Immigration and Investment in NZ

New Zealand has several types of visas and permits relevant to overseas investors.  Business visitors do not require work visas and permits provided they stay no longer than three months in any one year in New Zealand.  Multiple entry visas may be issued for up to three years for frequent travelers with business interests in New Zealand.  Business travelers include sales representatives, overseas buyers, business consultants, management executives and professional advisors.
Contact us regarding investment or business visa applications - Click here
 
Business Options 

Wanting to work in NZ

Everyone wishing to work in New Zealand on a continuing basis requires a work visa and permit unless they are exempted.  Work visas are normally issued only to those with an offer of employment and it is Government policy that the immigration authorities must be satisfied that there is no New Zealand citizen or resident on the local register of unemployed who is suitably qualified and experienced to do the job.

There are special provisions to facilitate entry of personnel being seconded to New Zealand for business purposes.  Specialist or senior personnel may be issued with multiple journey work visas for assignments of up to 12 months.  The sponsoring organisation may be an overseas company or a New Zealand company.  Long term secondment of executive staff of multinational companies may be approved where the applicant is going to hold the position of chief executive.  Other senior executive appointments may also be approved for long term secondments if the overseas company has a policy of promoting New Zealand staff into similar positions and give New Zealand staff similar opportunities to work within the company overseas.
Contact us for visa applications - see Statement of Intent
 

Wanting to know about our tax system

Tax – General Overview
New Zealand company tax rate is 30%

Personal tax rates are as follows:

• Income up to $14,000                                12.5%
• Income from $14,001 to $48,000             21%
• Income from $48,001 to $70,000             33%
• Income from $70,001 and above             38% 

An individual resident in New Zealand is liable for tax on all income whether derived in New Zealand or from overseas. A non-resident is liable for New Zealand tax only on income, which is derived from New Zealand. An individual will be resident in New Zealand where:

1. The individual’s permanent place of abode is in New Zealand, or
2. The individual has been personally present in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12 any 12-month period.

Should an individual be a tax resident of the U.S.A under that country’s domestic law (other than solely by reason of citizenship) and if he is also regarded as having a permanent place of abode in New Zealand or satisfies the day count test, he will be regarded as a dual tax resident. The NZ / US Double Tax Treaty provides a series of tests to determine which country has the primary right of taxation.
Please contact us for advice  to set up the appropriate structure for tax efficiency (Link to email response)
 
The area of taxation is therefore very complex and each case would have to be assessed individually. Hence the above is for general information and it is recommended that specific professional tax advice be obtained before applying for residency 

Statement of Intent (Immigration) 

Putting your trust, investment and hope into the immigration policy of a country foreign to you is difficult to do with the knowledge that a person or company will do their utmost for you, on your behalf. 

DFK Oswin Griffiths will give you that guarantee that they will represent you with legal council to the immigration Department of New Zealand through reputable and qualified legal firms with the skill and professional acumen to make your application meet the requirements both legally and logistically.

We see this as a long-term partnership of residency in New Zealand, as it is our intention for you and your family to be settled and earning a good income in our country.

We Guarantee:

• Full processing of application to The Immigration Department 
• Professionally written Business Plans (where applicable) focussing on Industry choice and suitability
• Business plan follow up and implementation programme available (optional)
• Settlement programme if required

We also offer you over 100 years of business experience in New Zealand to expedite your immigration process to have you successfully operating and earning an income in your new country of residence.

The New Zealand Immigration Programme 2003/04

The government remains committed to an active, well-managed and balanced immigration programme.

The NZ Immigration Programme 2003/04 remains unchanged from the 2002/03 Programme, with 45,000 places (with scope for a further 5000 places) allocated as follows:

• Skilled/Business Stream 60% 27,000 (+3000) - see Business Options
• Family Sponsored Stream 30% 13,500 (+1500)
• International/Humanitarian Stream 10% 4,500 (+ 500)

The 45,000 places will be used as an indicative basis for the next three years, committing New Zealand to an active immigration programme.

The new Skilled Migrant Category, which replaces the General Skills Category (GSC), will increase the net benefit of immigration to New Zealand, by ensuring that there is a strong emphasis on outcomes.

The new Skilled Migrant Category will have a minimum qualifying mark that must be reached before an expression of interest can be registered, and that expression of interest will only be valid for a set period of time before it is lapsed.

This will provide more flexibility than the current system, as well as more certainty for people invited to lodge an application for residence, given that they will not have to wait in a queue for their application to be processed.

For this purpose we will focus on Skill/ Business applications. For information on the other categories you can view the NZ Immigration Services Website at  www.immigration.govt.nz.

Business Options

The objective of the business immigration policy is to attract migrants who will contribute to economic growth through:

• increasing New Zealand's level of human capital; and
• encouraging enterprise and innovation; and
• fostering external links.

There are currently four business categories available: 

1. Investor Category
   The Investor Category is a points based system. This means you score points based on a number of factors such as age, business experience and investment funds. Your application will only be successful if you score sufficient points to meet the passmark.
   see Investor category
    
2. Entrepreneur Category
   You may apply under the Entrepreneur Category if you have successfully established a business in New Zealand for a period of at least two years. 
   see Entrepreneur category .
3. Long Term Business Visa/Permit
   You may apply for a Long Term Business Visa/Permit if you are interested in applying for residence under the Entrepreneur Category. You may also apply under this category if you are interested in establishing a business in New Zealand but do not wish to live permanently in New Zealand. This is not a residence policy. You will be granted a work visa or permit for up to three years if your application is successful. 
   see Long Term Business Visa  
4. Employees of Relocating Businesses
   You may apply under the Employees of Relocating Businesses category if you are a key employee of a business relocating to New Zealand. This category is set up to assist the promotion of New Zealand as a place in which to invest and locate business, by facilitating the granting of residence to employees of businesses relocating to New Zealand. 
   see  Employees of relocating businesses

New Zealand Citizenship

The above immigration options do not entitle a person to New Zealand citizenship. In New Zealand, residence and citizenship are different. If you are granted residence you retain your original citizenship, and may apply for New Zealand citizenship later.

The NZIS does not administer citizenship law. Enquiries about New Zealand citizenship and passports should be addressed to the Department of Internal Affairs or the appropriate section of a New Zealand consular or diplomatic office. 

Long Term Business Visa

 
 
The Long Term Business Visa/Permit is a special category of work visa/permit and is not a residence category.You may apply under this category if you are a potential migrant interested in applying for residence under the Entrepreneur Category.

You may also apply under this category If you are interested in establishing a business in New Zealand but do not wish to live permanently in New Zealand.To apply under the Long Term Business Visa/Permit category, you must:

 

• have a satisfactory business plan; and
• have, in addition to investment capital, sufficient funds for your maintenance and accommodation and that of any non-principal applicants; and
• satisfy the business immigration specialist that you are genuinely interested in establishing a business in New Zealand.
• meet English language requirements.

In addition, you and any family included in your application must meet health and character requirements.

A business plan is a proposal to establish a specific business in New Zealand. This plan must include the following information, and be supported by appropriate documentation:

• an outline of your proposed business and its viability; and
• financial information (forecasts and financing options); and
• your business experience (including English language ability); and
• your knowledge of the New Zealand market.

Long Term Business Questionnaire (PDF) - ( 271kb)

Investor

Applicants applying under the Investor Category are assessed by a points system based upon a structure that awards points for age, business experience and investment funds. If you score less than the passmark your application will be declined.

A pass mark is set by the Minister. The pass mark is 12 points.
For further details on the current passmark contact your nearest Immigration Office.
For further information, including English Language requirements, please refer to the English language requirements guide. 

Entrepreneur

The entrepreneur category is for people who have successfully established a business in New Zealand while authorised to live in this country on a work permit such as the long term business visa. The business must have been operating in New Zealand for a minimum of two years.  You must also demonstrate that the business is benefiting New Zealand in some way.

Employees of Relocating Businesses

The Employees of Relocating Businesses category facilitates the granting of residence to key employees of businesses relocating to New Zealand who would not otherwise qualify for residence. 
 

For Banking Assistance - ASB

  
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