People who have or wish to develop a long-term business interest in New Zealand can apply for permanent residence. There is an immigration category for people who have business skills and experience and sufficient capital to contribute to economic growth. Prospective migrants also can apply under the general category, which ranks applicants principally according to their education and work experience. Again, the main criteria for selection is a person's anticipated contribution to New Zealand. Other grounds for acceptance are family ties or humanitarian need.
Immigrants are eligible for New Zealand citizenship after three years of permanent residence.
Immigration rules and procedures are necessarily rather complex and require careful compliance. In addition, New Zealand is presently reviewing its selection system. Anyone considering applying for permanent residence should first obtain information from the immigration sections of the New Zealand Embassy or Consulate.