Immigration has announced the closure of Entrepreneur Work Visa for new applicants, effective from 27 August 2025. The Entrepreneur Work Visa had lower intake and higher decline rates, hence it has been closed. With the closure of this visa, a new visa, Business Investor Work Visa, has been announced for entrepreneurs wishing to invest in existing business in New Zealand.
What happens to existing visa applicants
All applications for the Entrepreneur Work Visa submitted on or before 27 August 2025, will be processed as usual.
Can I withdraw my application
Applicants whose applications are pending decision can, if they so wish, withdraw their applications. However application fees paid by such applicants, will NOT BE REFUNDED
Will extension be allowed
Yes, those holding Entrepreneur Work Visa, can apply for extension and the same will be decided in terms of the existing policy for extension.
What happens next
Businesspersons with experience of managing a successful business, may consider investment in an existing business in New Zealand, under the new Business Investor Visa policy.
Contact Us
Contact us for a free initial consultation, if you have an existing Entrepreneur Work Visa application or considering applying for the new Business Investor Work Visa