New Zealand Visas

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Entrepreneur Work Visa

This visa is for people who want to work in their 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. If you’re granted this visa, you can buy or set up a business without living here permanently, or as a first step towards New Zealand residence.

With this visa you can

Come to New Zealand to buy or set up your own business.
Work in your own business in New Zealand for up to 3 years in total.
Include your partner, and dependent children aged 19 and under, in your visa application.

Things to note

You can stay 12 months in the start-up stage of your visa, then another 24 months once you’ve shown us that you’ve set-up your business
If your business is in the science or ICT sectors, shows a high level of innovation or export potential, NZ may consider waiving the NZD $100,000 capital investment requirement.

Investor 2 Visa

Experienced business people who have a minimum of NZD $3 million in available funds or assets can apply for New Zealand residence. Before you can apply, first you need submit an Expression of Interest outlining your business experience and investment. If your Expression of Interest is successful, you and your family will be invited to apply for New Zealand residence. Age limits up to 65 years old for this visa.

Skilled migrant category

This visa is for people who have the skills to contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth. Before you are invited to apply, first you will need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining your employment in New Zealand, work experience, and qualifications. If your Expression of Interest is successful you will have the opportunity to apply to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.

With this visa you can

Live, work and study in New Zealand.
Include your partner, and dependent children aged 24 and under, in your residence application.

Things to note

We use a points-based system to assess expressions of interest.
Currently, we are only selecting EOIs with 160 points or above.
Age limits up to 55 years
This visa isn’t designed for people who are self-employed. If you want to work in your own business, you may wish to apply for an Entrepreneur Resident Visa instead