Business Migration
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| Michael playing golf in Queenstown |
Business migrants can enter New Zealand through one of five different visa categories:
This visa aims to attract migrants who have been running their own business and wish to establish a similar business in New Zealand, contributing to the country’s economic development. The LTBV is valid for three years and allows self-employment in New Zealand.
To be eligible, you need to own at least 25% of the shareholding of a business and be actively involved in its management and operation.
Additionally, you will need to show that you have:
- Business experience that is relevant to your proposed business in New Zealand
- Investment funds to provide the capital required for your proposed business
- A business plan outlining your proposed business, suppliers, customers, proposed marketing, staff, required assets, financial forecasts, how the business will benefit New Zealand, etc
- A good understanding of your proposed business and the New Zealand business environment
The Entrepreneur category aims to attract migrants who can demonstrate that they have been actively participating in business and contributing to New Zealand’s economic development.
If you have successfully established a business in New Zealand and have been “self-employed” in New Zealand in that business for at least two years, you may be eligible for residence under this category. You must own at least 25% of the shareholding of the business. Self-employment does not include involvement of a passive or speculative nature.
With the Migrant Investment Policy, New Zealand aims to attract capital to local firms or government by providing residence status to people who wish to make a significant financial contribution to the country’s economy.
This policy is divided into two categories:
- Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category)
- Investor (Investor 2 Category)
The table below shows the main requirements for each of these categories:
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Key requirements
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Investor Plus (Investor 1 category)
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Investor (Investor 2 category)
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Maximum age
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n/a
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65 or younger
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Business experience
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n/a
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Minimum of three years
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Investment funds
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NZ$10 million invested in NZ for three years
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NZ$1.5 million invested in NZ for four years
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Settlement funds
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n/a
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NZ$1 million (transfer not required)
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Principal applicant's English language
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n/a
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An English speaking background or an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test report with an overall band score of three or more or a competent user of English
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Family member's English language
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n/a
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Same as principal applicant or pre-purchase ESOL tuition
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Minimum time in New Zealand
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73 days in NZ in each of the last two years of the three-year investment period
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146 days in NZ in each of the last three years of the four-year investment period
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Health and character
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Applicants under both categories must be of good health and character
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New Zealand employers can apply for accreditation to offer employment to skilled workers from overseas. If your future employer has gained accreditation, you can lodge a Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa/permit application.
You need to be aged 55 or under and have a genuine offer of employment from an accredited employer. That offer must be for a full-time position, for at least 24 months and with an annual base salary of at least NZ$55,000 (based on 40 hours per week). The offer also needs to be in the employer’s main business activity, where they are directly responsible for the employee’s output.
If you have been in New Zealand on a work permit for two years, you may be eligible to apply for a residence permit under the Residence from Work category.
There are three types of Residence from Work categories:
- Residence from Work (Arts, Culture and Sports)
- Residence from Work (Talent-Accredited Employer)
- Residence from Work (Long Term Skill Shortage)
Working In Visas can help you determine the right visa for your situation. Take the free online evaluation to get started now!
