FAQ
 

Answers
How long does the New Zealand long term business visa last for?
The process to immigrate to New Zealand on this pathway involves two visa applications. Firstly, you will be issued with a long-term multiple entry business work visa, for an initial period of nine months to enter New Zealand to establish or purchase your business. The principal applicant who holds that multiple entry visa can come and go in and out of New Zealand during that nine month period as often as he/she wishes without any restriction and, whilst in New Zealand, undertake work which is connected with that principal applicant’s establishment of his/her proposed New Zealand business.

Upon satisfying the visa officer of this, you will then be issued a further work permit for up to a maximum period of 3 years, allowing you to continue establishing and running your business.

Permanent residence is applied for under the Entrepreneur Class, once the business has been successfully established in New Zealand for at least 2 years and meets the prevailing criteria.

The success of the first stage (LTBV) largely depends on the quality of your business plan, so make sure that you seek professional advice from a Migration Consultant on this aspect.




How long does the New Zealand long term business visa take to organize?
We can have you living in New Zealand in a matter of weeks. Once we have your Long term business visa pack and are confident that it is ready to submit we can issue you with a holiday visa allowing you to travel to New Zealand while we process your long term business visa.




How much does the New Zealand long term business visa cost?
The application fee for the long term business visa is €3500/£2500 plus €1500/£1000 for formatting your business plan. These fees are fixed and will not change no matter what extra work is carried out by Visa First.




How long does it take to apply for the New Zealand Long Term Business visa?
As part of our service you will be ready to go in less than a week. Once you complete our long term business visa order form and return it with payment you will be eligible to leave immediately.




How can I apply for the New Zealand long term business visa?
You can simply click here and apply for the pack and one of our team will phone you to discuss it further.
UK Office: +353 1 878 3355



Can my spouse join me on my New Zealand long term business visa?
Your spouse and dependent children will be issued with matching multiple entry visas to that of the principal applicant, i.e. generally a three year multiple entry "open" work visa for the principal applicant's spouse (which enables the principal applicant's spouse to undertake any type of work in New Zealand) and multiple entry student visas for dependent children of the principal applicant.

Those dependent children of the principal applicant who receive student permits for studying in New Zealand will be entitled to pay school fees at domestic student rates, and not at international student rates.




Can my partner work if she/he joins me?
Yes, your partner can work in whatever job she chooses.


What tips would you give in ensuring our application is strengthened?
Go and visit the business enterprise and development manager for the local city council. His services are free and should prove invaluable. You can present him with your plans. Ask him to write a letter of support which you can include with your application.


Is there an age limit?
What do I need to apply for the New Zealand long term business visa?
The following are details of what you will need in order to apply for this visa:
  1. A Fully completed application form
  2. Business Experience
  3. Sufficient Funds
  4. Health and character
  5. Basic proficiency in English Language
  6. Visa Payment
  7. Business Plan


1. Application Form
Simply click here (going to Appy Now Page) and apply for the pack and one of our team will provide you with the necessary application form.

2. Business Experience
Applicants must have either owned their own business or held a senior management position that is responsible for all aspects of business operation.

3. Sufficient Funds
While there is no set limit on capital required, business permit applications will be judged subjectively on a case by case basis where funds will need to be appropriate to the business.

You must possess sufficient funds and relevant business experience to establish or purchase the proposed business in New Zealand. Apart from investment capital, the principal applicant must also have access to sufficient funds – independent of funds that may be generated by the business – to cover the living expenses of the principal applicant and his or her family for the duration of the visa.

Traveltowork can set you up with a New Zealand bank account before leaving for NZ in about 4-5 days. You can then transfer money to New Zealand and Traveltowork will submit your statement of funds with your visa application. Contact Michele at +353 1 878 3355 or mhoffman@traveltowork.com.au for more details.

4. Health and Character
If you are coming to New Zealand for 24 months or longer you'll have to provide a police certificate as evidence of your good character.

5.Basic proficiency in English Language
If your first language is English you will not have to prove proficiency in English.

6. Visa Payment
The application fee for this visa is €3500/£2500 and €1500/£1000 for formatting the business plan.

7. Business Plan
This business plan, along with supporting documents, will be used to determine that:
  • You have enough money to establish the proposed business in New Zealand and to support themselves and any family;
  • Your financial forecasts are realistic;
  • You have relevant business experience, including qualifications, existing businesses, shareholdings;
  • You have has not been involved with a business failure within the last five years;
  • You have not been involved in business fraud or wrongdoing;
  • You have obtained occupational registration in New Zealand, where this is required for the business;
  • the New Zealand Long Term Business Visa / Permit applicant has gained an understanding of the New Zealand market.
The business plan must focus on the following four areas, and each section is assessed individually and assigned a weighting as follows:
  • Business outline 30%.
    The business outline involves the description of the proposed business, including details about the potential market. The information regarding the ownership structure of the business and the numbers and skills of employees is required. A realistic proposed timeline for the business and an analysis of the business' strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is necessary.
  • Financial information - 25%.
    The financial forecast section of the business plan will need to be prepared by a chartered accountant. This primarily involves a cashflow forecast and a profit and loss forecast.
  • Business experience - 25%
    The applicant must provide evidence of business experience and provide originals or certified copies of the following documents to the Immigration Service:

    - Proof of ownership of business.
    - Business registration.
    - Company accounts or tax returns.
    - Shareholder certificates.
    - Description of responsibilities in the business.

    The business experience means a minimum of two years experience either owning at least 25% of a business or having management experience such as planning, organising and control of the activities of business or supervisory experience such as line management responsibilities which involves planning, organisation and control of the activities of the business.
  • New Zealand market knowledge - 20%.
    Knowledge of the New Zealand market can be demonstrated through evidence of any connections you have had with New Zealand businesses, previous involvement with New Zealand businesses, professional advice you have received from New Zealand and details of any associates or family members who have had similar business ventures in New Zealand.



If I'm buying a new business how much would I be expected to invest?
You'd be expected to invest at least NZ$1 million and generate at least 1 new job.