What is required - Long Term Business Visas

To be eligible to come to New Zealand under our Long Term Business Category, there are a number of conditions you need to meet before you get here. And there are other conditions you must meet while you’re here.

Before you get here…

To enter New Zealand you need:

 

• to be in good health and of good character 
• to have a reasonable standard of English 
• to have a sound business plan
• evidence that you have enough money aside from investment funds to support yourself and any partner or children coming with you 
• to have the right visa for your visit.

 

Not sure you meet all these requirements? We may have to decline your application.

 

While you’re here…

If we approve your application under our Long Term Business Category, in the first instance we’ll grant you a Work Permit that expires after nine months. This allows you the time to take steps to establish your business. Before the nine months have expired you can apply for a further Work Permit to take your stay up to a total of three years.

 

To gain a further permit, you need to show:

 

• you’re making reasonable progress in setting up your business. This could include:
  • a certificate of incorporation or other documents that provide evidence of the business’ constitution
  • audited accounts
  • GST records
  • other tax records
  • documents showing property lease or purchase by the business
  • invoices for business equipment and supplies
  • other documents such as employment agreements, bank statements, invoices from phone and power companies.

 

As well, during your time here you must keep within New Zealand laws. If not, we may revoke your permit.

 

Long Term Business Permit as a step to residence

You can apply for a Long Term Business Permit as a step towards gaining residence in New Zealand through our Entrepreneur Category.