Moving to New Zealand as Self Employed person?

Hi all,

I've been thinking about moving from the UK to New Zealand for some time now, but am bamboozled by the whole process (but maybe that's just me being a bit slow!).

In particular, there seems to be very little information specifically for self employed people. I have been self employed for 5 years, working as a full-time translator / language teacher. I receive regular work from approx. 10 different agencies, all of whom are happy to continue supplying me with work if I choose to emigrate. I am also considering selling my house in the UK to finance the move.

Do any of you have any experience with this, or know how easy / difficult it is for self employed people to apply for work / residency permits?

All help / suggestions welcome!

Many thanks,

Pikey

Hi Pikey,
The visa route you should be looking at, if wanting to be self employed in New Zealand, is the Long Term Business Visa. You would need to provide a business plan and proof of experience of business ownership and work in your chosen field.

Its not the easiest route, and is also the most expensive, so it may be worth your while looking to find employment in this sector until you secure residency, and then going it alone.

If you have any more questions then fire away!

Many thanks Taffy!

Pikey

[isv]

Pikey,

Consider the Business Investor visa - especially if you will have funds from a house. Having run your own business for five years you will find that experience may act in your favour and you might not have too much trouble getting the points you need.

A lot less hassle than the Long Term Business Visa - and, importantly, no need to stick to your business plan... you can do whatever you want once you get to NZ.

Alan.

[Pikey]

Hi Alan,

Many thanks for your reply - I have also been tentatively considering retraining in a completely different area, and completing an Undergraduate Degree course (possibly at Victoria Uni in Wellington).

Would you happen to know if it's feasible for me to continue working part-time in my current position as a freelance translator to fund my stay at Uni, or is the Immigration Service quite strict on this? Also, am I right in thinking I would be classed as an International Student?

Thanks again for the info!

Pikey

[isv]

I can only comment on the Business Visas and in general once you have one so long as you satisfy the conditions you can do whatever else you like.

Hence if you went for the LTBV so long as set up a business that delivers on its promises you could also study part-time. It you have the investors visa you dont even need to start a business - the NZIS assume that with the experience/funds required by the Investors visa you will be doing something worthwhile in NZ.

I cannot comment on the student visa aspects of your question... but assume there must be restrictions on preventing students from working whilst studying.

Alan.