The Entrepreneur Work Visa is a temporary work visa that allows you to start your own business and be self-employed.  Alternatively, you may purchase an existing New Zealand business. Your family are included; your partner/spouse is granted a work visa and your children are given student visas where applicable.

• There is a start-up phase of 12 months and a balance stage of 2 years.
• You must have at least NZ $100,000 excluding working capital to invest in the business. This may be waived if the business is in science, ICT or in the export sectors and able to demonstrate high levels of innovation etc.
• A detailed business plan is required.
• A clean business record is a pre-requisite; no record of bankruptcy or business failure in the last 5 years.
• You must have at least 120 points awarded for factors such as experience in running your own business, creating full time employment for Kiwis, the amount of capital investment and others. There is strong incentive for locating your business outside Auckland.

After you have successfully established your business in 2 years, you may apply for the Entrepreneur Residence Category. There is also a fast track option that allows you to apply for residency after 6 months of starting your business if you have invested at least $NZ$500,000 and created at least 3 full time jobs for Kiwis or residents. 

AA Law’s experienced immigration specialists can assist you with starting a business in New Zealand contact us (09) 869 2097 or admin@aalaw.nz