Entrepreneur Work Visa Policy Summary

The Entrepreneur Work Visa policy is a special category of work visa and is not a residence category.

You may apply under this category if you are a potential migrant interested in applying for residence under the Entrepreneur Category . You may also apply under this category If you are interested in establishing a business in New Zealand but do not wish to live permanently in New Zealand.

To apply under the Long Term Business Visa category, you must:

• have a satisfactory business plan; and

• have, in addition to investment capital, sufficient funds for your maintenance and accommodation and that of any non-principal applicants; and

• satisfy the business immigration specialist that you are genuinely interested in establishing a business in New Zealand.

In addition, you and any family included in your application must meet health and character requirements.

A business plan is a proposal to establish a specific business in New Zealand.

This plan must include the following information and be supported by appropriate documentation:

• an outline of your proposed business and its viability; and financial information (forecasts and financing options); and

• your business experience; and

• your knowledge of the New Zealand market.

Your business plan will be assessed on the credibility of the information you provide and the knowledge that you display of the proposed business and the New Zealand business environment.

Your businesses plan must therefore be supported by suitable evidence and reflect your research into the proposed venture. Immigration New Zealand will assess your business plan and whether you have:

• sufficient funds – you have enough money - to establish your proposed business in New Zealand; and

• realistic financial forecasts – your business plan contains realistic financial forecasts; and

• relevant business experience – you have relevant business experience; and

• sound business record – you have not been involved in business failure or bankruptcy within the last five years; and

• sound business character – you have never been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety.

You must provide evidence that you have, in addition to investment capital, sufficient funds for your maintenance and accommodation.

Further your business has to be beneficial for New Zealand.

This is the case if it will promote New Zealand’s economic growth, e.g. by

• introducing, or enhancing existing, technology, management or technical skills; or

• introducing, or enhancing existing, products or services; or

• creating, or expanding existing, export markets; or

• creating employment (other than for yourself); or

• revitalising an existing New Zealand business.

Also you have to illustrate your knowledge of the New Zealand business environment and the impact of this environment on your business proposal.

You must provide evidence that you have conducted sufficient research of the New Zealand market and the factors relevant to your proposed business to enable that business to operate successfully.

If your application is approved you will be granted and/ or issued a 9 month work visa to allow you to establish and commence the operation of your proposed business in New Zealand.

Further visas will be granted or issued for the balance of the 3 year period (i.e.27 months) upon demonstrating that you have taken reasonable steps to establish or invest in your proposed business.

‍