Business Migration

Long Term Business Visa

The aim of the Long Term Business Visa/Permit category is to attract migrants who have been operating their own business and wish to establish a similar business in New Zealand, thereby contributing to New Zealand's economic development.

This is a temporary work visa/permit for 3 years allowing self-employment in New Zealand. 

You need to own at least 25% of the shareholding of a business. You need to be actively involved in the management and operation of the business.

You may either establish a new business, or buy an existing business.

What is required?

To be eligible for a Long Term Business Visa (LTBV) you will need to show that you have:

• Business experience that is relevant to your proposed business in New Zealand. If you have not previously operated your own business that does not necessarily mean that NZIS may not be able to approve your application. Work experience at a senior managerial level in a substantial, relevant business may be acceptable.
• Investment funds to provide the capital required for your proposed business and sufficient funds to support yourself and your family for three years.
• 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 in relation to your proposed business. This should focus particularly on such matters as demand for your proposed goods or services, the size and nature of your target markets, any legislative or other requirements, etc.

Investor Category

All applicants – you, your partner, and your dependent children (if applicable) must meet our health, and character requirements. The other requirements are set out below.

• are owned by you or jointly by you, your partner and/or dependent children
• are unencumbered, ie not subject to any mortgage, lien, charge and/or encumbrance (whether equitable or otherwise) or any other creditor claims
• have been earned or acquired legally
• are transferable through the banking system (NZIS will not be able to approve your application if you are unable to transfer funds to New Zealand through the banking system).

If your application is approved in principle you will need to provide verifiable documents to show that the funds you transfer to New Zealand came from the funds and/or assets that you nominate. You will need to invest a minimum of NZ$10 million in an acceptable investment(s) in New Zealand.

You cannot nominate investment funds or assets you intend to bring to New Zealand for your personal use – for example a personal residence, car, or boat.

After Residence is approved

If your residence application is approved you (the principal applicant) will have to retain your investment funds in an acceptable investment(s) for three years. You will have to spend at least 73 days in New Zealand each year in years 2 and 3 of your three-year investment period.

Investor (Investor 2 Category) requirements

All applicants – you and your partner and dependent children (if applicable) – must meet health, character and English language requirements (see below). You – the principal applicant – must also have at least three years' business experience. The other requirements are set out below.

Age

You (the principal applicant) must be aged 65 or younger.

Investment and settlement funds and/or assets

You must nominate funds and/or assets equivalent to at least NZ$1.5 million for investment funds, and NZ$1 million for settlement funds. You will need to be able to provide evidence showing that your investment and settlement funds and/or assets are owned by you or jointly by you and your partner and/or dependent children. You will also need to be able to provide evidence showing that your intended investment funds:

• are unencumbered, ie not subject to any mortgage, lien, charge and/or encumbrance (whether equitable or otherwise) or any other creditor claims
• have been earned or acquired legally
• are transferable through the banking system (NZIS will not be able to approve your application if you are unable to transfer funds to New Zealand through the banking system).

You will need to be able to provide verifiable documents to show that the funds you transfer to New Zealand came from the funds and/or assets that you nominate. You will need to place your investment funds in an acceptable investment(s) in New Zealand.

English language requirements

You will need to have a reasonable standard of English to ensure that you have the best opportunity to settle successfully into work and life in New Zealand.

Principal applicant

To meet the English language requirements you must:

• have an English speaking background OR
• be a competent user of English OR
• have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate (no more than two years old at the time you lodge your application for residence), which shows you gained at least an overall band score of 3 or more in the IELTS General or Academic Module.

You may still be required to provide an IELTS certificate to confirm that you meet the English language requirements. 

Partners and dependent children aged 16 or more included in your application must meet the same requirements as the principal applicant (see above).

However, if your partner and/or dependent children do not yet meet the minimum standard of English, they can pre-purchase ESOL tuition in New Zealand. You purchase this tuition from us, on behalf of New Zealand’s Tertiary Education Commission. The residence visa or permit will only be granted once you have paid the tuition charge. Payment of this tuition charge is not due until your application is approved.

After residence is approved

If your residence application is approved you (the principal applicant) will have to retain your investment funds in an acceptable investment(s) for four years, and spend at least 146 days each year in New Zealand in years 2, 3 and 4 of your four-year investment period.

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Occupation:	Please Select Agriculture and Related Industries Administration Computing and IT Education Engineering Finance Health Hospitality and Entertainment Legal Sales and Marketing Specialised Management Student Trade and Technical Unemployed Other
Level of English:	Please Select English is my first language Fluent in English Satisfactory or Adequate English Little English None of the above

Can you or your spouse answer these questions:

Do you have any relatives in New Zealand?	YesNo
What would be your highest qualification?	Please Select Apprenticeship Trade qualification Two year Diploma / Certificate Three year Diploma / Certificate Four year Diploma / Certificate Information Technology Courses (any length) University Degree Masters Degree PHD None of the Above
Do you hold a NZ qualification?	YesNo
If yes to the NZ qualification question, please describe:
Do you have at least 2 years work experience?	YesNo
Do you have a job offer in New Zealand?	YesNo
Have you ever owned or do you currently own a business?	YesNo
Do you have at least NZ $1 million to transfer to NZ?	YesNo

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