Is there a minimum salary requirement for Green List jobs?

If you’re looking at New Zealand’s Green List and wondering whether there’s a minimum salary requirement — the short answer is: yes, in many cases there is. But it depends on the role and the visa pathway.

Let’s break it down clearly.

What Is the Green List?

The Immigration New Zealand Green List identifies occupations that are in long-term skill shortage in New Zealand. These roles are divided into:

• Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
• Tier 2 – Work to Residence

If your job is on the list and you meet the requirements, you may qualify for residence faster.

You can see the official list here:
👉 https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/green-list-straight-to-residence-visa

Is There a Minimum Salary?

1️⃣ Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Most people first enter New Zealand on the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

For AEWV:

• Your pay must meet or exceed the New Zealand median wage, unless the role is exempt.
• As of recent updates, the median wage benchmark has been around NZD $29–$31 per hour, but this can change.

You should always check the latest wage rate on Immigration NZ’s website because it is reviewed regularly.

2️⃣ Green List Residence Pathways

If you're applying under:

✅ Tier 1 – Straight to Residence

Some occupations (like certain engineering, medical, and ICT roles) require you to be paid at or above a specific salary threshold.

Example:

• Some tech roles may require 1.5x the median wage.
• Certain health roles may not require a multiple but must meet market rates.

✅ Tier 2 – Work to Residence

You usually need:

• 2 years of relevant New Zealand work experience
• Pay at or above the median wage (or a specified rate)

Important: It’s Not Just “Any Job” on the Green List

This is where many applicants get confused.

Being on the Green List does not automatically guarantee eligibility. You must also:

• Be paid the required wage level
• Work for an accredited employer
• Meet qualification and registration standards (if required)

If you’re unsure whether your salary meets the criteria, it’s worth getting clarity before accepting a job offer. A small salary difference can impact your residency pathway.

Practical Advice (From Experience)

If you're negotiating an offer:

• Ask the employer directly whether the salary meets Green List residence requirements.
• Confirm whether the wage meets the current median wage threshold.
• Make sure your contract clearly states guaranteed hours and pay rate.

At BRIGENAI, we often see candidates focus only on getting the job — but the salary structure matters just as much if your long-term goal is residence.

If you’re planning your move to New Zealand, you might also find this helpful:
👉 https://www.brigenai.com/destination/new-zealand

Final Thoughts

Yes, there is often a minimum salary requirement for Green List jobs — especially when applying for residence. The exact number depends on:

• The occupation
• The visa type
• The current median wage setting
• Whether a multiple of the median wage applies

Because wage thresholds change over time, always verify through official sources before making decisions.

If you want help reviewing your job offer or mapping out the best visa pathway, BRIGENAI can help you plan strategically — not just move, but move smartly.