New Zealand offers a truly unique opportunity to balance your career with an incredible lifestyle. Here are 7 reasons you should choose to relocate

 

New Countries Added to the Comparable Health Systems List – And We’re Here to Help

If you’re a doctor working in Chile, Luxembourg, or Croatia, your pathway to practising medicine in New Zealand just became more accessible.

The Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) has officially added these countries to its list of comparable health systems, joining recent additions Japan and South Korea. This means your clinical experience can now count toward applying for provisional general registration through the Comparable Health System (CHS) pathway.

MCNZ now recognises 29 countries as having health systems comparable to New Zealand’s. If you’ve been practising in any of these countries and meet the eligibility criteria, you could be only a few steps away from joining New Zealand’s healthcare workforce.

How can we Help?

As a recruitment company dedicated to placing skilled IMGs in New Zealand general practice roles, we provide:

• Access to GP roles across the country
• Step-by-step guidance through the registration process
• Support with primary source verification (EPIC)
• Help coordinating supervision requirements with your future employer

Ready to Make the Move?

If you’re a doctor with recent experience in Chile, Luxembourg, Croatia — or any of the 29 approved comparable health systems — now is the time to explore your next career chapter in New Zealand. Our experienced team is ready to walk beside you from registration to relocation.

How to Register with the Medical Council of New Zealand

If you’re looking to work as a doctor in New Zealand, the first essential step is to become registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). With over 20,000 doctors currently practising in the country—and around 9,000 of them coming from overseas—New Zealand is a popular destination for internationally trained medical professionals.

While the registration process is generally straightforward, it does involve a few nuances that overseas doctors should be aware of. That’s where we come in. Our team can guide you through each step, making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Registration Pathways for Overseas Doctors

The MCNZ uses different registration pathways to assess overseas applications. The route you take will depend on your qualifications, experience, and intentions for working in New Zealand.

Each pathway falls under a specific scope of practice. Understanding which one applies to you is key—and we’re here to help you figure that out.

Key Scopes of Practice:

• General Scope
  Typically for doctors in non-specialist roles such as Resident Medical Officers (RMOs) or those in vocational training programs.

• Vocational Scope
  This is for fully trained specialists and allows you to practise independently in your specialty in New Zealand.

• Special Purpose Scope
  Designed for doctors intending to work in New Zealand temporarily—for example, to gain further training, participate in research, or provide assistance during emergencies.

Regardless of your chosen pathway, you must meet the MCNZ’s fitness for registration requirements, which include demonstrating proficiency in English. For most non-specialist pathways, you’ll also need a confirmed job offer in New Zealand before applying for registration and receiving your practising certificate.

MCNZ typically processes registration applications within 20 working days.

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How We Can Help

If you’re thinking about relocating to New Zealand to advance your medical career, we’re here to support you at every stage of the journey.

Our services include:

• Assessing your eligibility and guiding you through the registration process

• Securing job opportunities tailored to your preferences

• Preparing your CV and submitting it to potential employers

• Managing reference checks and providing details about your prospective practice

• Supporting you with interview preparation and contract negotiations

• Assisting with your work visa or permit application

To hear directly from a doctor we’ve helped, check out this video from Dr. Chamal or browse our  Client Testimonials

Read More

Fast-Track GP Specialist Pathway – NZ

The Growing Demand for GPs and Radiologists in NZ

GP Salary New Zealand

 

If you’re thinking about working as a GP in New Zealand, then you are likely to be attracted by a beautiful country offering beaches, nature, outdoor adventures plus national parks for walking and biking.

You may also be thinking about the work – life balance which GPs in New Zealand enjoy and want to find out more about what life is like. One of the questions we’re often asked, is what the salary is for GPs in New Zealand. We will address these and answer your questions below.

A full time working week in New Zealand is 40 hours per week, over 5 days (10 sessions). In reality however, most GPs don’t work full time. The majority of the contracts we see are 32 hours per week which allows for a day off in the week although there is generally scope to work up to 10 sessions if you wish. The pace of work is also more relaxed with standard appointment times of 15 minutes. You can work fewer hours, however on a temporary work visa, the minimum number of hours required is 30 per week.

GP salaries in New Zealand can be stated as an hourly rate or an annual salary. GP income is around $200K – $220K for a full time position of 40 hours per week. This would be pro-rata for less than 10 sessions.

The current average GP Salary in New Zealand is $110.64 NZD per hour.

Contracts are employment agreements which also include paid annual leave and sick leave plus other benefits such as paid medical indemnity insurance, registration fees and sometimes relocation assistance.

How Do NZ Salaries Compare with the UK?

How your NZ GP income compares will depend on the type of practise in the UK. Salaried GPs may find their income slightly more or at least comparable. If however you are in a successful GP Partnership or busy doing Locum or Out of hours shifts, you may find income to be lower.

Money however, is not everything, and what attracts GPs to New Zealand is the lifestyle. It offers a relaxed pace of life, amazing (free!) outdoor and indoor activities for the family, and a well run healthcare system where GPs are looked after.

We have placed many doctors in New Zealand who find the people very friendly and life much more relaxed. If you would like to find out more about working in New Zealand please do get in touch with our team!

Further Reading

GP Recruitment How we can support a move to NZ

What is life like for GPs in New Zealand

 

 

 

Te Kaunihera Rata o Aotearoa, The Medical Council of New Zealand has this announced a GP new fast-track registration which was launched in November 2024 . The new pathway should streamline the registration process, enabling doctors from overseas to join New Zealand’s healthcare system faster and more efficiently.

What will this mean for IMGs?

This is a fantastic opportunity, if you have approved specialist qualifications from UK, Ireland or Australia and considering a move to work in NZ. You can apply to get specialist registration in fields such as general practice, psychiatry, dermatology, emergency medicine, anaesthesia, internal medicine, and anatomical pathology then this new pathway will make it a lot easier and quicker (within 20 days!)

Supporting Work-force needs

The new fast track registration hopes to enable more IMGs to come and work in NZ and address the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. This clever approach still recognises the need to maintain high standards of care, therefore doctors eligible for this registration will have their applications assessed against a set of core requirements to ensure they are well qualified and prepared without needing advice from the specialist medical colleges.

Conclusion

A faster more straightforward pathway makes the transition to practicing in the NZ even more enticing. NZ  is consistently voted one best places to live in the world; whether its the outdoor lifestyle, the culture or more relaxed pace of life your after, get in touch and see how we can help you make your next move.

From the blog:

What do GPs earn in NZ

The Growing Demand for GPs and Radiologists in NZ

Healthcare Shortages: A Pressing Concern

New Zealand has long been recognised for its breathtaking landscapes, excellent quality of life, and friendly communities. However, beyond the scenic allure, the country’s healthcare system is currently grappling with an urgent demand for skilled professionals, particularly General Practitioners (GPs) and Radiologists. This demand is fuelled by several key factors, including an ageing population, healthcare staff shortages, and evolving healthcare needs.

For healthcare professionals in looking for new opportunities and a fresh start, New Zealand presents a compelling option.  As medical imaging plays an increasingly critical role in modern healthcare, the demand for Radiologists has skyrocketed. However, with a limited number of trained specialists in the field, radiology wait times in certain regions have become a significant issue, impacting patient care and diagnosis timelines.

Ageing Population and Rising Healthcare Demands

According to Statistics New Zealand, 1 in every 6 people in New Zealand were in these older age groups. In 2028, 1 in 5 people in the population will be 65+ years.  This ageing demographic requires more medical services, especially in primary care and diagnostic fields like radiology, leading to higher demand for GPs and Radiologists who can manage complex health issues, chronic diseases, and provide timely diagnoses.

As these demands continue to rise, the New Zealand government has prioritised healthcare, making it a favourable environment for international medical professionals looking to make a meaningful difference in their careers.

Attracting Skilled Professionals

Recognising the urgency of the situation, New Zealand has been actively recruiting skilled medical professionals from abroad, especially from countries like the UK where the training standards are comparable. To attract talent, the government has introduced several incentives:

• Streamlined immigration pathways: Doctors and medical professionals are on skilled migrant lists, which allows for fast-tracked visa processing and a smoother transition.
• Higher salaries for GPs and Radiologists and support for relocation, more balanced work-life balance, flexible working conditions, and access to stunning nature, make it highly attractive.

Doctor Market Trends

With healthcare systems around the world facing pressures, New Zealand’s targeted approach to attracting international talent has created a prime opportunity for UK GPs and Radiologists seeking change.

• Growing number of vacancies: More positions are being created and the opportunity for long-term, stable employment is strong.
• Focus on innovation: New Zealand’s healthcare system is investing in modernising medical technology, particularly in radiology, where AI and advanced imaging techniques are being embraced.
• Rural healthcare focus: The government is offering attractive packages and incentives for doctors willing to practice in more remote areas.

For healthcare professionals tired of the increasing pressures of the NHS, New Zealand offers a refreshing balance of rewarding work and a better quality of life.

How Transition Medical is Leading the Way

We recognise relocating for work is a significant decision, and we pride ourselves on making that transition as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team has extensive experience in connecting UK GPs and Radiologists with GP opportunities or Radiology jobs in New Zealand’s healthcare system, offering:

Personalised recruitment services: We take the time to understand your unique needs and career goals, ensuring the right match with healthcare providers in New Zealand.

End-to-end support: From visa applications and medical registration to finding the perfect role, we provide comprehensive support every step of the way.

Trusted network: Following our visit earlier this year visiting the GP practices to continue to build our relationships, we are able to give you access to some of the best opportunities in the country.

If you’re ready for a change and want to explore new horizons, Transition Medical is here to help guide you through the process with expert advice and dedicated support.

Reach out to Transition Medical today and take the first step toward an exciting new chapter in your medical career!

GP Recruitment New Zealand

Moving to NZ as a GP is something you’ve probably been thinking about for some time and wondering when is the right time to make the move. Living and working down under has many benefits – a wonderful work / life balance, amazing scenery and outdoor activities and of course much more time with the family.

Kirsty and Emma have just returned from a wonderful trip to New Zealand, meeting practices and seeing first hand the benefits of working as a GP in New Zealand.

UK trained GPs are still very much in demand in New Zealand, and we have lots of fabulous GP jobs to choose from across both the north and south island.

Relocating to New Zealand as a GP can be a daunting process so you want to make sure you have the right team behind you to support you all the way.

Why Choose Transition Medical?

Our team will support you through the entire process from initial arranging of interviews and advice on contracts through to managing your medical registration and visa application.

It’s a reasonably complex and time consuming process where the advice and support we can provide is invaluable. Once we have secured you your dream job, the next step is to apply to the Medical Council of New Zealand.

The MCNZ have strict English language requirements, comparability and referencing requirements. We will advise on which Registration pathway is most appropriate for your experience, qualifications and long-term (or short term) goals for working in New Zealand.

In general, the MCNZ recognise GP training from the UK and Ireland. Unlike Australia, it doesn’t matter if you don’t have the MRCGP qualification making it easier to find a post if you don’t have it. If you haven’t completed your GP training in the UK or Ireland then you are eligible if you have a minimum of 33 months experience from a comparable country.

As part of our expert GP Recruitment team, we have Licenced Immigration Advisors who will advise on the most appropriate visa for you and your family and ensure this application is processed seamlessly.

Once your visa has been approved, we will support you in arranging Professional Indemnity Insurance, setting up new bank accounts, arranging your final Medical Council interview and much more.

Once in New Zealand, you will be allocated a Supervisor within the practice who will be on hand to ensure your smooth transition into practice. All new doctors entering New Zealand have this requirement and find it extremely useful whilst getting to grips with the new healthcare system.

We have many years experience finding GPs jobs for GPs moving to New Zealand and managing all the paperwork associated. If you have any questions or wish to discuss your next steps don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

Further Reading:

What is life like for GPs in New Zealand

Hear what life is life for a GP who is working in Auckland

8 Reasons to GPs to move to New Zealand

How does the Cost of Living compare in New Zealand to the UK

We have highlighted 8 key benefits to working as a GP in New Zealand

GP Registration Eligibility 

The New Zealand Medical Council recognise GP training from the UK and Ireland. Unlike Australia, it doesn’t alter your registration pathway if you don’t have the MRCGP qualification making it easier to find a post if you don’t have it. If you haven’t completed your GP training in the UK or Ireland then you are eligible if you have a minimum of 33 months recent GP experience from one of the 24 comparable countries.

The Medical Registration and NZ Visa process is relatively quick

It only takes approximately 2 – 3 months from start to finish. We’ll find you the job first and once the contract has been signed guide you through the registration and visa applications. We have a Specialist Immigration Advisor regulated by the Immigration Advisers Authority New Zealand to manage the visa for you and your family. There are options for temporary and permanent work visas.

Ideal opportunity to try it out

Due to the ease and time taken for the registration process, it’s much easier to secure a shorter GP locum contracts from 12 months. This allows you to have a working holiday or a taster before committing to a permanent position.

No restrictions on where you can work

Unlike Australia where you have to work in a District of Workforce shortage, New Zealand doesn’t have the same restrictions allowing us to find you a GP job in any practice and any location.

More time with patients

The majority of practices have standard 15 minute appointment times – this means less stress and a less intense working schedule. Better for patients and doctors!

Low Income tax rate 

Most of your salary in New Zealand will be taxed at 33% with only over $180k per annum being taxed at 39%. There is no National Insurance payments and tax of goods and services is only 15%.

Work / Life balance

General practice is taken seriously however time outside of work is high priority. Commuting isn’t the same headache as it is in the UK and you’re never far away from a beach or national park.

Finally – New Zealand has outstanding natural beauty and a fantastic outdoor lifestyle

There is a nationwide passion for sports and outdoor activities and the South Island is the birthplace of adventure sports like bungee jumping and skydiving. There is a great climate, offering more sunshine hours and alfresco living!

If you wish to discuss further, please do get in touch with our GP recruitment specialists or view our GP jobs page.

Further Reading

Find out what it’s like to work as a GP in New Zealand in our recent blog post and GP guide

Is there an age limit for GPs in New Zealand?

Cost of living as a doctor in New Zealand

 

What is it like to work as a GP in New Zealand

Before you start your New Zealand GP Job search, you may want to find out more about day to day life in New Zealand.

There are just 5.3 million New Zealanders, scattered across 270,534 sq km: bigger than the UK with one-fourteenth the population. New Zealand is the land of extremes with sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and glaziers. It is relatively easy to travel around with distances between different towns and cities not being too great. Transport networks are well developed with airports throughout the country and well maintained highways.

It is made up of two main islands and numerous smaller ones: the North Island (known as Te Ika-a-Maui in Maori) is the more populous of the two, and is separated by the Cook Strait from the somewhat larger but much less populated South Island (or Te Waipounamu).

New Zealand is consistently rated as a country with one of the highest qualities of life in the world. It offers a safe environment for the whole family offering a great outdoor lifestyle.  New Zealand is an increasing multicultural society that appeals due to its diversity, laid back way of life and temperate climate.

New Zealand People

This former British colony has a population mainly of European descent but with an important indigenous Māori minority of mixed blood, a rapidly growing Asian minority, and smaller minorities of Polynesians, people from the Americas, South Africans and African.

The people of New Zealand are famed for their relaxed and friendly approach. More than one million New Zealanders were born overseas.

New Zealand Climate

New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderate rainfall and many hours of sunshine. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can get as cold as -10°C in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast with milder temperatures.

The average New Zealand temperature decreases as you travel south.  With their summer over January and February, these are the warmest months, and July is the coldest month of the year. In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC (70-90°F) and in winter between 10-15ºC (50-60°F).

Most places in New Zealand receive over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, with the sunniest areas – Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Nelson/Marlborough – receiving over 2,350 hours. As New Zealand observes daylight saving, during summer months daylight can last up until 9.30pm.

Cost of Living as a GP in New Zealand

Cost of living in New Zealand will very much depend on which part of the country you relocate. We took a trip to New Zealand in April 2024 and found the day to day expenses to be fairly similar to that in the UK. Eating out and travelling around were fairly similar to the UK. Filling a tank of fuel was much cheaper however buying household groceries is more expensive.  Overall the cost of living in New Zealand is, on average, 8.0% lower than in United Kingdom.

Chatting to GPs we placed in New Zealand said they found the weekly grocery shop was almost double however by eating food in season and having access to fresh food local farmers markets really helped.

One independent international survey ranked Auckland 58th in the world in terms of its cost of living, and Wellington 75th, far better than other major cities. Such cities included Hong Kong (3), Singapore (4), New York (16), London (25), Sydney (26), Melbourne (33) and Guangzhou (31) – showing that comparatively, New Zealand’s major metropolitan areas are more affordable. See our recent blog piece on cost of living for a GP in New Zealand

For an up to date costs of different items please see here 

New Zealand GP Registration Process

The registration process for New Zealand is relatively straightforward and usually takes a month to complete the application with the Medical Council of New Zealand.  To complete the full immigration and registration process you should allow 3 months after we have secured you a position. You will be eligible for registration if you hold a specialist GP certificate (i.e. MRCGP / MICGP / JCPTGP / PMETB).

If you hold your GP qualification from another country then you may be eligible for ‘comparable healthcare.’ registration.  You will be required to hold 3 years of comparable healthcare experience. Please see the MCNZ website for a full list of comparable countries.

All new registrants, regardless of seniority, must work under supervision for the first 6-12 months in New Zealand to become familiar with the culture.  During this time you will be registered within a provisional general scope of practice and performance will be assessed by senior colleagues.

You will be required to complete certain requirements to be registered within a general scope. This will cause minimal impact on your day to day job and you will still be able to see patients independently.

NZ Visa for GPs 

To assist you through the complex immigration process we work with a Licensed Immigration Advisor who is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority New Zealand. Our Immigration Advisor, Nicola, will expertly assist you and manage your visa process for you and your family. There are options for either a temporary work visa or a Straight to Residence visa which can be applied for from your home country.

What does a GP earn in New Zealand?

Most doctors work between 6 – 8 sessions per week. Your working hours will dependant on the practice requirements and the type of visa you hold. The temporary work visa (Accredited Employer work visa) requires a minimum of 30 hours per week however if you apply for the Straight to Residence visa, there are no restrictions on your working hours.

Unlike Australia, there are no restrictions on where you can practise as a GP in New Zealand allowing you the option to choose where to live and work; be it in the city centre, by the beach or somewhere more rural.

As a GP moving to New Zealand you will be offered an employed, salary position ($220k – $250k NZD for a full time position). You may perhaps have the option to buy into the practice or take over the practice at a later date.  Work / life balance is excellent in New Zealand, most GPs only see 4 patients per hour allowing more time with patients and less bureaucracy and paperwork.

NZ Tax Rate 

April 2025

10.5%              $0 to $15,600

17.5%              $15,601 to $53,500

30%                 $53,501 to $78,100

33%                 $78,101 to $180,000

39%                 $180,000 and above

For more detailed up to date tax information please see the tax office website

Income tax calculator

New Zealand Schools and Education

There’s a choice of three types of school in New Zealand – state schools (funded by the government), ‘state integrated’ schools and private schools.

State schools are the choice for the vast majority of New Zealand children (85%). Schooling is free at these schools, although parents are asked for a contribution to help cover costs of activities that are outside of the core curriculum. Typically this will be around NZ$350- $600. There will also be other charges for sports, school trips, special tuition, exam fees, and other course related costs.

‘State integrated’ schools are schools with a special character – they may be run by a particular religious faith e.g. Catholic or use specialist education methods like Steiner or Montessori. Just over 10% of students are enrolled at these schools. Education in state integrated schools is also funded by the government but the schools may charge fees for various facilities which are usually around NZ$2,500 a year. Just under 5% of children go to private schools which charge around NZ$30,000 – $55,000 in fees a year.

School usually starts at 9am and runs to 3pm or 3:30pm. There are four school terms running from late January to mid-December with two-week breaks between them and a six-week summer break at the end of the year.

New Zealand Accommodation

Most GPs choose to rent a property in New Zealand first and buy later when settled. Housing varies greatly across the country.  Prices tend to be higher in the cities with Auckland being the most expensive and slightly lower on the south island.  For more information on property please see Realestate.co.nz and TradeMe

New Zealand Healthcare System

Primary healthcare, including general practice, out-patient services, and prescriptions, is funded by a combination of public subsidy and private contributions. General Practitioners provide primary, community based, comprehensive and continuing patient-centred care to individuals, families and the community. Many general practices run as private businesses and set their own fees which are paid by the patient.

The cost of a visit will be lower if you’re enrolled with the GP, because the government subsidises the fee. Some general practices join a ‘low cost access’ programme run by their primary health organisation (PHO) which is overseen by the local District Health Board. This means they get extra government funding to keep their fees at low levels.  GPs, Practice Nurses, Māori health providers and other primary healthcare providers work together to meet the health requirements of the local people, with PHOs funded according to the demographics and needs of their population.

Secondary healthcare services, including acute hospital treatment, are free to those who meet the eligibility criteria. New Zealand has a reciprocal agreement with the UK to provide free treatment. There is strong uptake of private health insurance (as in Australia), partially triggered by long waits for state hospital treatment.

Speak to Our GP Recruitment Team

Thinking about relocating to New Zealand? Our experienced GP team are here to help. We can advise on everything from visa queries to questions about the cost of living in New Zealand. Speak to us today to get started on your move down under or browse some of our excellent GP Jobs in New Zealand. 

Further Reading
8 Benefits of Moving to New Zealand
Is there an age limit for GPs
The Cost of Living as a Doctor in New Zealand

Useful Links
Medical Council of New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand 

Education