The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for applicants who are interested in establishing a business in New Zealand or purchasing a business. An Entrepreneur Work Visa is a three-year work visa and there are two stages.

• Start-up stage: Once approved, applicant will initially be given a 12-month work visa, enabling to buy or establish a business in New Zealand.
• Balance stage: This is for the remaining 24 months of work visa. Applicant can be granted the balance of their Entrepreneur Work Visa once they have shown Immigration New Zealand that they have taken reasonable steps to establish and operate the planned business and for money required to establish the business has been transferred to New Zealand.

Entrepreneur Work Visa Requirements

To be approved for an Entrepreneur Work Visa, one must:

• make a minimum capital investment of NZ$100,000, unless this requirement is waived
• meet or exceed 120 points for capacity building factors such as age, investment into New Zealand, previous business experience, or where the business will be based amongst others.
• have a business plan of proposed business
• not have been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety, and
• meet health and character requirements for residence and English language requirements

Entrepreneur Residence Category

Holders of an Entrepreneur Work Visa who have successfully established a business may apply for a residence visa under the Entrepreneur Residence category after spending a minimum of 6 months or 2 years in New Zealand.

The Entrepreneur Work Visa and Entrepreneur Residence category can be successfully used together as a means to obtain residency for those applicants who have sufficient capital, possess business experience, high level management or business ownership experience and want to minimise their business investment. Immigration New Zealand will also have a strong emphasis on businesses which can show high growth, innovation, and export potential.

If you would like to receive advice and guidance for this type of application, please contact us. We have experience in dealing with these types of applications and will be able to provide you with the assistance that is needed.