New Zealand Business visas are issued to invest or to conduct business activities in the country. New Zealand is an excellent place for business due to its strong government, legal system, simple foreign exchange control, and lucrative export market. Moreover, it is one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Those interested in business activities need to apply for an appropriate business visa. To apply for the visa, you need to know about its eligibility, documentation requirements, and application process beforehand. Therefore, this blog covers everything about New Zealand business visas.
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Types of New Zealand Business Visas
There are different types of New Zealand Business visas. Knowing about the types of business visas will help you apply for the right one. Below are the New Zealand business visa types:
Business Visitor Visa
The New Zealand Business visitor visa is given to visit the country for business purposes. The visa allows you to stay for 3 months to a year. You can include your dependent children and your partner for a business visitor visa application.
Entrepreneur Resident Visa
The Entrepreneur Resident visa can be applied by individuals who have been self-employed in New Zealand for a minimum of 6 months. Otherwise, the individual must operate a self-employed business for 2 years on another visa. This visa is given for an indefinite period of time. The visa allows you to operate your business, and live, work/study in New Zealand. Furthermore, you can include your dependent children (less than 24 years) in your visa application.
Entrepreneur Work Visa
This is a 3-year visa given to those who want to start or buy a business or work in their business. The NewZealand business visa requires you to invest NZD 100,000. Moreover, you need a business plan and must be able to claim 120 points on the scale. You can add your dependent children (below 19) and your partner to this visa.
Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa
This visa is given to people who have previously held a Global Impact Work Visa at least 30 months. The visa allows you to live permanently in New Zealand. You can live, work or study in the country. Additionally, you can travel to and from New Zealand whenever you want. You can include your dependent children
Active Investor Plus Visa
The active investor plus visa is a visa that will permit you to live, work and invest in the country. However, you need minimum assets of t NZD 15 million or equivalent as funds or assets to apply. This New Zealand business visa permits you to live, work, or study in the country. You can bring your dependent children (below 24 years) in this visa. After 4 years, you can apply for permanent residence.
Global Impact Work Visa
The Global Impact Work Visa is given to investors or entrepreneurs who have received the Edmund Hillary Fellowship. This visa allows you to live and work in the country. After 30 months of being on this fellowship, you can apply for a permanent visa.
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa
This is a 2-year visitor visa given to people who are 66 or older. However, to apply for this visa you need to have NZD 750,000 as an investment. Additionally, you need NZD 500,000 to live in the country. You also need an annual income of NZD 60,000 or more. The New Zealand business visa permits you to include your partner in your visa application. Moreover, you are allowed to travel in and out of the country during your stay.
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Documentation Requirements for a New Zealand Business Visa
The general documentation required to apply for any business visa is provided below. Note; Apart from these documents, you are required to submit visa-specific documentation. The documentation requirements provided here are for Indian nationals only.
- Provide proof of Identification- an acceptable photograph (for online applications), and 2 photos for a paper application. You also need an Indian passport.
- Generally, a check X-ray report is asked. However, if you are staying for less than 6 months you do not need one. Those who are staying for less than 12 months do not need a medical certificate either.
- Those who have criminal convictions are not permitted to enter New Zealand. For this reason, a New Zealand visa is required.
- Additionally, you need to prove that you have genuine intentions. Therefore, you are required to provide documentation proving the same.
- If you are bringing a partner or/and children you need to prove that you have a genuine relationship with them. For example, birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc
- Additionally, you must have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. The funds are required to cover your living expenses.
- You also need a ticket to leave the country or must have sufficient funds to purchase a ticket to leave New Zealand. Your ticket can be sponsored as well. This is to prove that you intend to leave the country.
- Moreover, you must agree to pay your healthcare expenses or the medical assistance you will receive in New Zealand. It is recommended that you have health insurance for the entire duration of your stay.
- Additionally, you must translate the documents into English, if they are not in English
Watch the video below to learn more about New Zealand investor visa
Application Process for a New Zealand Business Visa
A New Zealand business visa application can be made online or on paper. The online application process is provided below:
- Visit the official website of New Zealand Immigration, and visit the visa page
- Next, read the eligibility criteria, and ensure that you meet the same.
- Gather the necessary documents, and start the application process
- To apply, click on apply online and register yourself
- Log in to your account, upload the necessary documents, and pay the visa
- India does not come under the visa waiver countries. Therefore, application fees must be paid,
- At this stage, your application will be processed.
- You will be informed when a decision is made regarding your application
- In case, your current visa expires before the grant of the new visa, an interim visa will be provided to you automatically. This allows you to stay lawfully in the country.
New Zealand Business Visa Minimum Investments/Bank Balance
The minimum investment or bank balance requirements for a business visa depend on the visa type. We have provided the same for different business visas below:
Visa | Minimum Amount Needed |
Business Visitor Visa | Get the financial support of your employer, or get NZ $1,000 a month for each person, or have $400 a month (if you have already paid for accommodation. |
Entrepreneur Resident Visa | Purchase or set up a Business with 25% of shareholding. The business must have existed for at least 6 months in New Zealand. |
Entrepreneur Work Visa | Mus be capable of making a minimum capital investment of $100000. |
Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa | Must have received an Edmund Hillary fellowship, and it must cover you accommodation expense |
Active Investor Plus Visa | Need to invest NZD 15 million or equivalent in acceptable investments in the country |
Global Impact Work Visa | NZD 30,000 to support you and your family |
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | Have NZD 750,000 or more to invest for 2 years in New Zealand |
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New Zealand Business Visa Fees
The New Zealand business visa fee varies depending on the visa cost. The visa fees are provided below:
Visa | Fees |
Business Visitor Visa | From NZD 211 |
Entrepreneur Resident Visa | From NZD 6860 |
Entrepreneur Work Visa | From NZD 3920 |
Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa | From NZD 4240 |
Active Investor Plus Visa | From NZD 7900 |
Global Impact Work Visa | From NZD 860 |
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | From NZD 3790 |
New Zealand Business Visa Processing Time
The New Zealand business visa processing time are as follows:
Visa | Processing Time (80% of the visas) |
Business Visitor Visa | 2 weeks |
Entrepreneur Resident Visa | NA |
Entrepreneur Work Visa | 11 months |
Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa | 7 weeks |
Active Investor Plus Visa | 6 months |
Global Impact Work Visa | 7 weeks |
Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa | 6 weeks |
Read this Comprehensive Guide to New Zealand Work Visa
FAQs
The money required for a New Zealand work visa depends on the visa you are applying for. Generally, you need a minimum bank balance, a certain amount of investment in a New Zealand company, an Edmund Hillary fellowship or money to launch your business. Apart from that, you need funds to pay your visa expenses.
Select the business visa you want to apply for, ensure that you meet the documents and eligibility requirements, and apply online to get a business visa. Indian applicants are also required to pay the visa fee.
The entrepreneur residence visa, global impact permanent residence visa, Active Investor Plus Visa, and Global Impact Work Visa can help you to get Permanent Residence. However, you need to meet the eligibility criteria to apply.
We hope you now understand what are the New Zealand Business Visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!