Moving your business to New Zealand is a big adventure – and you shouldn’t have to go it alone! The Relocating Business Visa lets you bring your most important team members along for the journey.
Let’s walk through this together in simple, friendly terms.
🤝 Who Gets to Come Along?
We know your team is like family, but Immigration New Zealand needs to know who is genuinely essential to your operations. Your eligible employees should be:
💼 The brains of the operation – Managers, specialists, or people with unique skills
📅 Long-time teammates – They’ve been with you for at least a year
🔑 Hard to replace – Like that one colleague who knows everything about everything
✅ Quick Checklist for Employees
| What We’re Looking For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Important job title | Needs to be leadership or specialist level |
| Time on the team | At least 12 months together |
| Special skills | Things that make them irreplaceable |
| Fair pay | Must meet New Zealand’s standards |
🌈 Why Your Team Will Love This Move
✨ Keep working together – No need for awkward goodbyes
👨👩👧👦 Bring the whole family – Partners can work, kids can go to school
🏡 Potential for staying long-term – This could lead to residency
🌿 Hello, work-life balance! – Beaches, hikes, and great coffee await
🗺️ Your Step-by-Step Roadmap
- Business gets the green light – Your company needs approval first
- Team members apply – They’ll show why they’re essential
- The waiting game – Immigration NZ does their review (pack some patience!)
- Time to celebrate! – Approval means start packing those bags
Tip: Start early – these things always take longer than you think!
📋 Your Essential Paperwork Checklist
| What You Need | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport (with 6+ months validity) | Your ticket to NZ! |
| Job Offer Letter from relocating company | Shows you’re essential to the business |
| Employment Contract | Proof you’re legitimately employed |
| Proof of Work Experience (12+ months with company) | Payslips, tax records, or employment verification letter |
| Qualifications/Certificates | Degrees, licenses, or trade certificates |
| Police Clearance Certificate (from all countries lived in) | NZ wants good vibes only 🕊️ |
| Medical Certificates (if required) | Chest x-ray or medical exam results |
| Proof of Relationship (for family members) | Marriage/birth certificates for spouse/kids |
| Accommodation Plans in NZ | Rental agreement or employer housing letter |
💰 Your Relocation Cost Calculator
| Expense | Approximate Cost (NZD) | What You’re Paying For | Good to Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Visa Application | $3,000-$4,500 (per employee) | Processing your work visa | Employer usually covers this 🎉 |
| Partner Work Visa | $1,300-$2,000 | Letting your spouse work too | Worth every penny for dual incomes |
| Child Student Visa | $700-$1,000 (per child) | School access for kids | Primary school is free in NZ! |
| Police Certificates | $50-$150 (per country) | Background checks | Varies by country – start early! |
| Medical Exams | $300-$600 | Health clearance | Some roles require full checkups |
| Translation Services | $50-$100 per document | For non-English paperwork | Certified translators only |
| Immigration Advisor | $2,000-$5,000 | Expert help (optional) | Can save costly mistakes |
| Flights to NZ | $1,500-$3,500 (per person) | Your one-way adventure ticket | Book early for best deals ✈️ |
| Shipping Belongings | $3,000-$8,000 | Moving your life overseas | Get multiple quotes! |
| First Month Rent | $2,000-$4,000 | Housing deposit + advance | Auckland’s priciest |
🚧 What You Need to Know About Visa Limitations
| Limitation | What It Means For You | Our Best Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Only for existing employees | No new hires – must have worked together for 12+ months | Keep thorough employment records |
| Tied to your employer | Visa valid only with this specific company | Negotiate contract terms carefully before moving |
| No automatic residency | This visa alone doesn’t guarantee permanent stay | Explore pathways like Skilled Migrant Visa early |
| Limited duration | Typically 3 years (renewable but not indefinite) | Mark calendar 6 months before expiry to plan next steps |
| Family visas separate | Spouse/children need their own applications | Budget extra time and money for family paperwork |
| Business must succeed | If company fails, your visa may be at risk | Research NZ market thoroughly with your employer |
| Location restrictions | Must work where the business operates | Confirm work location before signing anything |
| No benefit access | Can’t claim most NZ social welfare benefits | Get comprehensive health insurance |
🌟 Why You’ll Love Relocating to NZ
| Benefit | What It Means For You | Why It’s Awesome |
|---|---|---|
| Keep working with your team | Continue your existing role in NZ | No job hunting – instant work community! |
| Bring your family | Spouse can work, kids study free | Your whole family gets a Kiwi adventure |
| Work-life balance | 30+ days annual leave common | More beach time than overtime |
| Pathway to residency | Qualify for residence after 2 years | Plant roots in paradise 🌿 |
| World-class healthcare | Access to NZ’s public health system | Peace of mind included |
| Safe, welcoming culture | Consistently ranked top for quality of life | Where work stress goes to retire |
| English-speaking workplace | No language barrier | Hit the ground running |
| Travel opportunities | Explore Aus/NZ easily | Weekend getaways to paradise |
| Future-proof skills | Gain international experience | Supercharge your CV |
❓ Real Questions from People Like You
Q: Can we make this a family affair?
A: You bet! Spouses receive work rights, and children can attend school – it’s a package deal.
Q: How long does this visa last?
A: After 3 years, it will expire, but you can avail with options to extend or even settle down permanently.
Q: What if things don’t work out?
A: There are backup options (like the Skilled Migrant Visa), but it’s better to have a Plan B.
🚀 Let’s Make This Happen!
If you’re serious about the move:
📌 Check if you qualify – Company first, then team members
📌 Gather your paperwork – Employment records, job details, financial info
📌 Submit with confidence – For both the business and your key people
Feeling overwhelmed? An immigration advisor can be your guiding star.
💡 Remember These Key Points
- Only bring your must-have team members
- Families are welcome
- The visa gives you 3 years to settle in
- Early birds get less stress