New Zealand ~ Entrepreneur Work Visa
Time to Permanent Residency: 3 Years ~ Time to Citizenship: 5 Years
If you wish to start or purchase a business and settle in New Zealand you may apply for an Entrepreneur Work visa. To qualify for that, you must be able to make a NZ$100,000 capital investment. The minimum investment amount required may be waived if your business is in science, ICT or another high-value export sector, or your business shows a high level of innovation or short-term growth prospects. Your spouse and dependent children may be included in the application.–
Once the visa application is approved, you will be required to start your business and make the capital investment within the first 12 months. This visa is valid for 12 months in the start-up stage of your business, extendable another 24 months once you provide proof that you’ve set-up your business as detailed in the business plan. After 3 years you may be eligible for an Entrepreneur Resident Visa, which is a Permanent Residence permit. This permit will allow you to live and work indefinitely in New Zealand. To be granted permanent residency you must have met the conditions of the Work visa, still be doing business in the country, have created jobs and demonstrated commitment to living in New Zealand. After 5 years of residency (temporary or permanent), you may be eligible for citizenship. You may be required to show ties to the country, such as a permanent home, attend an interview and have knowledge of New Zealand’s history, culture and values.
Requirements
– Evidence that you have the funds and/or assets to make the capital investment outlined in your business plan and you have enough money to support yourself and any family who are coming to New Zealand with you, on top of your capital investment.
– Evidence that the funds and/or assets you intend to use for your capital investment are owned by you and earned lawfully.
– Be awarded at least 120 points on New Zealand’s Immigration point scale. Points are determined by age, capital investment, business experience, benefits of the business to New Zealand and the location of the business.
– Business Plan, detailing: the industry, the location, evidence of any claims made about points scale, evidence of enough funds to finance the business, detail whether starting a new business or purchasing a new one, financial forecasts, business track record, environment and market and information explaining how your business will meet at least one of the business characteristics identified in the Entrepreneur Work policy objective.
– If purchasing an existing business, evidence of the value and profitability of the business, past performance and trends, audited accounts for the last 2 years, any sale and purchase agreement, an independent valuation of the business or other evidence that supports its value, profit and loss statements for at least the last 2 years and information about the current employment levels of the business.
– Have a chest x-ray and a medical examination as proof of your good health.
– Good character, not pose a security risk and not threaten New Zealand’s international reputation.
– Fit and proper person: all businesses you have influence over must have complied with all immigration, employment and taxation laws. You must have never been investigated by the Serious Fraud Office or the New Zealand police for any offense resulting from business dealings, you must have no convictions for an offense involving dishonesty and have never been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety.
– Evidence of an acceptable English language test result or evidence you have an English-speaking background, or evidence you’re a competent user of English for other reasons. Dependents must also fulfill this requirement.
– Do not apply for or accept welfare assistance while in New Zealand.
Documents Required
Original and photocopy of passport- Medical Certificate
- Original Police Clearance Certificate
- Evidence of language skills
- Original or Certified copy of Birth Certificate (if applicable)
- Original or Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Bank Statement
- Proof of assets
- Business Plan
- Two passport-size photos
