NEW ZEALAND ENTREPRENEUR VISA

Entrepreneur Work Visa Requirements

Entrepreneur work visa is points based visa and is granted for a total period of 3 years in two stages - initial period of 12 months for start up stage to establish a new business or purchase an existing business and balance period of 24 months to manage the said business. Following are the core requirements to qualify for Entrepreneur Work Visa:

• score at least 120 points;
• make a minimum capital investment of $100,000 excluding working capital;
• have a credible business plan;
• not have a recent business history of bankruptcy, fraud or business failure; and
• meet English language, health and character requirements.

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ENTREPRENEUR RESIDENT VISA REQUIREMENTS

After successfully managing the approved business, entrepreneur work visa holders can apply for Entrepreneur resident visa to live and settle in New Zealand. There are two ways to qualify for entrepreneur resident visa.

• Apply after 2 years if you are self-employed in your approved business that significantly benefits New Zealand; or
• Apply after 6 months if you have invested $500,000 in business and created 3 full time jobs for New Zealanders.

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VISA APPLICATION CHARGE

Entreneur Work Visa - NZ $ 12,380

Entrepreneur Resident Visa - NZ $ 14,890

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ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME

Entrepreneur Work Visa - currently 80% of applications are decided within 12 months

Entrepreneur Resident Visa - currently INZ does not have processing timeframes for this visa.

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IS NEW ZEALAND THE RIGHT PLACE FOR BUSINESS

New Zealand is an ideal destination for those wishing to do business and settle in New Zealand as it is a people-friendly, business-friendly and a safe country with modern, prosperous and growing economy, a stable democracy with fair, just and transparent laws. New Zealand consistently ranks high in the world rankings on a number of key parameters, such as:

• Ease of Doing Business - 1st rank (2020 latest available)
• Least corrupt country in the world - 4th rank (2024)
• Most peaceful country in the word - 4th rank (2024)
• Overall Prosperity Index - 10th rank (2023)
• Overall index of economic freedom - 11th rank (2025)

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CONTACT US

Do you wish to manage a business and settle in New Zealand? Contact us if you wish to apply for Entrepreneur Work Visa or if you have managed your business in New Zealand and wish to apply for Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

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