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Business Immigration

Here is a detailed breakdown of

New Zealand active business immigration options, including eligibility criteria, requirements, step-by-step application procedures, processing times, and associated costs for each program.

Types of Business Immigration Pathways in New Zealand

  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: For individuals planning to buy or establish a business in New Zealand.
     

  • Investor 1 (Millionaire) Visa: Designed for high-net-worth individuals willing to invest a significant amount of capital in New Zealand.
     

  • Investor 2 Visa: For experienced business people and investors with a moderate level of investment.
     

  • Global Impact Visa (GIVs): For innovative entrepreneurs and investors who want to create positive global impact using New Zealand as a base.
     

  • Long Term Business Visa: Replaced by the Entrepreneur Work Visa but may still be relevant for individuals under transitional rules.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Entrepreneur Work Visa
 

  • Capital Investment: Minimum NZD $100,000 (excluding working capital). Higher investments are more competitive.

  • Points-Based System: Must meet or exceed the minimum points threshold based on business experience, investment amount, job creation, and innovation.

  • Business Plan: A detailed business plan demonstrating viability and economic contribution.

  • Business Experience: Prior business management experience is advantageous.

  • Health and Character Requirements: Meet New Zealand’s health and character standards, including a police certificate and medical exams.
     

2. Investor 1 Visa

 

  • Minimum Investment: NZD $10 million invested over three years.

  • No Age Limit: Unlike other visa categories, there are no age restrictions.

  • Minimum Residence Requirement: 44 days in each of the last two years of the three-year investment period.
     

3. Investor 2 Visa
 

  • Age Limit: Applicants must be 65 years or younger.

  • Points-Based System: Must meet a minimum points threshold based on age, business experience, investment amount, and English language ability.

  • Minimum Investment: NZD $3 million for a four-year investment period.

  • Minimum Residence Requirement: At least 146 days spent in New Zealand each year for the last three years of the investment period.


​3. Investor 2 Visa
 

  • Innovative Ventures: Focus on businesses with a positive global impact.

  • Support by the Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF): Candidates must be endorsed by the EHF, demonstrating an innovative project with the potential to scale.

Requirements

  • Business and Financial Plans: Detailed evidence-based plans outlining the purpose of the business or investment in New Zealand.
     

  • Proof of Funds: Clear evidence of the lawful acquisition of funds intended for investment.
     

  • English Proficiency: Generally required for most business visas (e.g., IELTS 4.0 or higher for Investor 2).
     

  • Business Establishment Documents: Documents that establish company incorporation, business agreements, market research, etc.

Timeline and Process Overview

1. Initial Application Preparation (1-3 Months):
 

  • Develop a business plan (for Entrepreneur Visas).

  • Compile necessary documents (investment evidence, health and character certificates).

  • Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for points-based visas like Investor 2.
     

2. Invitation to Apply (For Points-Based Visas):
 

  • If your EOI is successful, you’ll receive an invitation to submit a full application.
     

3. Visa Processing (3-12 Months):
 

  • Processing time varies based on visa type and application specifics. Entrepreneur Visas and Investor 1 typically see faster processing compared to Investor 2.

 

4. Investment/Business Implementation (Varies):
 

  • Start implementing your business plan or make the required investments.

  • Monitoring and compliance requirements apply.

Visa Application Fees:

  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: Approx. NZD $3,365.

  • Investor 1 Visa: Approx. NZD $4,960.

  • Investor 2 Visa: Approx. NZD $4,960.
     

Investment Requirements:

  • Entrepreneur Visas: Minimum NZD $100,000.

  • Investor 1: Minimum NZD $10 million.

  • Investor 2: Minimum NZD $3 million.

Costs Breakdown
Investment & Bank Statement Requirements

  • Lawfully Acquired Funds: Must provide evidence that funds are legally obtained.

  • Bank Statements: Required for proof of financial solvency and liquidity, and to verify the source of funds.

Company Sustainability for Permanent Residency

  • Entrepreneur Visas: Business sustainability and performance will be assessed after two years (or six months under the Entrepreneur Residence Category for fast-tracked applicants).

  • Investor Visas: Continued investment and compliance with residence requirements.

Start-Up Business Support (Angel Investors/Incubators)

  • Global Impact Visa: Entrepreneurs supported by the Edmund Hillary Fellowship gain access to mentorship and support networks.

  • Access to Incubators: Startups can access support services from certified incubators for business growth.

Licenses and Self-Dependent Visa Requirements

  • Sector-Specific Licenses: Depending on business activities (e.g., retail licenses, professional services).

  • Self-Sponsorship Pathway: No direct self-sponsorship; establishing a business through the Entrepreneur Work Visa serves as a pathway to residency.

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