Business & Investment

Start or Grow a Business in New Zealand

New Zealand has a straightforward business environment and actively welcomes entrepreneurial migrants who want to invest, create jobs, and build something here. If you want to work for yourself in New Zealand, the Entrepreneur visa pathway gives you a clear route, from initial setup through to permanent residence.

Entrepreneur Work Visa

The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for people who want to come to New Zealand to buy or set up their own business.

Key Details

  • Minimum capital investment: NZ$100,000 (may be waived for science, ICT, or high-innovation businesses)
  • Must score at least 120 points on INZ's points scale
  • A detailed business plan is required
  • Valid for up to 3 years total (12 months initial start-up stage + 24 months continuation)
  • Business must not involve financial fraud, prior bankruptcy, or previous business failures in the last 5 years

Points Are Awarded For

  • Age
  • Capital investment amount
  • Business experience
  • Job creation potential
  • Export potential
  • Whether the business is in a region outside Auckland (regional bonus)

The Process

1

Prepare

Gather documents and prepare your detailed business plan.

2

Apply

Submit your Entrepreneur Work Visa application.

3

Start-up stage

If approved, a 12-month start-up visa is granted.

4

Show progress

After 12 months, show you have invested the capital and set up the business.

5

Continue

If INZ is satisfied, you receive the remaining 24 months of the visa.

Entrepreneur Resident Visa

Once you have been operating your business in New Zealand, you may be eligible for permanent residence through the Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

Option 1: Fast Track

Six Months

If you have been self-employed in your New Zealand business for at least 6 months AND you:

  • Invested at least NZ$500,000 in the business (excluding working capital)
  • Created at least 3 full-time jobs for NZ citizens or residents
  • Hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa or LTBV
Option 2

Two Years

If you have been operating your New Zealand business for at least 2 years AND you:

  • Ran the business on an open work visa or Entrepreneur Work Visa
  • Can demonstrate sustained, successful self-employment

In both cases, you must show you have added value to New Zealand and met your original business plan commitments.

Employer Accreditation

If you own or manage a New Zealand business and want to hire skilled workers from overseas, your business must first be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. We assist businesses through the accreditation process so they can bring in the talent they need.

Who Can Own or Operate a Business in New Zealand?

  • Permanent residents and citizens
  • Holders of an Entrepreneur Work Visa
  • Holders of a Long Term Business Visa (LTBV)
  • Holders of a Partnership Work Visa

Thinking of Starting a Business in New Zealand?

Business visa applications are complex and the consequences of errors are significant. We will review your business plan, assess your points, and guide you through the application from start to finish.

Discuss Your Business Plans