Applying for a business visa in New Zealand
About New Zealand
There are a number of reasons you would want to apply for a business visa in New Zealand. New Zealand is a small Island nation consisting of two Islands divided by a 22km stretch of water and is similar in landmass to Great Britain or Japan, but with a population of just over 4.7 million people.
It's gloriously un-crowded, picturesque and has some of the world's most spectacular landscapes; from vast mountain ranges, steaming volcanoes to sweeping coastlines. It is a natural playground for thrill seekers and adventurers.
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city and a busy hub with some 1.65 million people. It is located close to beautiful beaches, with outstanding food, wine and shopping. It has sunny climate and a diverse culture with a strong Polynesian presence.
The capital, Wellington, is nestled between a sparkling harbour and rolling hills. As New Zealand's capital city it is home to the NZ government and many corporate businesses. It is renowned for its arts, heritage, culture and native beauty. Wellington city has a population of 220,000 people.
Traditionally known as the Garden City, Christchurch city has a population of around 400,000 and is an eclectic mix of historic elegance with a contemporary culture. Situated against the Port Hills it is the gateway to the scenic South Island and has been described by Lonely Planet as a "vibrant city in transition, coping resiliently and creatively.” Christchurch's energy and innovation is evident wherever you go as the city bounces back after the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.
Compared to most countries, New Zealand offers a great work/life balance and is an ideal place to immigrate to and to set up or buy a business (to do this you will need to apply for a business visa in New Zealand first).
According to the OECD survey of 36 of the most advanced economies, New Zealand performs “exceptionally well” for overall well-being. New Zealand is continually ranked within the top three countries that are the easiest to do business in. The UN ranks New Zealand seventh out of 187 countries on its latest Human Development Index.
New Zealand’s education and health care is world-class. It’s economy has weathered the global financial crisis particularly well and it has great connections with the Asia-Pacific markets making New Zealand a great option for buying or setting up a business.
Why immigrate and buy a business in New Zealand?
In immigrating to New Zealand you will be settling into a small dynamic country that enjoys a reputation for safety, stability, ingenuity, and proximity to Asia's booming economies.
New Zealand is recognised internationally as being a safe place to invest and do business.
It continually ranks within the first few in the world for:
• protecting investors (World Bank Doing Business reports)
• lack of corruption (Transparency International Corruption Index 2023)
New Zealand has a strong banking sector. It’s four largest banks are Australian-owned and are all in the top 21 of the Global Finance World’s Safest Banks index. Find out more on Investing in New Zealand
Investing and doing business in New Zealand
New Zealand’s business migration categories are designed to attract ‘smart’ capital and business expertise to New Zealand, and enable experienced business people to establish or buy a business in New Zealand.
For Investors
People wishing to invest funds in a business and live in New Zealand can apply for residence under our Investor category.
For Entrepreneurs
The visa for people who wish to run their own business in New Zealand is the Entrepreneur Work Visa. People who are granted an Entrepreneur Work Visa can apply for an Entrepreneur Residence Visa once they have run their businesses for 2 years (or 6 months if they meet extra conditions).
The main requirements are:
In order to be approved for an Entrepreneur Work Visa, you must:
• make a minimum capital investment of NZ$100,000 (excluding working capital), unless this requirement is waived
• meet or exceed 120 points on a scale which awards points for factors relating to the likely success of the proposed business and its value to New Zealand
• have a business plan specific to your proposed business
• not have been involved in bankruptcy or business failure within the 5 years preceding the date your application is made
• not have been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety, and
• meet the health and character requirements for residence and English language requirements.
The Entrepreneur Residence Category enables migrants to be granted residence if they have established a high growth and innovative business with export potential in New Zealand. Find out more on seeking a Residence for Entrepreneurs or about the requirements for approval.
Who can help?
Articles of interest:
Finding the right business to buy
Business visas - buying a New Zealand business
New Zealand business migration and long term business visas
Business opportunities:
Businesses for Sale New Zealand
Businesses for Sale Auckland
Businesses for Sale Wellington
Businesses for Sale Christchurch
Or Search our New Zealand Businesses for Sale
For further information on buying a NZ business visit New Zealand Business for Sale website nzbizbuysell
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