Business / Self-employed / Investor Long-stay Visa
Category: Business · Processing time: 3-9 months (business approval + visa)
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Apply through official authority
Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-06.
Visa type
Business
Processing time
3-9 months (business approval + visa)
Fees
GovernmentFee: Confirm on official portal
Validity
Confirm on official source
Stay duration
Confirm on official source
Entry type
Confirm single/multiple entry rules
Insurance
Confirm if required
Bookmark
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Overview
Long-stay permit for entrepreneurs, self-employed professionals, and investors who meet capital or job-creation requirements.
- Leads to permanent residency: Yes
- Requires job offer: No
- Language required: No
- Minimum education: Not specified
Estimated Costs
- - GovernmentFee: Confirm on official portal
- - CapitalThreshold: Many countries require minimum investment or assets
- - BusinessRegistration: Local company registration and tax fees
Required Documents
- - Detailed business plan
- - Proof of capital / investment funds
- - Source-of-funds documentation
- - Endorsement / approval letter from authorised body (where required)
- - Valid passport and biometrics
- - Police clearance and medical (where required)
- - Tax records / financial statements (for established businesses)
Application Steps
- Confirm which business / investor visa pathway applies to you
- Secure endorsement or programme approval where required
- Prepare business plan, source-of-funds, and capital evidence
- Apply on the official portal and pay government fees
- Submit biometrics and supporting documents
- Attend interview if required
- On approval, register the business locally and meet ongoing reporting
Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) →
Travel Insurance Requirement
- Mandatory: Confirm with official source
- Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
- Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
- Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority
Embassy, Consulate & Appointments
Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.
Open appointment or official portal →Browse foreign embassies in New Zealand (MigrantIQ directory) →
Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.
Application checklist
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Benefits & What This Visa Allows
- - Live in the destination while running your business
- - Often allows family members to accompany you
- - Pathway to permanent residency on meeting milestones
- - Some destinations exempt qualifying applicants from labour-market tests
Trust & safety
Before you pay or submit documents
Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.
Relevant laws
- Immigration Status and Overstay Rules
Immigration · Severity: Critical
Your ability to remain in New Zealand is determined by the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. You should understand that a pending application, a job offer, or acceptance…
- Work Authorisation Rules
Employment · Severity: Critical
In New Zealand, not all visas permit the holder to work. While some visas allow paid employment, others have restrictions that could affect your ability to work legally. Understanding these rules is important for…
- Tax Residency and Income Reporting
Tax · Severity: High
Tax residency in New Zealand is determined by your physical presence in the country. If you live in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period, you are considered a tax resident. This means you will be…
Active scam alerts
In New Zealand, some agents exploit newcomers by overcharging for essential services like document translation, notarisation, or obtaining apostilles. This scam primarily targets visa applicants, families, students,…
In New Zealand, a scam has emerged where individuals impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents. They claim that newcomers must pay a special fee to enter the country, expedite their border…
In New Zealand, a concerning scam targets prospective students, scholarship applicants, and their parents. Fraudsters pose as representatives of educational institutions, offering admission, scholarships, or student…
In New Zealand, a concerning housing scam targets newcomers, including students, families, and remote workers. Scammers create fake rental listings for properties, often using attractive photographs and enticing rental…
Quick Eligibility Check
Use this self-check for Business / Investor Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.
Common Rejection Reasons
- - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
- - Insufficient financial evidence
- - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
- - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms
Application Tips
- - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
- - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
- - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
- - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.
Sources & References
Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.
- MigrantIQ visa record
Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.
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