Business Relocation Work Visa (BE5.10)

At a glance

A temporary work visa that may be granted to the principal applicant after receiving approval in principle under the Employees of Relocating Businesses residence category. It permits entry to New Zealand to arrange the relocation of the business. The visa is valid for 24 months from the date of approval in principle and allows multiple journeys. Partner and dependants may be granted visitor or student visas for the same period [BE5.10].

How to apply

The principal applicant must have a residence application under the Employees of Relocating Businesses category that has been approved in principle. Once an application for a work visa is lodged, INZ may grant the work visa to allow the applicant to travel to New Zealand and arrange the relocation [BE5.10].

Eligibility criteria

• The principal applicant must have received approval in principle under the Employees of Relocating Businesses category [BE5.10].
• An application for a work visa must be lodged [BE5.10].
• Partner and dependent children may be granted visitor visas for the same period; those who wish to study may be granted student visas, provided they meet current student visa instructions [BE5.10].

Interpretation & edge cases

• The work visa is valid for 24 months from the date of approval in principle and carries multiple journey travel conditions. If the residence application is later declined because the business has not relocated within the 24-month period, the work visa may cease to be effective.
• Dependants granted a student visa must satisfy the standard student visa requirements (e.g., enrolment in an approved course, sufficient funds) as set out in the current student instructions [BE5.10].
• This visa is not a standalone category; it is contingent on the principal applicant maintaining eligibility under the Employees of Relocating Businesses residence pathway.
• If the resident visa holder fails to comply with the conditions of their residence visa (including the requirement to successfully relocate the business), they may become liable for deportation under section 159 of the Immigration Act 2009 [BE7.5].

Citations

• BE5.10 — Temporary visa to arrange business relocation
• BE7.5 — Non-compliance with conditions