Permanent and Fixed Term registration options

Medical Council Registration

To work in New Zealand, you will need to be registered with the New Zealand Medical Council.

NZDr can explore the pathways that are open to you and suggest those that will be the best suit your circumstances  and long-term career aspirations. With just a copy of your CV we can quickly assertain your eligibility and whether you will need to sit any additional exams or undertake language tests. 

The 3 most common registration pathways are:

1. Locum tenens registration.

• Processing Time: 20 working days.
• Temporary form of registration; allows Doctors with certain post graduate qualifications to work in New Zealand as a Specialist for a period of up to 12 months.

Although referred to as 'Locum tenens', Doctors usually work under Fixed Term Contracts. This type of registration allows us to offer shorter term contracts from 3 months+, depending on speciality and demand. This is a popular option for overseas based Doctors with young families who want to experience living in New Zealand without relocating permanently and  semi-retired Doctors looking to combine travel with work. 

2. Vocational registration

• Processing time: 4-6 months
• A pathway to permanent specialist registration. 
• Open to all Doctors who have a Specialist qualification although the outcomes can vary considerably.

As a rule, NZDr recommend that all Specialist Doctors apply for preliminary advice in the first instance to ensure that the employer from which you have a job offer/s can support you in obtaining your full vocational registration. NZDr can discuss and explain this with you in more detail and assist you with the process.

3. General registration

• Processing time: 20 working days.
• A pathway to permanent registration.
• Open to Doctors who have worked in these countries for 3 out of the last 5 years:
  Australia; Austria; Belgium; Canada; Czech Republic; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Iceland; Israel; Italy; Norway; Portugal; Republic of Ireland; Singapore; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; The Netherlands; United Kingdom; United States of America.

Although this registration is faster and involves less paperwork, it can potentially be career limiting in the long-term if you are an internationally trained Consultant . NZDr can explain the implications in more detail and work out your best options - long and short term.