New Zealand Immigration Information


Business visa categories

There are currently 4 business visa categories available:

1: Investor category A new Investor category will be effective from 4 July 2005. The category grants residence to people with at least five years’ business experience who will retain NZ$2 million in an acceptable investment in New Zealand for five years.
The new category involves a two-step process that, like the Skilled Migrant Category, involves applicants filling out an Expression of Interest in becoming a resident through investment. Immigration New Zealand will assess the Expressions of Interest and invite people who meet the criteria of the policy to apply for residence.

2: Entrepreneur category To qualify under the Entrepreneur category, you must have successfully establised a business in New Zealand for a period of at least 2 years. All applicants and their family members including in the application must meet health, character and English language requirements.

3: Long Term Business Visa The LTBV is a special category of work visa for people who are interested in establishing a business in New Zealand with the wish to apply for permanent residence in the Entrepreneur category after minimal two years or for people who do not wish to live permanently in New Zealand. To be eligible in this category you must have either business experience or higher management experience in a sector related to the business you wish to establish in New Zealand.

4: Employees of Relocating Businesses If you are an employee of a relocating business and do not qualify under any other residence categories, you may be granted residence under the Employees of Relocating Businesses category on a case by case basis.

All applicants and their families included in the applications under the Business categories must meet health, character and English language requirements.

It is advisable to use the services of a NZ based migration consultant who is experienced in handling business visa applications. Need help with your visa application? New Zealand Job & Visa can help!

More information and useful business links can be found at New Zealand Info Center

New Zealand business-related links:

NZ Government Online
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (MFAT)
Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry (MAF)
Ministry of Economic Development (MED)
Reserve Bank of New Zealand
New Zealand Treasury
Inland Revenue
Statistics New Zealand
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
NZX (NZ Stock Exchange)
Auckland Chambers of Commerce
N.Z. Business Roundtable
N.Z. Business Council for Sustainable Development

If you wish to apply for permanent residence in one of the business visa categories, please refer to the "Eligibility Assessment" section of this website by clicking this link