Business Visitor Visa For NZ
If you are planning to visit New Zealand on business, you may need to apply for a NZ Business Visitor Visa. It allows you to go to the country for up to 3-months to conduct various business-related activities. This guide covers the eligibility requirements and the costs involved.
Get in touch with our immigration experts if you need help with applying for the Business Visitor Visa to enter New Zealand. Call us on 0333 305 9375 for immediate help and assistance with your situation. We can either help you in person, via the phone or online.
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Overview: New Zealand Business Visitor Visa
The New Zealand Business Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals to travel to the country on business related purposes for undertaking activities such as attending important meetings, speaking at or attending conferences, or negotiating contracts with clients.
The visa allows you to travel to New Zealand for a short term stay, usually for a period of no longer than three months within a 12-month period.
Unless you are a citizen from a visa waiver country including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, and the United States then you can enter New Zealand visa-free for up-to 6 months for business related activities.
Permitted activities that you can complete during a short-term stay under the NZ Business Visitor Visa include allowing you to:
- Attend business appointments such as conferences, meetings, training, seminars.
- Negotiate and sign business deals or contracts.
- Negotiating trade agreements and other deals for yourself or an overseas company while coming to New Zealand.
- Attend trade fairs for business purposes, but only for promotional purposes. You can’t directly sell your own products to make a profit.
- Conduct research for the benefit of business purposes overseas. Activities such as market, industry or technological research are allowed.
- Participate in professional development. Such as attending courses, workshops, or training relevant to your business or profession.
- Attend fundraising events, but only for registered charities or non-profit organisations.
- Visit work sites for inspections related to your business or an overseas company with places in New Zealand.
It is important to note the visa does come with some restrictions set out by the New Zealand government that you should be aware of. These include, you are not allowed to carry out any form of paid work, nor can you offer consulting services, or establish a business while in New Zealand.
If you fail to comply with any of these restrictions it could result in you being fined or worse, being deported from the country. It may also hamper you, if you apply again in the future.
The list of activities you can and can’t do under the business visa can be a little confusing. If you’re still unsure as to which work visa or business visa will cover you, contact the expert immigration lawyers at Total Law. Call us at 0333 305 9375 or message us on our website.
Business Visitor Visa Requirements
Overview
To qualify for the Business Visitor Visa you must fulfil the listed requirements below;
- You must be visiting New Zealand for genuine business purposes.
- You must be in good health and can meet the good character requirements.
- You must have enough money to live on while you’re in the country, or have the financial backing from your employer.
- If applicable, you’ll need to provide evidence of your relationship to your partner and dependent children if they are part of the application.
- You must agree that you will pay for any health care costs during your trip.
- You must have a valid travel ticket for when you return home, or the funds to pay for one.
Documents Required To Apply
Before starting your application, you must prepare the following documents, they include a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay.
If applicable, you’ll need to have the passports, or marriage and birth certificates of your family members. You will also need to fulfil the following;
- If applying online, you must provide an up to date passport size photo.
- If submitting a paper application, you’ll need two passport size photos.
- Provide proof of business activities, such as a letter from the company you’ll be visiting.
- Provide your financials, including recent bank statements or sponsorship agreement.
- Have a valid private health insurance certificate.
- Provide proof of your good character in your own country. (criminal record certificate)
- Agree to provide your fingerprints and a photograph on arrival.
- Medical certificate if you decide to stay longer.
Financial Requirements And Sponsorship
As part of your New Zealand Business Visitor Visa application, the authorities require all applicants to demonstrate that they can financially support themselves while in the country.
This includes having the money available in the bank to cover the entire stay, such as food, accommodation, travel and any health care expenses that you may incur during the trip.
Another option is obtaining a sponsorship, however the sponsor must be able to provide information that shows they meet the following requirements.
- They can sponsor you if they are a citizen or resident of New Zealand. But they cannot have a criminal record and they must be over 18 years old with good character.
- They can sponsor you if they have a registered company in New Zealand.
To be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for a sponsorship. The sponsor must prove they can financially support you. This includes covering your accommodation, transportation, food, and any other expenses during your business trip to New Zealand.
The sponsor can show their financial capacity to support you through bank statements covering the past few months, latest tax returns, or an investment portfolio if they have one.
To be eligible for a sponsorship, you’ll need to submit,
- A letter of sponsorship from a New Zealand citizen or resident willing to support you.
- The sponsor’s financial statements proving they can afford to support you. Immigration New Zealand recommends the sponsor can afford at least NZ$1,000 per month.
- Signed declaration from the sponsor outlining their commitment to support you.
Whichever route you take, it is vital that you make sure the documents you and your sponsor provide are genuine, up to date and most importantly complete.
Business Visitor Visa Application Process And Costs
To apply for Business Visitor Visas to come to New Zealand, follow these steps.
Step 1: Gather the documents:
Before applying, you need to make sure that you have the supporting documents, and these can vary depending on your situation. If you take any dependent children or a partner with you.
You will need identity documents for your partner and dependent children.
Step 2: Complete an application form:
The visa can be applied for either online or via a paper application.
Either way you’ll need to visit the immigration New Zealand website and create an account. Enter your email address and create a username and password.
Step 3: Submit your documents and pay the fees:
After completing the forms and uploading your documents, you will be required to pay the visa application Fees. The standard fee is currently between $211 to $300 NZD depending on where you are applying from.
In addition to the standard visa fee, there are several other fees that you should be aware of, these include fees for;
- Priority processing.
- Medical certificates.
- Partner and dependent applications.
Step 4: Wait for a decision:
After completing the steps above you will need to wait for it to be processed. Typically, processing time for this visa category can vary, but expect to wait around 2 to 3 weeks.
If you have paid for the priority service to process your application quicker, you may receive an answer within 5-working days after submitting it.
If your application is successful, you will be notified of where and when to pick it up.
How Total Law Can Help
Visiting New Zealand for business reasons has many benefits, but applying for a visa is often a complex process. Total Law specialises in assisting people from all over the world complete their business visitor visa applications.
Our expert lawyers will provide you with support throughout the entire application process, including helping ensure the documents you provide are not only accurate but they are also complete and submitted to the New Zealand authorities on time.
Our main services include;
- We offer personalised support tailored to own needs
- We provide expert guidance on how to complete the forms accurately
- We provide legal expertise to help to ensure a successful application.
If you require further assistance with a business work visa application, reach out to our team at Total Law. Contact us at 0333 305 9375 or email us to schedule a consultation session.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
To apply for a New Zealand visitor visa, you generally need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay. While exact amounts can vary, having around NZD $1,000 per month of your stay is recommended.
A business entity or organisation based in New Zealand can sponsor you for a business visitor visa. The sponsor must agree to provide you with financial support during your stay.
A visitor visa allows you to enter New Zealand temporarily for tourism or visiting family/friends, while a business visitor visa permits entry for specific business-related activities such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts with potential with clients.
