Skilled South Africans welcomed by one of the safest countries in the world – getting paid up to R4.2 million

·1 Nov 2026

South Africa is one of the top feeder countries for New Zealand to fill critical skills gaps due to shared language, internationally recognised qualifications, and ease of transition.

These skilled South Africans are also earning salaries of up to R4.2 million per year, attracting professionals and tradespeople.

New Zealand is ranked the second-most peaceful in the world and has become a popular destination for South Africans looking for better employment opportunities, greater safety, and an improved quality of life.

According to the 2026 Global Peace Index, published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, New Zealand ranks second among 163 countries, up from third in 2025. It is also the most peaceful country in the Asia-Pacific region.

More than 95,000 South Africans now live in New Zealand, up from just over 71,000 in 2018. The country has consistently ranked among the top five destinations for South African emigrants since 2010.

In 2024, 4,132 South Africans became New Zealand citizens, up from 3,387 in 2023. South Africans now account for approximately 10% of new citizens, making them the third-largest group of overseas-born nationals.

Quinton Keyser, Network and Growth Manager for CENTURY 21 New Zealand, said South Africans are attracted by the country’s quality of life, safety, and natural surroundings.

Many also move for better employment prospects or to join family members who have already settled there.

Shared language and cultural connections, including a common interest in rugby, can make the transition easier.

New Zealand has also adjusted its immigration system to attract workers with the skills its economy needs.

Reforms announced in September 2025 introduced additional pathways to residence for experienced professionals and qualified tradespeople.

These include a skilled work experience pathway for people with five years of relevant experience in certain occupations, as well as a trades and technician pathway for workers with recognised qualifications.

The top jobs for South Africans

The Green List also provides faster routes to residency for selected occupations in sectors experiencing shortages, including healthcare, engineering, and construction.

South African qualifications can offer an advantage in certain professions because of existing international recognition arrangements.

For example, South Africa is classified as a comparable health system by New Zealand’s Medical Council, allowing eligible doctors to pursue registration without having to write the New Zealand Registration Examination.

However, professional registration and supervised practice requirements still apply.

Engineering qualifications accredited through the Engineering Council of South Africa also benefit from international agreements that support recognition in New Zealand.

Medical specialists, including surgeons, anaesthetists, psychiatrists and radiologists, can earn between NZ$210,000 and NZ$380,000, or more per year.

This works out to approximately R2.3 million to R4.2 million. General practitioners can earn between NZ$160,000 and NZ$260,000 (R1.5 million to R2.4 million).

Senior information technology professionals, including cybersecurity specialists and cloud engineers, can earn between NZ$120,000 and NZ$170,000 (R1.1 million to R1.6 million), or more.

Chartered engineers can earn between NZ$110,000 and NZ$165,000 (R1 million to R1.55 million). Construction project managers and quantity surveyors can earn between NZ$105,000 and NZ$155,000 (R980,000 to R1.5 million).

Registered nurses can earn approximately NZ$85,000 to NZ$115,000 annually (R799,000 to R1 million), while heavy diesel mechanics, fitters, turners and boilermakers can earn between NZ$75,000 and NZ$105,000 (R700,000 to R990,000).