Business Migration Visas
New Zealand like most countries is looking to attract business people and investors.
The three main elements of Business Migration Visas:
- Long Term Business Visa (LTBV) - Is a three year work visa which aims to provide enough time for the applicant to move to New New Zealand and set up their business before applying for New Zealand Residence.
- Entrepreneur (Residence) – You can apply for New Zealand Residence as an Entrepreneur if you have run a business for two years.
- Investor (Residence) – A New Zealand Residence category for business people who are looking to reside and invest in New Zealand without starting a business.
Long Term Business Visa (LBTV)
The aim of the Long Term Business Visa is to attract migrants who have been operating their own business and want to begin a business in New Zealand.
- It 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 and actively involved in the management and operation of the business
To be eligible for the Long Term Business Visa (LBTV) you must:
- Business Experience relevant to the potentil new business in New Zealand, either as your own business or as a senior manager in a related business.
- Have sufficient investment money to fund the proposed business, as well as enough money to support yourself and your family for three years.
- A business plan outlining the details of your proposed business.
Entrepreneur
The aim of the Entrepreneur category is to attract migrants who will be active to contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
- You may become eligible for residence in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur category if you have been legitimately “self employed” in a business within New Zealand for at least two years under a different visa. “Self-employed” means your active involvement in the management and operating of a business in New Zealand.
- You must own at least 25% of the shareholding of the business. Self-employment does not include purely an investment in a business.
Investor
The aim of the Investor category is to encourage migrants who will be able to invest in the New Zealand economy. Investment must be active or semi-active (for example having money in a bank account will not be sufficient, nor will investment in residential property development). The Investor category is a new Visa that comes into effect in November 2007. There are three types:
- Global investors - have top priority. This is for high value investor investing $20m (a minimum of $5m must be invested actively)
- Professional investors - are the second priority. Applicants must be investing at least $10m (a minimum of $2m actively)
- General Active investors - This is for investors investing at least $2.5m. Applicants will be selected through a points system.
The New Zealand government has set the maximum number of 1000 Visas per annum with the Global and Professional investors being selected first and the remaining places being allocated amongst the General Active Investors with the most points.
For more information on how to apply for New Zealand residence as an investor, please visit Immigration New Zealand website here |
