[Tobys]

We are looking for information about purchasing a business in NZ. We are looking for something small for under $100,000 US Dollars. My wife and I are educated (He is in Real Estate, She is a CPA), but my father who also wants to move with us (He is 67) wants to purchase a small business to qualify for entry. If we move to NZ (which doesn't seem to be a problem) my father would have to wait several years before we could petition for him to join us. We are trying to figure out a way that we can all move together on different visa classifications. We don't have $1 million + to qualify under the entrepreneur catagory, so we thought we would try the small business approach.

So, has anyone from the US or UK purchased a business in NZ? What were the steps and where are you now?

We are very eager to get out the the US as soon as possible and would love any help you could provide in answering these questions. Thanks in advance!

Robert & Inna Tobys

[jo b]

Robert,

this is something I have been looking into try this link.

http://www.franchise.co.nz/advisor-search.php

Good Luck

Jo

[baboonworld]

I dont know the answer - but would a "home with income" qualify ????

We have the same situation with my OH's parents both 60 and would love 2 come with us!

if anyone knows the answer to that i would be very impressed!!! (and would like u to PM me!)

[Lukas]

...as permanent residents you can bring the parents...if you have enough income to support them

[Tobys]

Thanks everyone for posting back. Jo, a franchise is an option for some, but not for us. We are looking to actually purchase a small business outright.

[tigerlily]

So are you thinking a Long Term Business Visa? I think your father will need experience with the same type of business that he is buying in order to qualify. But investigate on the NZIS site to be sure.

[Moorf]

Agree Tigerlily, I was about to post the same thing, you need experience in the business sector you are entering in order to come in on a business visa. At least this was the case when we were looking as we initially wanted to buy a hotel / motel as our way over.... but couldn't as no experience in that field.

[Avalon]

...as permanent residents you can bring the parents...if you have enough income to support them
You have to be resident for 3 years to do this (currently)

[Avalon]

I dont know the answer - but would a "home with income" qualify ????


NZIS were taking a rather dim view of this at one point - cant say whether they still are: the LTBV went through a very turbulent period at one point and ive no idea how things have changed. Same with franchises - but again it needs to be investigated with NZIS because things change.

[Lukas]

...buying a franchise won"t qualify you under the bussiness category...however chek with NZIS what kind of bussiness are on their sortage list...but you ma qualify for a work or limited purpose visa...then after two years swich to PR...according with my own experience NZIS is felxible with many un-writted small back doors