Entrepreneurs
Pathways to residence are available for migrants who can demonstrate they have been actively participating in their business and contributing to New Zealand’s economic development. There are two visa types, Entrepreneur and Entrepreneur Plus. Entrepreneur
If you have successfully established a business in New Zealand, and you have been 'self-employed' in that business for at least two years, and your business has benefited New Zealand, you may be eligible for residence in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Category.
The first step towards becoming a New Zealand resident under this category is usually to obtain long term business visa in order to be able to work in your business.
Entrepreneur Plus
Under this category there is no minimum time requirement for which you must have operated your business, and it provides a faster track to residence if you:
- hold a long-term business visa
- have successfully established a business in New Zealand
- have been 'self-employed' in that business
- have invested at least NZ$0.5 million in the business, and
- have created a minimum of three new full-time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents.
Compare the basic criteria of the two Entrepreneur residence categories
| Criteria (minimum) Investment capital | Entrepreneur Category Unspecified. You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient capital to start your business | Entrepreneur Plus Category At least $NZ0.5m while holding initial nine-month long term business visa |
| Business experience | You must have business experience relevant to your business proposal | You must have business experience relevant to your business proposal |
| English language Maximum age | IELTS 4 None | IELTS 4 None |
| Benefit to New Zealand | According to business plan | At least three new FTE (full-time equivalent) jobs created for New Zealanders. These must be new jobs in addition to positions already existing in the business. |
| Time required in New Zealand | Self-employed in New Zealand in the business for two years | Zealand in the business for two years working (Inclusive of time spent on LTBV) |
| Length of time to residence | Minimum of two years and maximum of three years after obtaining approval under Long Term Business Work Instructions | Residence can be granted (with conditions) once requirements met and while holding a long term business visa |
| Health and character | Applicants under both categories must meet health and character requirements. |
