New Zealand is a very young country, with European settlement on a large scale only occurring over the last years. There are just over four million New Zealanders, and every single one is an immigrant or descended from one. English is the main written and spoken language here. New Zealand is a liberal and tolerant society. However, there are certain laws that are strictly enforced for citizens.

New Zealand has an unrestrictive business environment that competes aggressively in world markets. Its economy is pre-dominantly agriculture-based which continues to deliver the bulk of their exports. The dynamic growth in the business market has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of industries and given businesses the impetus to invest in new plant, machinery and staff.

However, the unprecedented period of growth has resulted in a number of occupation categories reporting a desperate need for skilled, qualified personnel. As a result, New Zealand is looking overseas for migrants in the following fields:

• Engineering
• Teaching
• Biotechnology
• Information Technology

New Zealand provides opportunities to new migrants to contribute valuable skills or qualifications, set up a business, or make a financial investment. It also offers family reunification by allowing residents and citizens to sponsor family members for residence.

You can apply for visa or permit under the following categories:

• Skilled Migrant Category
• Business Category
• Entrepreneur Category
• Family Category

To apply under this category, you must prove that you have the potential to contribute, by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). On EOI you will get points for your qualifications and certain other factors, like whether you have a job waiting for you and any previous work experience.

You must meet the following requirements to apply under this category:

• You must be in good health. If your EOI is accepted you will be required to undergo a medical examination.
• You must be of good character. You will have to provide a police certificate and evidence for all applicants over 17 years.
• You will need to meet a certain level of ability in spoken and written English.
• In certain fields of work, you will need to ensure you have occupational registration. If you require registration and do not have it, you will be unable to work in your chosen occupation under this category.

If you meet all the requirements you can look into how many points you will able to claim. You will get points for such factors as skilled employment, work experience, qualifications, and your age. If you meet the EOI criteria you will be invited to apply for residence.

New Zealand’s Business Immigration Policy consists of residence and temporary entry categories. Investor, Entrepreneur and Employees of Relocating Businesses Categories lead to residency in New Zealand, while the Long Term Business Visa Category allows temporary entry.

You will need to submit an Investor 1 Category application for residence (INZ 1163) form. Along with the application form, you are required to submit two passport-size photos, photocopies of the identity pages of your passport and a full birth certificate. If your partner is included in the application, you will be asked to provide evidence that you have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months.

You will also need to provide evidence of your funds/assets. This can include bank books/statements, title deeds, a recent evaluation report of your property from an independent registered advisor, mortgage documents or statements showing any liability incurred in the property, share certificates, documents of ownership, or financial interest in the company/business and an independent valuation by a charted accountant, including details of any mortgages, loans or other financial obligations. The application fee for the Investor Plus Category is NZ$ 3400.

If you meet the requirements, you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. Points on your Investment EOI can be claimed for age, business experience, English language skills, and investment funds.

Your application must then be sent to the Business Migration Branch within three months of receiving the letter from Immigration NZ inviting you to apply. Along with the application form and a residence fee of $3400, you must also send two passport-size photos, photocopies of the identity pages of your passport and a full birth certificate.

The Entrepreneur category aims to attract migrants who have been actively participating in business and contributing to New Zealand’s economic development. If you are approved under the Entrepreneur category are granted New Zealand residence.

You will need to show that you have established a new business in New Zealand or purchased a substantial investment in an existing business. You must own at least 25% of the shareholding of the business, and you will need to prove that your business benefits New Zealand and complies with employment and immigration law.

In order to apply, you will need to submit originals or certified copies of the following documents:

• Completed and signed application form.
• The correct application fee.
• Evidence that you have established your business in NZ, that the business is benefiting the country and that you are meeting NZ employment and immigration laws.
• Evidence of your English language ability
• Partnership documents, if applicable.
• Marriage Certificate
• Full birth certificates for ezch application showing parentage
• Police Certificates
• Photocopies of the identity pages of your passports
• Completed Medical and X-ray Certificate Forms (NZIS 1007)

A Long term business visa ( LTBV )or permit allows its holder to stay in New Zealand as a self employed person for a period of up to three years. This Visa can be used as a step towards gaining residence in NZ through the Entrepreneur category.

The first step is to complete the application for Long term business Visa and permit (NZIS 1058), You will need to submit this form along with the following documents:

• A satisfactory business plan and supporting documents
• Proof that you have enough money aside from investment
• funds to support yourself and any partner or children coming with you.
• Evidence that you meet the English language requirements
• Evidence that you and your partner meet the partnership requirements
• The correct application fee.

• Two recent passport size photos
• A valid passport or certificate of identity
• A completed Medical and X-ray certificate
• A police certificate less than six months old for each applicant over the age 17
• A full birth certificate for each dependent child.

After getting the first nine-month permit, you will need to meet some requirements in order to be granted a further permit.

The family class is divided into four categories:

• Partnership
• Parent
• Sibling/Adult child
• Dependent child

You may apply as a partner if you are legally married to a New Zealand citizen or resident or if you are in a genuine and stable common-law or same-sex relationship of at least 12-month duration.

You may apply as a parent if you satisfy the “center of gravity” test, meaning you have an equal or greater number of adult children living in New Zealand than in any other country. Dependant children with a parent in New Zealand may also be eligible to apply for permanent residence. You may also be eligible to migrate to New Zealand if you have a parent or sibling who is a permanent resident or citizen.