With the Business Migration Visa New Zealand, you can settle in New Zealand with your partner and dependent children. To get this visa, you must invest in an established business and actively run it.
As a Licensed New Zealand Immigration Adviser (IAAL N201002327), we prepared this detailed guide to help you understand the process. This guide explains visa benefits, eligibility criteria, investment requirements, required documents, and the complete process.
Let’s explain every little detail about the New Zealand Business Migration Visa.
Why Get a New Zealand Business Migration Visa?
According to the Ease of Doing Business ranking, New Zealand is the easiest country in the world to do business. Getting the Business Migration Visa New Zealand gives you the following benefits.
- It lets you invest in, operate, and grow an existing business.
- You can live in New Zealand with your partner and dependent children.
- Both standard and fast-track routes to the resident visa/Business Investor Resident Visa are available.
- There is a clear timeline for processing.
- As you invest in an established business, the chance of building a strong economic foundation for your future is high.
- The partner of the investor gets open work rights and dependent children get study rights.
Key Features of the New Zealand Business Migration Visa
Take a quick look at the most important information about the Business Migration Visa New Zealand.
- Length of Stay: Up to 4 years
- Visa Stages: Two
- Establishment Stage: First 12 months
- Operating Stage: The remaining 3 years
- Permanent Residency Pathways: Available
- Standard Pathway: After 3 years (work-to-residence pathway)
- Fast-Track Pathway: After 12 months (fast-track to residence)
- Investment Amount:
- Standard Pathway: NZD $1 million
- Fast-Track Pathway: NZD $2 million
Can Investors Take Their Partner and Children?
Of course. Investors can include their partner and dependent children in their visa application under this program. We will discuss the eligibility for partner and dependent children in later sections.
Under this program, the partner of the investor gets open work rights. It means the partner can work for any employer in New Zealand. Dependent children of the investor usually get a Student Visa to study in New Zealand.
Who Can Apply for the Business Migration Visa in New Zealand?
To be eligible for the Business Migration Visa New Zealand, you must meet the following requirements.
- Invest at least NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million (depending on the pathway) in an established business.
- Have at least NZD $500,000 to support yourself and your family for the duration of your stay.
- Have the intention to actively run the business.
- Create at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- The maximum age for the applicant is 55 years.
- The applicant must have at least 3 years of business experience in self-employment or senior management roles.
- Have the necessary English Language proficiency score.
- Proof of good health, good character, and other fitness requirements.
Keep reading to learn more about the detailed requirements.
What Is the Minimum Investment for the Business Migration Visa?
The minimum investment required for this visa varies depending on the residency pathway you choose.
Investment Amount
- Standard Pathway: A minimum investment of NZD $1 million in an established business.
- Fast-Track Pathway: A minimum investment of NZD $2 million in an established business.
The eligibility for the Business Investor Resident Visa requires you to run the business for 3 years under the standard pathway and 12 months under the fast-track pathway.
Reserve Fund
On top of the investment amount, you must have at least NZD $500,000 to support yourself and your family (if you include them) for the duration of your stay.
Note: GST, business property value, government fees, or transaction costs aren’t included in the investment amount.
Required Documents for Proof of Fund
You must show one or more of the following documents to prove that you have the necessary funds and that you have earned the funds lawfully.
- Bank statements
- Title deeds
- Property valuations
- Share certificates
- Business ownership documents
- Asset valuations
- Tax returns or certificates
- Pay slips
- Business financial statements
- Receipts for property sales
- Evidence of funds gifted through a will
- Evidence of inherited money
Required Business Experience for the Business Migration Visa New Zealand
To be eligible for this visa, you must have at least three years of business experience that meets the following conditions.
For Paid Self-Employment Roles in Business, Charity, or NGOs
- The organisation must have at least 5 full-time employees.
- The annual revenue of the organisation must be at least NZD $1 million
For Paid Senior Management Roles in Business, Charity, or NGOs
- At least 5 full-time employees under your direct management
- An annual turnover of at least NZD $5 million
Proof of Business Experience
To prove that you have the required business experience, you must present one or more of the following documents.
- Business registration
- Company financial accounts
- Company or personal tax returns and tax records
- Shareholder certificates or proof of ownership of business
- Job descriptions or assessments
- Pay records
- Letters of appointment
- Certificates of service
- Strategic planning documents
- Bank statements confirming authority to operate accounts
- References from employers on company letterhead
Eligible Businesses for the Business Migration Visa New Zealand
The business you choose to invest in must also meet the following requirements.
- It has been legally established in New Zealand and is currently in operation for at least 5 years.
- The business complies with immigration, employment, and business standards.
- Its purchase price is at least NZD $1 million.
- After the investment, you will own at least 25% of the business.
- You will employ at least 5 full-time employees.
- You or any of your family members don’t already own the business.
- The business hasn’t been used in a successful application for other visas in the last 10 years.
Unacceptable Business Types for a Business Migration Visa New Zealand
You can’t invest in the following businesses under this visa category.
- Businesses involved in gambling, dropshipping, and adult entertainment
- Manufacturing of tobacco, nicotine, or vaping-based products
- Convenience stores, and discount or value stores
- Fast food outlets and franchised businesses
- Labour hire companies and home-based businesses
Health, Character, Fitness, and English Language Requirements
Other than the financial and business requirements, you must also meet the health, character, fitness, and language requirements mentioned below.
Health Requirements
While applying, you must provide a chest X-ray and medical examination to prove that you are in good health.
Character Requirements
You must prove that you haven’t been
- involved in criminal or human rights abuse activities
- removed or deported from any other countries
Police Certificates
If you are 17 or older, you need to provide police certificates from
- your country of citizenship
- any country you have lived in for 5 years or more
The police certificates must be less than 6 months old at the time of visa application.
Fitness Requirements
You must also confirm that you have never been
- involved in business fraud or financial impropriety
- convicted of an offence involving dishonesty
- investigated by the Serious Fraud Office or the New Zealand Police for fraudulent business activities
English Language Requirements
You can prove your English language proficiency in one of these ways.
- Through Citizenship: Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States
- Through Study: You have at least a New Zealand Level 7 comparable bachelor’s degree.
- Through English Language Test:
- IELTS: Overall score of 5
- PTE: Overall score of 36
Partner and Dependent Children Eligibility for Business Migration Visa New Zealand
You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.
Partner
- You must be in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner.
- Your partner must meet the health, character, and identity requirements.
- Evidence for partner includes:
- marriage or civil union certificates
- birth certificates for any children you share
- joint bank accounts being used frequently
- joint ownership of any assets
- joint credit cards or hire purchase agreements for things such as home appliances
- any mutually agreed financial arrangements
Children
- Your children must be 24 or under and single
- They can’t have their own children if they are over 18
- They must be financially dependent on you
- Your children must meet the health and character requirements
Necessary Documents for Business Migration Visa New Zealand
Here is a list of documents that you need to submit with your Business Migration Visa application.
- Your passport or certificate of identity
- 2 acceptable photos
- Evidence that you have the funds of at least NZD $1 million to invest in an established business
- Evidence of reserve funds of at least NZD $500,000
- Evidence of your business experience showing your position, responsibilities and dates
- A completed Business Proposal form, demonstrating that your nominated business meets the requirements and describing the due diligence undertaken
- Confirmation that you have, or intend to get, professional or occupational registration in New Zealand if required for running the proposed business
- Evidence of a chest X-ray
- Evidence of a medical examination
- Police certificates
- Certified English translations of your police certificates or medical certificates that are not in English.
If you are including your partner and dependent children, provide the following additional documents.
- Evidence to show your relationship with them
- Proof of their identity and acceptable photos
- Police certificates, if required
- Evidence of chest X-rays and medical examinations, if required
How to Apply for the Business Migration Visa New Zealand?
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to applying for the New Zealand Business Migration Visa.
Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Documents
Take your time to prepare all the required documents, including identity, financial, business experience, business proposal, health, and character documents.
If any of your documents aren’t in English, you must prepare certified translations of them.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Download the Business Migration Visa Application Form and attach all the necessary documents.
Step 3: Submit the Application and Pay the Fee
You must pay a fee of NZD $12,480 with your Business Migration Visa application.
Step 4: Wait for the Decision
Once Immigration New Zealand decides on your visa application, they will email you with the details.
Expert Tips for Successful Business Migration Visa Application
Follow these tips to avoid delays or rejections.
- You must submit a complete application form with all appropriate supporting documents. Incomplete applications can result in delays or rejections.
- Documents like police certificates, medical certificates, and photos must not be older than 6 months.
- Strictly follow the acceptable photo standards.
- Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay.
- Take professional help if applying for the visa on your own feels overwhelming.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.
How eduaid Can Help You Get the Business Migration Visa New Zealand?
eduaid is a Licensed New Zealand Immigration Adviser (IAAL N201002327). At eduaid, we help investors manage their migration journey to New Zealand with confidence.
We will help you prepare the documents accurately and submit your application correctly. Our expertise ensures you meet all the requirements for this visa. It reduces the chance of delays or rejections.
Contact eduaid Immigration Services for quick and smooth processing of your Business Migration Visa application.