Sponsoring someone in New Zealand can be a complex process, and one of the key aspects is understanding the financial implications. Whether you’re sponsoring a family member to join you in the country, or sponsoring an employee for a work – related visa, the amount of money involved can vary significantly. This article will break down the different types of sponsorships in New Zealand and the associated costs, helping you make an informed decision.
Family Sponsorship
Parent Sponsorship
Financial Thresholds: When sponsoring your parents to live in New Zealand, you need to meet certain financial criteria. The New Zealand government requires sponsors to demonstrate that they can support their parents financially.
Currently, the minimum income requirement for sponsoring one parent is around NZD 67,000 per year. If you’re sponsoring both parents, the income threshold is approximately NZD 80,000 per year. This income should be from a stable and sustainable source, such as a full – time job, business income, or investment returns.
Additional Costs: Besides the income requirement, there are other costs to consider. Your parents will need to have health insurance, which can cost around NZD 1,000 – 2,000 per person per year, depending on their age and health conditions. There are also visa application fees. The parent visa application fee is quite substantial, currently around NZD 4,000 per applicant. If there are any dependents traveling with your parents, there will be additional fees for them as well.
Partner Sponsorship
Income Requirements: Sponsoring your partner to come to New Zealand also has financial implications. The sponsor is generally expected to have an income that can support their partner. While there is no fixed – set income amount, having an income of at least NZD 30,000 – 40,000 per year is often considered a good starting point. This income helps ensure that your partner can be supported during their initial settlement in New Zealand.
Living Expenses Coverage: You need to show that you can cover your partner’s living expenses. This includes accommodation, food, and other daily costs. On average, the cost of living for one person in New Zealand can range from NZD 1,500 – 2,500 per month. So, over a year, you should be prepared to spend around NZD 18,000 – 30,000 on your partner’s living expenses. Additionally, the partner visa application fee is approximately NZD 1,500 – 2,000, depending on the type of visa applied for.
Dependent Child Sponsorship
Financial Support for Children: Sponsoring a dependent child to New Zealand has a different set of financial considerations. If your child is under 18, you need to prove that you can provide for their care and education. The cost of raising a child in New Zealand can vary. For education, primary school education in a state school is free, but there are still costs for uniforms, school supplies, and extracurricular activities, which can amount to around NZD 500 – 1,000 per year. For secondary school, the costs can be higher, especially if your child participates in more specialized courses or sports.
Living Expenses and Visa Costs: In terms of living expenses, a child’s living costs are generally lower than an adult’s but still significant. You can expect to spend around NZD 1,000 – 1,500 per month on a child’s living expenses, including food, clothing, and accommodation. The visa application fee for a dependent child is relatively lower, usually around NZD 500 – 1,000, depending on the circumstances.
Work – Related Sponsorship
Employer Sponsorship for Skilled Workers
Salary Offer Requirements: When an employer sponsors a skilled worker in New Zealand, they must offer a salary that meets the market rate for the position. The salary can vary greatly depending on the industry and the skill level required. For example, in the IT industry, a software developer might be offered a salary starting from around NZD 60,000 – 80,000 per year, while a nurse could expect a salary in the range of NZD 50,000 – 70,000 per year. The employer also needs to show that they can afford to pay this salary on an ongoing basis.
Additional Costs for Employers: Employers also have to bear other costs associated with sponsoring a skilled worker. There are costs related to advertising the job locally to prove that there are no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents available for the position. This can cost around NZD 500 – 1,000 for online job advertisements. There are also visa application support costs. The employer may need to assist the employee with the visa application process, which can involve administrative costs and potentially legal fees if they seek professional advice. The employee’s work visa application fee is usually around NZD 2,000 – 3,000, which may or may not be covered by the employer depending on the employment agreement.
Business Investor Sponsorship
Investment Amounts: For business investors looking to sponsor themselves or their family members for a New Zealand visa, the investment requirements are substantial. There are different investment categories. For the Investor 1 category, you need to invest at least NZD 10 million in New Zealand – eligible investments for at least three years. This can include investing in New Zealand businesses, government bonds, or certain property developments. For the Investor 2 category, the investment amount is lower, at least NZD 3 million, but the investment period is four years.
Living Expenses and Other Costs: In addition to the investment, you need to show that you have sufficient funds for living expenses. For a family of four, living expenses in New Zealand can amount to around NZD 60,000 – 80,000 per year, depending on the lifestyle and location. There are also visa application fees. The Investor 1 visa application fee is around NZD 5,000, and for the Investor 2 visa, it’s approximately NZD 4,000. There may also be costs associated with due diligence and compliance, such as hiring accountants and lawyers to ensure that the investment meets the New Zealand government’s requirements.
Comparison of Sponsorship Costs
Family vs. Work – Related Sponsorship
Income vs. Investment: In family sponsorship, the focus is mainly on the sponsor’s income to support the family member. The amounts required vary depending on the type of family relationship. In contrast, work – related sponsorship, especially for business investors, involves large – scale investments. The income requirements for employer – sponsored skilled workers are more related to the market rate of the job rather than just supporting an individual’s living expenses.
Visa and Ancillary Costs: Family sponsorships have visa application fees that are relatively lower compared to some work – related sponsorships, especially for business investors. However, family sponsorships may have ongoing costs such as health insurance for sponsored parents. Work – related sponsorships can have additional costs like advertising job vacancies and compliance – related expenses.
Conclusion
Sponsoring someone in New Zealand comes with a range of financial obligations. Whether it’s family sponsorship, where you need to support your loved ones’ living and visa – related costs, or work – related sponsorship, which involves salary offers, investments, and various administrative costs, understanding these financial requirements is crucial. It’s important to plan your finances carefully before deciding to sponsor someone. If you’re considering family sponsorship, make sure your income is stable and sufficient to cover the needs of your family member. For work – related sponsorships, especially for businesses, ensure that the investment or salary offers are in line with the New Zealand market and government regulations. By being well – informed about the costs involved, you can make the sponsorship process smoother and more successful, and help your sponsored person integrate well into New Zealand society.
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