Entrepreneur Resident Visa in New Zealand

The Entrepreneur Resident Visa is designed for ambitious and experienced business professionals who have successfully established and operated a business in New Zealand. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residence for those who demonstrate innovation, investment capability, and economic contribution to New Zealand’s business landscape.

Key Features of the Entrepreneur Resident Visa:

• Proven Business Experience: Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record of entrepreneurship or business management, supported by verifiable financial and operational history.
• Business Proposal: A detailed and viable business proposal is required, including information about the business model, market potential, investment plan, and employment creation strategy.
• Investment Commitment: Applicants must invest a minimum amount of capital (as determined by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)) into their New Zealand business, reflecting genuine commercial intent.
• Job Creation: The business must create sustainable employment opportunities for New Zealand citizens or residents, showcasing tangible economic benefit.
• Residence Pathway: The Entrepreneur Resident Visa typically follows after successfully operating under the Entrepreneur Work Visa for at least two years, meeting all investment and job creation targets.
• Family Sponsorship: Successful applicants may include their partner and dependent children in their residence application, allowing them to live, work, and study in New Zealand.
• Health & Character Requirements: Applicants and accompanying family members must meet INZ’s health and character standards, verified through medical and police checks.

Application Process for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa:

• 1. Business Establishment: Applicants must first successfully operate a business in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Work Visa for at least 2 years (or 6 months if exceptional criteria are met).
• 2. Prepare Application: Compile documentation proving business performance, capital investment, job creation, and contribution to the economy.
• 3. Submit to INZ: Lodge the Resident Visa application with Immigration New Zealand, including financial records, tax documents, and other required evidence.
• 4. Assessment & Decision: INZ assesses the application against the entrepreneur residence criteria. Upon approval, the applicant and family receive residence status in New Zealand.

The Entrepreneur Resident Visa rewards innovation, resilience, and investment in New Zealand’s economy. At Visa2Migrate, our experts assist business owners through each step — from developing compliant business proposals to managing application documentation and ensuring your transition to permanent residence is smooth and successful.