The LTBV however, is a very popular route for people who may not otherwise qualify for a visa under any other category. There is no age restriction, and no requirement for individuals to be employed by a New Zealand employer (LTBV applicants are required to be self employed in their own business).

Here we outline the key requirements to be able to apply for a visa, the information we would need to be able to assess suitability, and how the LTBV category operates.

One of the key considerations is the nature of the business that you would like to purchase or establish in New Zealand. This is important as suitable experience in business or relevant experience in a management role in a similar industry will need to be demonstrated. We would thus always recommend that people put some thought into this at the outset.

Having formed an idea of the kind of business that you wish to establish, the next step will be to do some initial research into the demand for such a business Internet research is useful, but it will significantly help any application if people are able to demonstrate research they have carried out in New Zealand. Applications by people who have not visited New Zealand may encounter resistance.

Any successful application needs to demonstrate ultimately how the proposed business will benefit New Zealand. There are a number of ways in which you will be able to demonstrate that your business will benefit New Zealand. They include (but are not limited to) demonstrating that:

	your business will introduce new, or enhance existing technology, management or technical skills; or
	your business will introduce new or enhance the existing products or services (in the event that a business is purchased); or
	your business will create new, or expand existing export markets; or
	your business will create employment (other than employment for you or your family members); or
	your business proposal will revitalise an existing business (by injection of capital and expansion).

The final key piece of information we will need is the funds that you have available to invest in the business in New Zealand and provide for your maintenance/accommodation in New Zealand for the 3 year LTBV period. You will be required to demonstrate sufficient funds for investment and also sufficient funds to maintain your lives in New Zealand for the length of the LTBV.

Once we receive all of the information we have requested, we will make an initial assessment. Based on that assessment, we will either recommend that the application has a good chance of success or otherwise.

On the basis that we feel that the application is strong, we would then transfer the details to our specialist advisors in New Zealand. Immigration lawyers are based in Christchurch and they specialise in preparing applications for the LTBV.

They will review the information and, if appropriate, we would then request they contact you to obtain a greater level of detail about your plans.

They will assist in the preparation of the Business Plan together with a New Zealand based accountant which will form key information required for the LTBV application.

Once an application for an LTBV is approved, you will be granted an initial 9 month visa. During this initial 9 month period you will be expected to either purchase the business that forms the basis of your application, or make steps to set up your new business. You will be required to demonstrate to INZ that you have transferred to New Zealand the funds you have nominated to purchase the business and also provide for your maintenance and accommodation in New Zealand for the full 3 year LTBV period. Essentially, the initial 9 month stage is provided for you to physically commence your business plan and set yourself up in New Zealand.

Assuming that you can demonstrate that you have made progress in the initial 9 months, you can apply for an extension to your permit to take it up to 3 years.

Should you ultimately wish to obtain the right to reside in New Zealand on an indefinite basis; after operating your business in New Zealand for a 2 year period you may be eligible to apply for and obtain New Zealand residence under the Entrepreneur Category.

After running your business for 2 years in New Zealand, you may apply for residency under this category. There are different criteria that you will have to meet in order to be approved.

First, you will need to have established a business and been self employed for 2 years prior to the date of application and neither your partner or any dependent children can have sought social welfare assistance.

Second, the business must be the same business that formed the basis of your application for an LTBV. The investment must also be at least equal to the investment level quoted in your LTBV application and it must meet the business plan requirements.

Finally, you will have to provide documents in support of your application to demonstrate that the business is benefiting New Zealand (refer above) and is either profitable at the date the application is submitted or has the potential to become profitable within 12 months of the application.

If you have a desire to move to New Zealand, contact us today for a free assessment. Or fill in our free secure online assesment form.