Hi all. I'm planning on doing backpacking in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa. I want to backpack for a year and then start the process to becoming a resident. However, obtaining residency seems difficult for someone my age who doesn't have wealthy parents or a degree.
Even though I don't have a degree, I have a lot of potential and ultimately want to become an entrepreneur. I want to invent a new food product in New Zealand, but also sell my designs (I'm an artist), and organic fruits and vegetables at local farmer's markets. More than anything in life, I want to live this lifestyle.
Unfortunately, entrepreneur visas require a lot of money up front. I think you have to invest 100,000 NZD to even obtain one. If you want to acquire residency as an entrepreneur, you must make a smacking 500,000 NZD in roughly 2 years to be given your residency visa. That seems absurd. I don't have that kind of money to invest, and my idea of "small business" is a lot different than what these entrepreneur visas call for. Really, I just want to set up a stall at the farmer's market and offer my services. This does not call for a 100,000 NZD investment, nor will it make 500,000 NZD in 2 years. I'm a photographer, an artist and future travel blogger. This stuff doesn't require big money, and I can still afford a minimalist, independent life off of it.
I'm at a loss. I'm 19 and there's nothing for me in the US. I don't have a close relationship with any of my family members, and I can't see a future in this fast-paced, money-hungry and violent country. No part of this country is beautiful to me because it's littered with corruption, and it's driving me crazy. I don't feel safe here. The odds of me living a successful and happy life are greater in New Zealand than they are here, in the cold, dead cities. I need to be out there in the pastures, forests, mountains, whatever it may be.
I have one plan in mind, but I don't know if it can exactly fall through. If I were to develop somebody's land for them (aka, grow fruits & vegetables on their land and sell them/give the land owner a fair share of the profit), could I obtain residency? Maybe as a skilled worker? It would be like me working for the land owner under their business (sort of), so I'm wondering if I can be sponsored by them in a legitimate way?
Does anybody have experience with this? I should probably speak to a professional because it's a very specific scenario, but what are your thoughts and suggestions? Thank you!