The options for business migration visas to New Zealand include:

1.  Long Term Business Visa

2.  Entrepreneur Category (no age limit)

3.  Active Investor Migrant Policy (various age limits)

Long Term Business Visa/Entrepreneur Category - no age limit

The Long Term Business Visa (LTBV) is for those people who wish to set up a business in New Zealand or invest 25% or more in an existing business.

The two main considerations are that the applicant has previous experience running a business and that their investment will have some additional benefit to New Zealand.

Requirements:

A business is considered to be benefiting New Zealand if you can show it promotes economic growth, for example, by:

• introducing new or existing technology, management or technical skills
• introducing new, or enhancing existing products or services creating new or expanding existing export markets
• creating employment for others
• revitalising an existing business

Approval of a LTBV results in a work visa which allows you and your family to live, work and study in New Zealand for three years on temporary permits, while you are establishing your business, with the option of further three year temporary permits.

Once you have been successfully running the business for 2 years or more, you can apply for residence under the Entrepreneur Category. You'll need to show that the business is profitable or that it has the potential to trade profitably within 12 months of you making your Entrepreneur category application.  Applications can also be made under the Entrepreneur category if you have lawfully been operating a business in New Zealand for 2 or more years under another policy.
 

Active Investor Migrant Policy - various age limits based on funds

This is a new policy, introduced in November 2007. It has been especially developed for migrants who want the freedom to choose your own investment opportunity. You can use your business skills and experience to maximise your investment – as long as those funds are invested directly or indirectly into New Zealand businesses.

The Active Migrant Policy Category has three tiers based on the level of investment a person is planning to make in New Zealand:

• Global Investors (no age limit) - top priority category for high value investors investing $NZ20 million (including at least $NZ5 million in active investment).
• Professional Investors (ages up to 64) - a second priority category for migrants investing $NZ10 million (including at least $2 million actively).
• General (Active) Investors (ages up to 54) - a category for those investing a minimum of $NZ2.5 million. Applicants are selected through a points system.
   

Requirements

There are different requirements that applicants under the three Active Investor categories have to meet.