The trade agreement with India creates two employment routes for selected occupations. These are temporary work options without a pathway to residence.
The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement entered into force on 20 October 2026, introducing the India Skilled Work Visa and India Iconic Work Visa.
The routes allow up to 5,000 visa holders to be in New Zealand at any one time. This is a limit on the number of holders present in the country, rather than an annual allocation of new visas.
Applicants need a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer and must meet the relevant professional, English language, health and character requirements. The visas allow stays of up to three years.
What this means for employers and workers
Businesses recruiting Indian citizens can assess these routes for eligible positions. Before starting an application, employers should check both the occupation’s eligibility and their accreditation.
Workers planning a permanent move should assess residence options separately: these visas do not provide a pathway to residence.