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Investor 2 category Available if you are an experienced business person with a minimum of at
least NZ$3m to invest in New Zealand over a four year period. This category
uses a points-based system to assess eligibility, and also requires that you
have at least three years’ business experience, be under 65 years old, and
meet English language requirements. Applicants must spend a minimum of
146 days per year in New Zealand. If at least NZ$750,000 of the funds are
invested in certain growth-oriented investments, there is greater flexibility in
the time required in New Zealand during the investment period (ie a minimum
of 438 days at any time over the four year investment period).
Entrepreneurs
People intending to purchase or establish a business in New Zealand can apply for an Entrepreneur Work
Visa, which enables entrepreneurs to work in their own business in New Zealand for up to three years in total.
Applicants must make a minimum capital investment of NZ$100,000, provide a detailed business plan,
have business experience relevant to their proposal and start their business within 12 months, Additionally,
applicants need to have a score of at least 120 points on the Entrepreneur Work Visa points scale, and meet
health, character, and English language requirements. Immigration New Zealand may consider waiving the
NZ$100,000 capital investment requirement for businesses in science or ICT sectors that show a high level of
innovation or short-term growth prospects.
The Entrepreneur Work Visa is granted for an initial 12 month period. Once the applicant’s business is
established, the applicant can apply for a further work visa for another 24 months.
Entrepreneurs who are already in New Zealand on an Entrepreneur Work Visa (or another visa that allows
self-employment) can then apply under the Entrepreneur Residence category to be granted residence. An
Entrepreneur Resident Visa allows persons to continue operating their business in New Zealand and stay here
indefinitely. There are two ways of qualifying for residence under this category:
Two year option Under this option, the applicant must prove that he or she has operated a
successful business for at least two years which has benefited New Zealand
significantly and met other requirements.
Six month option Under this option, the applicant can fast track residency by proving that for
(fast-track) six months they have been running a high value business in which they have
invested capital of at least NZ$500,000 and created at least three full-time
ongoing and sustainable employment positions for New Zealand citizens or
residents. Residency can be revoked if the applicant does not maintain the
investment and employment thresholds.
“If you are not a New Zealand or Australian national, you will need a
work or residence visa to live and work in New Zealand.”