Direct AnswerNew Zealand buyers became eligible for E-1/E-2 treaty trader and investor visas in 2019 (under the KIWI Act), opening a pathway that didn't exist before. Kiwis are also common O-1 and L-1 candidates, especially in entertainment and tech. The US and New Zealand have an income tax treaty; importantly, there is no US-NZ Social Security totalization agreement, so coordinate Social Security carefully. KiwiSaver carries US reporting considerations. Kiwi buyers typically land in the Conejo Valley, Calabasas, Westlake, and beach communities, with a climate close to Auckland/Wellington. Brian handles the real estate; he is a REALTOR®, not an attorney or CPA.

New Zealand's relocation picture mirrors Australia's in many ways - with one recent and important addition: E-1/E-2 treaty visa eligibility since 2019.

Visa pathways (general overview)

  • E-1/E-2 treaty trader/investor - New Zealand nationals became eligible in 2019 (the KIWI Act), so this is a relatively new pathway for Kiwi entrepreneurs and investors.
  • O-1 (extraordinary ability) - common in NZ's strong film and creative sector (post-production, VFX, and screen talent).
  • L-1 intracompany transfer - for multinational-employer moves.
  • Family-based routes for qualifying relatives.

Eligibility is fact-specific - confirm with a US immigration attorney.

US-NZ tax treaty & KiwiSaver

The US and New Zealand have an income tax treaty. However, there is no US-NZ Social Security totalization agreement - so unlike UK/Canada/Australia/Ireland movers, Kiwis can't rely on totalization to avoid dual Social Security taxation or to bridge benefit credits; plan this carefully. KiwiSaver (NZ's work-based retirement scheme) is not clearly mirrored by US tax rules and can raise US reporting questions (FBAR/FATCA). US persons are taxed on worldwide income. Consult a cross-border CPA.

Relocation logistics & climate

The Southern California climate is comfortably familiar to those from Auckland and Wellington. Driving: new CA residents generally must obtain a California license (testing may apply) within 10 days. Healthcare: transition to US employer, private, or Covered California coverage. Currency: USD/NZD moves matter on a large purchase - specialist FX services are common (Brian can refer vetted providers with RESPA disclosure; he doesn't advise on currency).

Families relocating to Brian's footprint often ask about international and college-prep options. Real, currently-operating schools in the wider LA / Conejo area include the International School of Los Angeles (an IB World School, multiple campuses including Burbank), the British American School (BASLA) (British curriculum), Pinecrest Schools (Woodland Hills and Northridge campuses), Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village), and Marymount High School (a Catholic college-prep school in Los Angeles). Admissions are by application; confirm programs and openings with each school directly. School attendance for public schools is by home address.

Where Kiwi buyers land in Brian's footprint

Conejo Valley, Calabasas, Westlake Village, and beach communities are the most common - a smaller community than the Australian one, but with overlapping resources. The New Zealand Consulate-General is in the Santa Monica area, and NZ screen talent often connects through the same industry networks as Australians. These references are newcomer orientation only, never a basis for steering.

Important - please read: Brian Cooper is a licensed California REALTOR® (DRE# 01434286), not an immigration attorney, CPA, tax adviser, or financial adviser. The visa, tax-treaty, pension, FIRPTA, and currency information on this page is general and educational - confirm your own situation with a qualified cross-border immigration attorney and CPA before acting. Any lender or service-provider referral is disclosed under RESPA. Equal Housing Opportunity - all content here is for service-area awareness and information only, never to steer or discourage anyone on the basis of national origin, religion, or any protected class.
Primary sources: USCIS - New Zealand Nationals Eligible for E-1/E-2 · US Dept of State - Treaty (E) Countries · IRS - US Income Tax Treaties A to Z · SSA - International Social Security Agreements · California DMV - New to California