platform for running your own business. The tax system is transparent, there is no corruption. I opened my own company selling clothes and am gradually developing.”

Elena:

“I didn’t know where I wanted to move, so I chose it almost by chance. Unfortunately, emigration did not bring me anything good. The prices here are too high. I plan to move to Australia in the future, it’s right next door.”

General information

Climate and beautiful places

Important!
It was in New Zealand that, for the first time on the planet, the fair half of humanity was introduced to the right to vote in elections and developed a plan for paying old age pensions at the end of the nineteenth century. Compared to other developed countries, the standard of living here is slightly lower. Most immigrants enjoy a serenity that cannot be found in the big cities of Europe or America.

The climate is moderate, with cool summer months. Among the disadvantages - numerous ozone holes due to its close location to the south pole, sunbathing is not always beneficial.

Mentality and customs of local residents

The uniqueness of the New Zealand mentality is one hundred percent absence of fussiness and haste in any situation. The New Zealand way of life was formed under the undoubted influence of the unique climate and geography. Despite the above facts, the local population is interested in extreme sports - surfing, rugby, bungy jumps - jumping on a cable, jumping with a parachute from a great height, and so on.

It’s not often that you notice the streets of the city filled with local residents out for a walk - many spend time in swimming pools, fitness clubs, and stadiums. Mountain biking is very common. For this venture, many routes outside the city have been developed with everything you need.

People are favorable towards migrants. They are willing to help, including if there is a language barrier. There is no rudeness or irritation in queues or at gas stations.

The attitude towards people with disabilities is surprising. The home is being rebuilt, removing all thresholds and installing special equipment for a comfortable life for the immigrant. Even the car was transformed - manual control was installed. An assistant comes every day to help with housekeeping. You can retrain your own profession to gain a sense of usefulness in society. Disability pension is paid.

Pros and cons of living in New Zealand