Entrepreneur Work Visa

Entrepreneur Work Visa

An Entrepreneur Work Visa may be for you if you are an experienced business person looking to be self-employed in your own business in New Zealand.

To apply, you’ll need to provide a detailed business plan, have at least NZ $100,000 to invest in your business and be able to claim 120 points on our points scale. This visa will enable you to buy or set up a business without living in New Zealand permanently, or as a first step towards New Zealand residence.

While on this visa, you can work in your own business in New Zealand for up to 3 years in total. This 3-year Work Visa is structured in two stages. In the start-up stage, your stay can be of 12 months duration; then in the balance stage, another 24 months of stay is granted once you’ve provided evidence that you’ve established your business.

While it is time-limited, it can lead to permanent residence, provided you have achieved the projections made in your business plan, and established a high growth and innovative business with export potential.

You can either start a new business or buy a business that is already in operation in New Zealand. In addition, you can include your partner, and dependent children aged 19 and under, in your visa application.

Under certain circumstances, Immigration New Zealand may agree to extend this visa for an additional three years. This extension will only be granted once, however.

The requirements for this visa also include a clean recent history of bankruptcy, business failure and fraud, health, character and English language requirements.

You can include your partner and children on your application so they can come to New Zealand too. They may be granted visitor or student visas while you relocate the business.

If you would like to know more about Entrepreneur Work Visa process, assessment criteria and the pitfalls that you should be aware of, please call us today on +64 9 379 0219 or email [email protected]