The Migration Process

Business Migration

Experienced business people wishing to purchase or establish a business in New Zealand can apply for a work visa under the Long Term Business Visa/Permit Category and then apply for residence under the Entrepreneur/Entrepreneur Plus policies.

Long Term Business Visa/Permit Category (temporary)

This category is suitable for business people who are interested in establishing a business in New Zealand.

Applicants under this policy are aiming at obtaining residency while being self-employed rather than looking for employment.

Self-employment is defined as lawful active involvement in the management and operation of a business in New Zealand, which the applicant has established or purchased, or in which he or she has made a substantial investment.

Applicants need to

• have completed a business plan that meets the requirements for their business proposal
• have business experience relevant to their business proposal
• have not been involved in bankruptcy
• have not been involved in business fraud
• have obtained professional or occupational registration in New Zealand if registration is required for operating the proposed business
• have, in addition to investment capital, sufficient funds for their maintenance and that of their families
• meet Health and Character requirements
• meet the minimum standard of English
• demonstrate that they are genuinely interested in establishing the business in New Zealand.

Successful applicants will be granted multiple entry work visas and permits for periods of up to three years.

During the duration of the Long Term Business Permit the applicant will establish the business in accordance with the business plan and follow up with a residence application under the Entrepreneur Category, which will ultimately result in a Residence Permit.

Entrepreneur Category (Residence)

The Objective of the Entrepreneur Category is to attract migrants who can demonstrate that they have been actively participating in business and contributing to New Zealand's economic development.

Applicants in the Entrepreneur Category are required to demonstrate that

• they have successfully established a business in New Zealand while holding a permit granted under the Long Term Business Visa Category

• the business has been established on the basis of a business plan under the Long Term Business Visa Category

• the business has required the same or a greater level of capital investment as stipulated in a business proposal in respect of which the applicant was granted a Long Term Business Visa

• the applicant has relevant experience for the new business and

• the business is benefitting New Zealand

Further requirements are

• Businesses established in New Zealand must comply with all relevant employment and immigration law

• Principal applicants and their partners and children must meet the minimum standard of English

• Principal applicants and their partners and children must meet Health and Character Requirements policy

To find out whether you might be eligible for a Permanent Residence Permit under the Business Migration Policy contact us by email or telephone: 

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Questions you might like to ask us:

	Jobsearch - Where can I get help with finding employment?
	Business for Sale - Can I buy an existing business?
	Study in New Zealand - Residence through studies?
	Open a bank account - how can I transfer my money?
	What are the English language requirements?
	Will I be eligible for public healthcare?
	What customs requirements are there?
	Will I be able to bring my pets?
	Will I be able to use my skills?