4 min read
Moving to New Zealand is an exciting adventure, but many newcomers unknowingly overlook critical tasks before leaving their previous home.
If you don’t take care of certain paperwork before arriving, you might face frustrating delays, extra costs, or even difficulties settling in. To avoid common mistakes when relocating to New Zealand, here are three essential steps you should complete before your move.
1. Check Your Driver’s License—Can You Convert It in NZ?
One of the most overlooked mistakes when relocating to New Zealand is assuming you can easily convert your overseas driver’s license to an NZ license—only to find out your license doesn’t meet the requirements.
New Zealand requires that you have held a full driver’s license for at least two years to be eligible for conversion. However, there are two common pitfalls that prevent people from converting their licenses:
- No “Issue Date” on Your License: If your current license does not show the date it was issued, NZ authorities may assume it is new.
- License Issued Less Than Two Years Ago: If your license states that it was issued less than two years ago, even if you’ve been driving for longer, NZ authorities will not recognize your previous experience.
What You Should Do Before Your Move:
To avoid licensing complications in NZ, contact your country’s licensing authority before you leave and request:
- A formal statement or printout confirming your full license history (must state that you have been driving for more than two years).
Without this, you may be required to start the New Zealand licensing process from scratch, including theory tests and practical driving exams—something easily avoided with proper documentation before moving. Always be sure to check on the AA website for specific requirements when converting an overseas license.
2. Get Proof of Your Rental or Mortgage History Before Leaving
Another common mistake when relocating to New Zealand is arriving with no rental or financial history to support your tenancy applications. Many newcomers struggle to secure rental accommodation because they can’t provide tenancy references from their previous country.
Most tenancy applications in New Zealand request rental references, but newcomers often don’t have these if they were homeowners in their previous country.
What You Should Do Before Departure Day:
If you rented:
- Ask your current landlord for a reference letter stating you were a responsible tenant, paid on time, and had no evictions.
- If possible, request a printout of your rental payment history.
If you were a homeowner:
- Ask your mortgage company to provide a statement confirming your payment history or a general financial reference.
- Print your own account statements showing consistent mortgage payments.
Note: We will be writing a detailed guide on how to prepare a successful tenancy application package, including how to present your documents effectively and strengthen your rental profile. Once completed, I’ll link it here for easy reference.
3. Get Pet Documentation If You’re Bringing an Animal
If you’re importing a pet to New Zealand, you will already be following the strict requirements outlined by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), including vaccinations, quarantine, and transport regulations. However, many pet parents make the mistake of assuming rental approvals will be easy—only to find that landlords have strict pet policies.
Landlords in New Zealand often have strict pet policies, and securing a pet-friendly rental can be challenging without supporting documentation.
What You Should Do Before Departure Day:
To strengthen your rental application, ask your veterinarian to provide a letter of recommendation stating:
- Your pet’s general health and vaccination status.
- Confirmation that you are a responsible pet owner.
- A statement that your pet is well-behaved and suitable for tenancy.
Tip: Even if a property listing says “no pets”, some landlords will make exceptions for responsible pet owners—having strong documentation can make all the difference in securing approval.
The Takeaway
Many newcomers overlook important paperwork before leaving their previous home, leading to unexpected challenges when relocating to New Zealand.
- Ensure your driver’s license is eligible for conversion—otherwise, you may need to start fresh.
- Gather rental or mortgage documentation so rental applications are smoother.
- Prepare pet references if you’re bringing an animal to secure pet-friendly housing.
By handling these tasks before moving, you’ll avoid common mistakes, save time, and settle into your new home with fewer hassles.
Need more guidance on tenancy applications? Stay tuned for our upcoming article on how to build a strong rental application in New Zealand!
