New Zealand offers several visa categories designed to attract business investors, entrepreneurs, and experienced businesspeople. These visas provide opportunities for individuals to invest in New Zealand’s economy, start businesses, and in some cases, gain permanent residency. The main business and investment visa categories include the Entrepreneur Visa, Investor Visa, and Global Impact Visa.
Types of Business and Investment Visas
- Entrepreneur Work Visa
- Entrepreneur Resident Visa
- Investor 1 Resident Visa
- Investor 2 Resident Visa
- Global Impact Visa (GIVs)
Details Breakdown
Purpose: For individuals who want to establish and operate a business in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Business Plan: Must provide a detailed business plan outlining the business venture.
- Minimum Investment: Minimum capital investment of NZD 100,000 (excluding working capital).
- Points System: Must score at least 120 points based on factors like the nature of the business, its location, and the applicant’s business experience.
- Good Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
Duration: Up to 3 years, divided into two stages:
- Start-up Stage: Initial 12 months to establish the business.
- Balance Stage: Additional 24 months after meeting specific requirements.
Pathway to Residency: After successfully operating the business for 2 years (or 6 months in certain cases), applicants may apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa.
Purpose: For Entrepreneur Work Visa holders who want to live permanently in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Successful Business Operation: Must have successfully established or purchased a business in New Zealand, operating it for at least 2 years (or 6 months under certain conditions).
- Employment Creation: The business must create significant employment for New Zealanders.
- Investment and Profitability: The business must be profitable and provide a significant economic benefit to New Zealand.
- Good Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
Duration: Grants permanent residency.
Purpose: For high-net-worth individuals who want to invest a significant amount in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum Investment: Must invest at least NZD 10 million in New Zealand for a minimum of 3 years.
- Investment Options: Investments can include bonds, shares, property (under certain conditions), and other eligible investments.
- Residence Requirement: Must spend at least 44 days in New Zealand each year during the investment period (or 88 days over the three years if funds are invested in growth investments).
Duration: Grants permanent residency.
Benefits: No age limit, language requirements, or points system.
Purpose: For experienced businesspeople and investors who want to invest in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Minimum Investment: Must invest at least NZD 3 million in New Zealand for a minimum of 4 years.
- Points System: Must score a minimum of 20 points based on age, business experience, investment amount, and English language skills.
- Residence Requirement: Must spend at least 146 days in New Zealand in each of the last three years of the four-year investment period (or 438 days over the four years if funds are invested in growth investments).
- Age Limit: Must be 65 years old or younger.
Duration: Grants permanent residency.
Purpose: For individuals with entrepreneurial and innovative ideas that have the potential to create positive global impact.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Involvement in the Edmund Hillary Fellowship: Must be accepted into the Edmund Hillary Fellowship, which supports innovative and entrepreneurial projects.
- Impact-Oriented Projects: The projects should aim to create positive global impacts in various sectors such as technology, environment, and social issues.
- Good Health and Character: Must meet health and character requirements.
Duration: Initially granted a 3-year visa, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency.
Application Process
Research and Preparation:
- Determine the most suitable visa category based on your business intentions and qualifications.
- Prepare necessary documents, including business plans, proof of funds, and other supporting documents.
Expression of Interest (EOI): (For Investor 2 and Entrepreneur Resident Visas)
- Submit an EOI if required by the visa category. EOIs are assessed based on points and eligibility criteria.
Invitation to Apply:
- If your EOI is successful, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa.
Submission of Application:
- Complete the visa application form and submit it along with all required documents, including identification, business plans, financial records, health and character certificates, and evidence of investment or business intent.
Assessment and Decision:
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ) assesses the application. This may involve interviews, additional documentation requests, or verification processes.
- For some visas, a business migration specialist may evaluate the business proposal or investment.
Decision Notification:
- Applicants are notified of the decision. Successful applicants will receive their visa approval, and specific conditions will be outlined.
Post-Visa Grant Requirements:
- For Investor and Entrepreneur Visas, adhere to investment or business operation requirements as stipulated in the visa conditions.
Cost
| Visa Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | NZD 3,365 |
| Entrepreneur Resident Visa | NZD 3,935 |
| Investor 1 Resident Visa | NZD 4,960 |
| Investor 2 Resident Visa | NZD 4,960 |
| Global Impact Visa | NZD 3,310 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Additional costs may include medical examinations, police certificates, and translation of documents.
Visa Processing Time
- Entrepreneur Work Visa: Typically 4 to 6 months.
- Entrepreneur Resident Visa: Approximately 8 to 12 months.
- Investor 1 Resident Visa: Approximately 6 to 12 months.
- Investor 2 Resident Visa: Typically 12 to 18 months.
- Global Impact Visa: Varies based on individual cases and the Edmund Hillary Fellowship process.
Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the volume of applications received.
Key Points to Remember
- Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements specific to the chosen visa category.
- Investment Requirements: Understand and comply with investment thresholds and criteria, including where and how funds can be invested.
- Documentation: Provide thorough and accurate documentation to support your application.
- Legal and Professional Advice: Consider seeking advice from immigration consultants or legal professionals, especially for complex cases.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s business and investment visas provide opportunities for international investors, entrepreneurs, and businesspeople to contribute to the country’s economic development. These visa pathways are designed to attract high-net-worth individuals, experienced entrepreneurs, and innovators. Successful applicants can potentially achieve permanent residency in New Zealand, enjoying a high quality of life, a stable economic environment, and a supportive business ecosystem. It’s crucial to carefully choose the appropriate visa category, meet all requirements, and provide comprehensive documentation to enhance the likelihood of a successful application.
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