If you are self-employed in your home country, you may wish to continue to be self-employed on moving to New Zealand. Alternatively, you may wish to use the shift to New Zealand to make a change in your life and become self-employed.
There are two ways for people to be self-employed on arrival in New Zealand:
- Long term business visa - People applying for a long term business visa need to submit a business plan which will be reviewed by the Business Migration Branch.
- Partner - You can apply for residency if you have a New Zealand partner or spouse. People with residency can be self-employed.
Starting & Running a Business
Starting a business in New Zealand is easy and straightforward. The Inland Revenue Department has extensive tax-related information for people wanting to start a business.
Being self-employed requires a degree of discipline and organisational ability. You must keep accurate records, organise your cashflow, budget for upcoming tax payments and account for your business expenses and deductions. In New Zealand, if your business earns enough, you may need to register for GST.
- Establishing a Business - Immigration New Zealand website
- Running a business - Inland Revenue Department website
Tax
A self-employed person or 'sole trader' owns all of the assets of the business and is solely responsible for all of the business’ risks, obligations and debts. A sole trader also has special requirements to keep in mind when dealing with the Inland Revenue Department.
Inland Revenue Department website
Labour Laws
Labour law regarding business conduct, health and safety, and employment relations is the same for the sole trader as it is for a partnership or company. The Department of Labour’s Employment Relations Service has full information.
Employment Relations - Department of Labour website
Australians
Australians have special privileges when conducting business in New Zealand.
Australians - Inland Revenue Department website
Related Links
