Jeroen(38)

I worked ten years in cybersecurity at a large consultancy in the Netherlands. The salary was good (EUR 85,000), but the tax burden, the housing market and the traffic meant I kept less and less. When I discovered that cybersecurity specialists were on INZ's Green List — with a Straight to Residence pathway — I started researching seriously. The combination of fast-tracked visa and a better work-life balance convinced me.

The Green List has two categories: Straight to Residence (you get residence immediately) and Work to Residence (work two years first). Cybersecurity analyst (ANZSCO 262112) is in the first category. I needed a job offer from an Accredited Employer, a relevant degree (my master's in computer science counted) and at least three years of experience. With my background and CISSP certification it was a match.

My employer is a New Zealand company providing security services to government and the financial sector. The office is in the Auckland CBD, and the team is a mix of Kiwis, Brits, Indians and South Africans. The salary is NZ$140,000 — less than in the US, but more than in the Netherlands after tax. The top tax bracket in NZ is 39% above NZ$180,000, versus 49.5% in the Netherlands above EUR 73,000.

Auckland is expensive, but not more expensive than Amsterdam when you factor in the tax burden. I rent an apartment in Ponsonby for NZ$550 per week. The city has a thriving tech scene, with meetups, conferences and a growing startup ecosystem. The government is investing heavily in cybersecurity — after the Waikato District Health Board attack in 2021 it became a national priority.

KiwiSaver is the pension savings scheme here. My employer contributes 4%, I contribute 3%, and the government adds an annual contribution of NZ$521. It's simpler than the Dutch pension system and you can use the money for your first home purchase. I'm considering buying a house in the West Auckland area, where prices are around NZ$850,000 — still expensive, but mortgage rates are dropping.

My advice to IT professionals: check the Green List and look specifically at the Straight to Residence category. It saves you years of uncertainty. Cybersecurity, software engineering, data engineering — New Zealand has an acute shortage and the compensation is competitive. I received my residence within three months of arrival. In what other country can you achieve that as an ICT professional?