If you are a qualified doctor looking to work in New Zealand, it is important to note that to practice as a doctor in New Zealand, you are required to be registered in a scope of practice, instead of registration categories.
The Medical Council of New Zealand has defined three scopes of practice:
- General
- Vocational
- Special purpose scopes
In addition to the above, there is also the following scopes:
- Provisional general scope
- Provisional vocational scope
It is important to note that your scope of practice will depend on your qualifications, experience and your purpose and duration of employment in New Zealand.
The requirements of doctors registering to work in New Zealand
Doctors and medical staff who are not trained in New Zealand or Australia must be registered under a provisional general scope. To assess and confirm the competence of a doctor to practice within a general scope, a doctor will be registered within a provisional general scope for up to two years, along with the conditions outlined below:
- The doctor must work under the scope of general practice in a New Zealand hospital, educational institution or other organisation approved by the Medical Council of New Zealand.
- The doctor must work under supervision of a registered doctor approved by the medical council of New Zealand.
- The doctor must work for at least one year full time or equivalent.
For more information on your pathway to register as a doctor in New Zealand, please consult the New Zealand Medical Council or submit your enquiry here.
Registration and Visa information
When your application is approved you will receive an invitation for a registration interview in New Zealand. The Medical Council of New Zealand will send you a visa for the interview. This visa acts as your proof of registration as a doctor in New Zealand, and is also a requirement of the immigration department of New Zealand. The following fees are required at the time of registration:
- The fee for registration under provisional general scope is currently NZ $425.
- An annual practicing certificate is required to be paid at the time of the interview in New Zealand, which ranges from NZ $270- NZ $675.