Are you an internationally qualified nurse planning to work in New Zealand? Great news! New Zealand is known for its high-quality healthcare system and offers amazing opportunities for overseas nurses. But before you can start your nursing career there, you need to register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step nursing registration requirements for New Zealand in 2025. This guide is written in simple words to help you understand what documents and qualifications are needed, and how to get started.
New Zealand Nursing Council Registration Requirements
There are quite a few requirements you’ll need to meet before you can register as a nurse in New Zealand — and we know it can get a bit confusing. That’s why we’ve broken everything down clearly, in a simple way, so it’s easier to follow. No need to feel overwhelmed — just take it one section at a time.
Identity
The first and most basic step in your nursing registration journey is proving your identity. It may sound simple, but many applicants make mistakes here that cause unnecessary delays. So let’s make sure you get it right the first time. To prove who you are, you’ll need to provide notarised or certified colour copies of your current passport (this is mandatory) and at least one other photo ID. That could be your driver’s license or another government-issued photo ID, as long as it includes a clear photo of you. Keep in mind, your name must be written the same across all documents — no abbreviations or nicknames. If your name has changed due to marriage, divorce, or any other reason, you’ll need to include certified copies of those documents too, like your marriage certificate or legal name change affidavit.
You’ll be sending these to TruMerit (by CGFNS) for verification, so make sure everything is up-to-date and matches exactly. If you’re unsure whether a document is acceptable or how to get it notarised, it’s okay — take your time and ask for help from your local notary or visa consultant.
English Language Requirement
Talking about one of the most frequently asked questions: Do I need to pass an English test to register as a nurse in New Zealand? The answer is yes — unless you’re from a few specific countries. But don’t worry, we’ll guide you through it. The Nursing Council of New Zealand accepts only two English tests: IELTS (Academic version) and OET (Occupational English Test). IELTS score for Nurses in New Zealand, you need: 7.0 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, and 6.5 in Writing. For OET, you need: 350 in Listening, Reading, and Speaking, 300 in Writing.
Here’s some good news: You don’t need to achieve all scores in one sitting! You can combine scores from multiple sittings within 12 months, as long as all tests were taken in the three years before your application. Also, make sure you take your test in an approved test centre. Online-at-home tests are not accepted — only those taken at recognised centres (including computer-based versions with in-person components) will be valid. Remember, PTE is not accepted at all by the Council.
Current Nursing Registration: Already a Licensed Nurse?
Many nurses ask, “I’m already registered in my home country. Do I still need to register in New Zealand?” Yes, you do. Your current registration helps, but it’s not enough on its own. To apply in New Zealand, you must be currently registered as a nurse overseas with an official nursing authority. The Nursing Council will also check your last 10 years of practice. If you’ve worked in different countries during that time, you’ll need to provide registration proof from each of them. Make sure your registrations are still valid or were valid recently. If you’ve never been registered as a nurse before, you won’t be able to apply.
Nursing Qualifications: Do They Match New Zealand Standards?
Another big step is getting your qualifications assessed. The Council will check if your nursing education is equivalent to that in New Zealand. This means they want to see if your training covered the same topics and clinical practice hours. If you are applying as a Registered Nurse, you should have a Bachelor of Nursing or higher degree that led to your original registration. If you are applying as an Enrolled Nurse, a Diploma in Enrolled Nursing (or equivalent) is required. The Council might ask for extra documents like course outlines or transcripts. If your degree doesn’t closely match NZ standards, you may need to complete additional assessments — more on that below!
Post-Registration Experience: How Many Hours Have You Worked?
Here’s a really important point many applicants miss: You must have at least 1,800 hours of nursing practice after you got registered. This experience proves that you’re not only qualified but also skilled in real-world healthcare environments. You’ll need to declare this experience to TruMerit (CGFNS New Zealand), and they will verify it. So, don’t rush to apply if you haven’t completed your 1,800 hours yet. It’s better to wait a little and apply with all your hours done, rather than face delays or rejections. If you haven’t worked in nursing for the last 10 years, or your work experience is limited, the Council might ask for more proof or even direct you to do a competency assessment.
Competency to Practise – Are You Ready to Work in NZ?
Once you meet the registration, qualification, and experience requirements, the next step is to prove your competence to practise safely in New Zealand’s healthcare system. If your education was in the UK, USA, Singapore, Ireland, British Columbia (Canada), or Ontario, you might not need to take extra exams. But if your education was from another country, you need to clear an exam pathway. A theoretical exam (online) + a two-day preparation course + a three-hour clinical OSCE exam in New Zealand.
Cultural Competence: Understanding New Zealand’s Values
In New Zealand, cultural safety is a big part of healthcare. That’s why if you’re an internationally qualified nurse, you’ll need to complete the “Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand” programme before you can register. This includes two short, free online courses that help you understand the culture, values, and expectations around nursing in New Zealand:
- Nga Paerewa Te Tiriti Module 1 – This course explains the Treaty of Waitangi, the concept of equity, and important Māori health values.
- Foundations in Cultural Competence – This one takes you through New Zealand’s history, health literacy, and how to provide care that includes everyone.
Once you finish these, you’ll get certificates. You’ll need to upload those to your MyIQN portal as part of your registration. These courses aren’t just a formality — they really help you understand the people you’ll be caring for. It’s all about being a nurse who respects and supports New Zealand’s diverse communities.
Fitness to Practice: Criminal History Checks
Finally, the Nursing Council must ensure you’re safe to practise. You’ll need to complete a criminal background check through Fit2Work, covering all countries you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the past 7 years. If you’ve lived in New Zealand for more than 6 months, you’ll also need a Ministry of Justice (MOJ) check. The Council will tell you when to start these — usually after they invite you to apply formally.
West Highlander Immigration
Still feeling lost with the New Zealand nursing registration process? You’re definitely not alone, many internationally qualified nurses feel the same at first. There’s a lot of information out there, and it’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed. But, with the right support and guidance, this journey can be smooth and achievable. Thousands of nurses have already made it, and so can you! One person who has helped countless applicants is Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Adviser and the Director of West Highlander Immigration. With her expert knowledge and years of hands-on experience, she’s guided many nurses to successfully start their careers in New Zealand. You’re just a step away from turning your dream into reality!