NEW ZEALAND
Overview
New Zealand is a stunning island nation know for its dramatic landscapes, from snow capped mountains to lush rain forests and crystal clear lakes. Adventure seekers can enjoy hiking, skiing and extreme sports whilst surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Rich in Māori culture, New Zealand offers a mix of tradition and modernity that appeals to many visitors every year (Official New Zealand Tourism , 2025).
Physiotherapy Overview
Employment
The Physiotherapy profession appears on Immigration New Zealand’s Long Term Skills Shortage List. This means the New Zealand government is actively encouraging skilled physiotherapists from overseas to work in New Zealand (Careers Govt NZ, 2025).
Income
In New Zealand, physiotherapists earn on average $64000-$99000 per year depending on experience, location and employment type (Careers Govt NZ, 2025)
Licensing and Registration
Regulatory Body: Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand (PBNZ)
APRHA register physiotherapists are entitled to seek registration in New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition (TTMR) Act (The Parliamentary Counsel Office, 2023).
Read more about TTMR act here
Process: 1. Submit application → Application is reviewed → Registration approved →2. Apply for APC → APC approved → Issued a Health Practitioner Index (HPI)
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- Application and registration – $460
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You will need to provide the following documents:
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- Passport or Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Good Standing (COGS) from AHPRA
- Police Certificates from any country you lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years since the age of 18
- Degree or Academic transcript associated with your primary physiotherapy degree
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Find out more about the application process by clicking on the link.
2. Apply for Annual Practising Certificate (APC) – $414
Annual Practising Certificate is required for anyone practising physiotherapy in New Zealand in any voluntary or paid role.
It should take 1-2 weeks for APC to be reviewed and approved.
For more information regarding APC, click the link.
(Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, 2024)
Work Permit/ Visa
You do not need a visa to work in New Zealand if you are an Australian citizen (New Zealand Immigration, 2025).
Cost Of Living
Cost of Living Index: New Zealand – 59.3 Australia – 63.0
The average lifestyle in New Zealand is 3.7% cheaper than the same lifestyle in Australia.
(Numbeo, 2025)
Lived Experience
Hear about Lulus experience living and working in New Zealand for 2 years.
Lulu studied her Bachelors of Physiotherapy at Monash University and worked for 3 years at the Austin Hospital before moving to New Zealand and working in a hospital in The Hut in pain, rehab and orthopaedics wards. She then moved to the UK to pursue further work and travel.
References
Careers Govt NZ. (2025). Physiotherapist. Govt.nz. https://www.careers.govt.nz/jobs-database/health-and-community/health/physiotherapist/#job-opportunities
New Zealand Immigration. (2025). Visas for working in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/visas-for-working-in-new-zealand/
Numbeo. (2025). Cost of Living Index by Country 2025. Numbeo.com. https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/rankings_by_country.jsp
Official New Zealand Tourism . (2025). Welcome to New Zealand. The Official Site for New Zealand Tourism. Www.newzealand.com. https://www.newzealand.com/au/
Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. (2024). Annual Practising Certificate (APC). Mercury IT. https://physioboard.org.nz/i-am-registered/your-practising-status
Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. (2025). Australian TTMR Pathway. Mercury IT. https://physioboard.org.nz/australian-ttmr-pathway
The Parliamentary Counsel Office. (2023). Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 No 60 (as at 24 January 2023), Public Act – New Zealand Legislation. Www.legislation.govt.nz. https://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1997/0060/latest/whole.html