Emigrating to a new country is a big decision,
but one that can offer substantial benefits. Moving to New Zealand could
offer you a better standard of living for you and your family. If
you're interested in emigrating, what do you need to consider before you
leave?
Everyone's dreamed of moving to a new country at
some point, but we don't all have the determination to make this a
reality. New Zealand is a favoured country because of its close links
with the UK and due to its similar climate. Before you pack your
suitcase, though, there are some areas that you need to look into.
New Zealand is part of the Commonwealth and is
fortunate to have cultural influences from across the globe, including
British, Irish and American. The traditional Maori tribes still maintain
their specific culture through dance and music. The country consists of
two main islands and a collection of smaller ones.
New Zealand's economy
For
those considering permanent moves to New Zealand, the strength of the
economy is vitally important. Compared with other developed nations,
they've weathered the financial downturn relatively well. Their
unemployment levels remain fairly low at 3.8% and the country is
starting to become less dependent on agriculture.
To start work you'll need an appropriate visa and a
Tax Code Declaration. Most types of visa require you to have an offer of
work before applying. There are a number of professional and skilled
occupations that are required in the country. They're particularly keen
on workers in the following industries:
Healthcare
IT
Agriculture
Construction
Education
Engineering
Science
Oil and gas
Business
The
benefits system in New Zealand is not contribution based, but it is
compulsory for workers and employers to contribute to the Accident
Compensation Scheme. For those who need to claim benefits, there are
restrictions in place for foreign nationals that require them to be
resident in the country for a specific period. Agreements are in place
that speed up the process for British nationals.
The New Zealand lifestyle
One
of the reasons people choose to move to New Zealand is for the quality
of life. The climate is temperate, so the country benefits from warm and
dry summers followed by mild and wet winters. There are large areas of
green space, as well as beaches, forests and mountains. Population
density is relatively low, making the country seem much quieter and more
open than others of its size.
New Zealanders have a more relaxed pace of life and
enjoy shorter commutes. The difference in the cost of living will depend
on where you're moving from. However, as a guide, according to the
Mercer 2012/13 Cost of Living Survey, London is the 26th most expensive
city in the world, whereas Auckland and Wellington are ranked 56th and
74th respectively.
Deciding on permanent moves to New Zealand is not a
decision you can make lightly. It's a good idea to visit the country
first or have someone you know living there already, so you know what to
expect.
AUTHOR BIO
Rebecca Lees writes about
emigration for a range of travel and property websites. Born in the UK,
Rebecca is one of many Brits who've decided to make permanent moves to New Zealand.
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