What Do The New Specific Purpose Visas For Contractors And Independent Professionals Really Demand?

Summary

• From 20 October 2026, New Zealand’s Contractual Service Supplier and Independent Professional work visas require at least six years’ relevant experience, plus a degree-level qualification and one year with the overseas employer for contractors, or a level 4 qualification and a labour market test for independent professionals.
• The routes are closed to suppliers with a New Zealand office and to recruitment, labour hire, Employer of Record and Contractor of Record arrangements.
• Visas last up to 12 months and give partners and children no visa rights, which can exclude experts without formal qualifications, new suppliers, and urgent or overrunning projects.
• This article from LegalVision’s business lawyers explains the new Specific Purpose work visa categories for businesses bringing overseas contractors and independent professionals into New Zealand.