Entrepreneur & Business Work Visa Information

Entrepreneur Visa Policy

This Work Visa is included in the Residence section because it is a pathway to residence.

The applicant must obtain approval for a business plan that is based on a business investment of at least NZ$100,000 and which is assessed by Immigration New Zealand as having the ability to be profitable and provide “substantial benefit to NZ”.

The principal applicant must meet English language standards, and all persons associated with the applicant must be of good health and character.

Successful Entrepreneur Work Visa

The successful applicant will receive an Entrepreneur Work Visa.

After two years, the applicant can apply for an Entrepreneur Resident Visa on the basis;

• The approved plan has been carried out,
• The applicant has worked in the business for at least two years,
• The business has been profitable,
• Good character and good health requirements for all persons associated with the application must still be met, and all persons over the age of 16 associated with the application meet English language requirements.

Useful Information

The Malcolm Pacific Immigration team of advisers and experts take away the stress and worry of navigating the complex world of New Zealand Entrepreneur and Business work visa and immigration.

Investor Visa

Learn more about pathways to residence through investment.

Specialist Investor Visa Team

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Fast Track Provision

The resident visa issued under this “Fast Track” provision will be conditional on the new New Zealand jobs continuing and the investment funds remaining in the business for at least two years from the date of the original investment.

There is a fast track provision for applicants who have:

• Successfully established their business and have run it for six months,
• Invested at least NZ$500,000 in that business,
• Created at least 3 new full-time jobs for New Zealanders,
• Good character and good health requirements can still be met.
  

Employees of a Relocating Business

When an overseas business, that will benefit New Zealand, re-locates to New Zealand, employees may be eligible for Residence where:

• The proposed business re-location has the support of the Ministry of Trade and Enterprise (the threshold for this support is high).
• The employee(s) is (are) defined as "Key employee(s)".
• The employee(s) is (are) not eligible under any other residence policy.
• Meet English requirements and is (are) of good health and character.
  

General Comments

The intention of the Entrepreneur / Business work visa is to provide opportunities for migrants who want to back themselves in business. The focus is on self-employment and benefit to New Zealand.

There is an incentive fast track for stronger applicants. Although conditions may be attached to such a fast track visa for two years, it nevertheless enables the applicant and their family to enjoy the benefits of education and health care as residents.

Historically there has been a 75% or higher decline rate of the Entrepreneur visa. The initial planning and the final business outcome need to coordinate with immigration policy and policy interpretations. Relying on your business skills without taking experienced Immigration advice is very dangerous. You should work alongside experienced experts at Malcolm Pacific Immigration.