New Zealand Long Term Business Visa The long term business visa is for people who intend to move to New Zealand and establish a business or reinvigorate an existing business. A work permit is initially granted for 9 months allowing the applicant time to establish their business. Before the 9 months have expired an applicant can apply for a further work permit to take their stay to 3 years. To be eligible you must: - Be of good health and character
- Have a reasonable standard of English language
- Have a sound business plan
- Have relevant experience and market knowledge
- Provide detailed financial information regarding business set up and maintenance
- Hold full or provisional registration in New Zealand if this is a requirement for you to practise in your occupation
- Have not been involved in business bankruptcy or failure in the last 5 years
- Have not been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety
- Have investment capital, and sufficient funds for the maintenance and accommodation of any spouse or partner or dependent children included in your application
To gain a further permit, you need to show you are making reasonable progress in setting up your business in the form of: - A certificate of incorporation or other documents to provide evidence of theconstitution of the business
- Audited accounts
- Tax records such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) records
- Documents to show the lease or purchase of property by the business
- Invoices for business equipment and/or supplies
- Documents such as employment records, bank statements and invoices from utility providers
In addition to this, you must: - Apply within the validity of your visa
- Meet all health and character requirements
- Provide evidence that your investment capital was transferred through the New Zealand banking system
- Not have applied for nor been granted any social welfare benefits during your time in New Zealand
Please note that if your original business plan has changed in this time, you will need to have the new or updated business plan approved by an immigration specialist and be granted consent for the change. If you fail to gain consent for the change in your business plan your visa may be revoked. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by any of the terminology in this section of the site, please see the glossary. You may be eligible for residence under the Entrepreneur category if you are the holder of a Long Term Business Visa. See whether you qualify for the Entrepreneur Visa |