- a country of creative thoughts and innovative ideas; it's no wonder why investors and business owners alike choose the country. Home to a thriving and stable economy, coupled with creativity and innovation, the country is a match made in heaven for the investors who are on the lookout for an attractive place to invest. However, it is the culture and the lifestyle that attracts the investors to New Zealand like a magnet. For the investors, New Zealand is a unique opportunity that they don't want to lose. That's not all; there is a myriad of reasons why investors and business owners choose New Zealand to invest. For many investors, the state of their home country's condition (economy, politics, environment, and policy) may change at the drop of a hat; and add to that, the unpredictable situations that may arise soon. Often, these are the reasons why the investors choose to leave their home country and migrate to New Zealand. New Zealand is famous for its climate, environment, and lifestyle, and for many, these are enough for them to migrate to the country and invest their funds. New Zealand may be a small country, but their visa system is not to scoff at. To cater to the needs of the people of the business category, New Zealand prides itself on having the most flexible business visa system. New Zealand offers short-term and long-term business visa options to business people.
New Zealand Business Visa (Visitor)
The short-term business visa is for those visitors who may be an overseas buyer, a sales representative, or even a business visitor who has come to New Zealand to attend business meetings or negotiations. They can apply for a standard business visa. It allows the visitor to stay in the country for 90 days. This visa, however, won't allow them to take up employment in the country.
Is there any long-term New Zealand Business Visa?
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To attract experienced entrepreneurs and investors to New Zealand, the country has several types of business visas for this purpose. Many investors consider a New Zealand investor visa. But how to get investor visa to New Zealand? There are two types of this visa, and now let's get information about them.
New Zealand Investor 1 Visa
What is investor visa? Knowing as Investor 1 Resident Visa, this New Zealand investor visa allows easy access to the investors to invest in funds in the country by gaining a permanent residence in the country. Note that the investors must have a minimum of NZ $10 million in investment funds. The applicants who want to hold a New Zealand Investor visa don't need to submit Expressions of Interest; they can apply for permanent residence directly. Also known as EOI, an Expression of Interest is a way by which people can migrate to New Zealand. It falls under the 'Skilled Migrant Category' and is a notification of sorts to the Immigration Department of New Zealand. However, investors can apply for the other New Zealand Investor visa, the Investor 2 Category visa, if the investors want to invest less than NZ $10 million.
What are the New Zealand Investor Visa requirements?
To apply for a New Zealand Investor 1 visa, the following requirements are a must. Basic requirements The basic requirements for a New Zealand Investor 1 visa are easy. There's no age, character, or business experience needed, though there are a few other requirements. - The applicant must have at least NZ $10 million or more in investment funds (available) and/or assets. - The applicant must spend at least 46 days in New Zealand per year during the final 2 years of the investment period. - The applicant must be of good health and character. Investment funds For an investor who wants to invest in New Zealand, the following requirements on investment funds are a necessity. - The funds which are to be invested in the country must be owned solely by the applicant. The invested funds can also be owned collectively by the applicant and their partner or/and children. The children must be under 18 years of age and should be dependent on the applicant. - The funds should be available for immediate investment - and shouldn't be subject to charges, creditor claims, encumbrances, or mortgages. The funds should also not be tied up in loans, securities, or any other agreements. - The funds should be legally acquired or earned. - The funds should be available for transfer through banking or a foreign exchange company to New Zealand. - The funds shouldn't be intended for personal use, such as buying a car or a home. Note: If funds are transferred to New Zealand through a foreign exchange company, the following must be provided. - The funds which are transferred to New Zealand through a foreign exchange company must come directly from the bank account of the applicant. - The funds must be transparent. In short, they must be fully traceable. - The funds must be transferred, keeping in mind the law of New Zealand. - The foreign exchange company has no history of fraud or financial impropriety Expression of interest and residence approval The applicants can apply for a permanent residence directly rather than submitting an EOI. If the application for a permanent residence is approved, then the applicant is granted a multiple-entry work visa (valid for 12 months). If necessary, then the visa can be extended for six more months to research for opportunities and conduct their investment in New Zealand. Partners and children can also be included in this visa. The applicant will be granted permanent residence after they have: - transferred their investment funds to New Zealand and invested them in the country - provided details of a New Zealand mailing address - paid a migrant levy if it is applicable
New Zealand Investor 2 Visa
Known as the New Zealand Investor 2 Category visa, this investor visa allows experienced business people to gain permanent residence in New Zealand.
Note that the investors must have at least 3 million NZD to invest over four years. A few other criteria to include are that the age of the applicant should be less than 65, and they must have at least three years of business experience.
The following New Zealand Investor visa requirements are a must if you want to apply for one.
Basic requirements
The basic requirements for a New Zealand Investor 2 visa are included in the following.
- The applicant should have at least NZ $3 million in investment funds and/or assets.
- The applicant should have at least NZ $1 million in personal settlement funds or assets.
- The applicant shouldn't be more than 65 years of age.
- The applicant must score at least 20 points in the New Zealand Investor 2 Category points test
- The applicant must know English - meaning, the applicant either must have a background in English, or they must be proficient in English, such as having citizenship of an English-speaking nation. The applicant can also show a certificate of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score of 3 or more. Other proof of English proficiency can also be holding a university degree in English.
- The applicant must spend at least 146 days per year in New Zealand during the final 3 years of the investment period.
- The applicant must be of good health and character.
Points
To consider the EOI for an applicant, they must score at least 20 points on the New Zealand Investor 2 Category points test. Higher scores increase the applicant's chances of getting their application approved.
Investment and settlement funds
Applicants must have at least NZ 3 million of investment funds and NZ $1 million of personal settlement funds. Note that these funds must be:
- The funds which are to be invested in the country must be owned solely by the applicant. The invested funds can also be owned collectively by the applicant and their partner or/and children. The children must be under 18 years of age and should be dependent on the applicant.
- The funds should be available for immediate investment - and shouldn't be subject to charges, creditor's claims, encumbrances, or mortgages. The funds should also not be tied up in loans, securities, or any other agreements.
- The funds should be legally acquired or earned.
- The funds should be available for transfer through banking or a foreign exchange company to New Zealand.
Note that if funds are to be transferred to New Zealand through a foreign exchange company, evidence is necessary for the following categories.
- The funds which are transferred to New Zealand through a foreign exchange company must come directly from the bank account of the applicant.
- The funds must be transparent. In short, they must be fully traceable.
- The funds must be transferred, keeping in mind the law of New Zealand.
- The foreign exchange company has no history of fraud or financial impropriety
Expression of interest and residence approval
Applicants have to submit an EOI first. If the application for an EOI is approved, then the applicant is granted a multiple-entry work visa (valid for 12 months). If necessary, then the visa can be extended for 6 more months to research for opportunities and conduct their investment in New Zealand.
The applicant will be granted residence after they have:
- transferred their investment funds to New Zealand and invested them in the country
- provided details of a mailing address of New Zealand
- paid a migrant levy if it is applicable
- arranged for the family members (those included in the application) to take English language tuition if they don't meet the English language requirement
