Reviewed by John Hu, Principal Consultant at John Hu Migration Consulting.
A granted visa is only the start. After moving to New Zealand, the first things to sort are the admin basics: IRD number, bank account, tax code and tax return. This guide follows Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and Inland Revenue (IRD) sources.
1. Before you travel: the IRD number
- If you earn NZ income you need an IRD number; without one you are taxed at the highest rate;
- New arrivals can apply through IRD’s new arrival process, or from overseas;
- IRD advises applying before your visa travel date expires; afterwards you apply as “living in New Zealand”;
- Applying from overseas requires a functioning NZ bank account or an IR997 form (resident visa and Australian passport holders excepted, per IRD).
INZ says opening a bank account needs an IRD number; the two are linked, so follow current IRD and bank requirements for the order.
2. Month one: bank and tax code
- Open a bank account;
- Give your employer (if any) your IRD number and correct tax code, or be taxed at the highest rate;
- Know the tax year: 1 April to 31 March.
3. First-year tax essentials
| Item | Key point (INZ) |
|---|---|
| PAYE | Employer deducts tax and pays IRD |
| Returns | Whether an IR3 is required depends on income and IRD rules |
| IR3 | May be needed for overseas, rental or investment income |
| GST | Goods and services tax applies to most goods and services |
| Other | No general inheritance tax; capital gains and property-related tax need case-specific review |
How overseas income is taxed, and whether the temporary tax exemption (TTE) applies, must be confirmed by a New Zealand tax adviser; we make no judgement here.
4. Housing, schools, health
- Housing: decide short-term stay, rent or buy, and proximity to schools or family;
- Schools: early childhood, school and tertiary systems; choose by area;
- Health: publicly subsidised; see INZ “Getting health care and finding a doctor”.
Driver licence conversion, KiwiSaver and GP enrolment timelines were not verified here; check official sites.
5. A checklist for Hong Kong families
- Before your visa travel date: apply for an IRD number;
- First week: bank account, housing, mobile;
- Before starting work: give IRD number and tax code to your employer;
- First year: understand filing duties (new tax year from 1 April);
- Confirm overseas-income treatment with licensed advisers and a tax adviser.
For visa routes see New Zealand immigration and NZ investment immigration.
JHM’s IAA-licensed New Zealand advisers can assess your visa route.
FAQ
Q: Can I get an IRD number before arriving? Yes, from overseas, but IRD requires an NZ bank account or IR997 form; check IRD.
Q: What if I have no IRD number? Income is taxed at the highest rate.
Q: Must I file a return in year one? Not necessarily. Whether an IR3 is required depends on your income and IRD rules; ask IRD or a tax adviser.
For reference only; not legal advice. Policies, fees and dates may change; outcomes vary with applicant background and official requirements. Consult qualified professionals on legal and tax matters.
📞 Hotline: (852) 3568 1436 WhatsApp: (852) 9178 8523 Free assessment: contact JHM
Sources: INZ: Paying taxes in New Zealand; IRD: Work or study in New Zealand; INZ: Setting up your life