Entrepreneur Category

To be eligible for residence in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Category, you need to have successfully established, purchased or made a substantial investment (at least 25%) and be self-employed or working in, a business that is benefiting New Zealand.

You must first have applied for, and gained, a Long Term Business Visa or Permit so that you could establish the business, and now wish to apply for residence. Once you have operated a business for two years you along with your partner and dependent children may then apply for residence under the Entrepreneur Category

For an Entrepreneur residence application to be successful an applicant must:

• have established, purchased, or made a substantial investment of at least 25 per cent in a business operating in New Zealand for 2 years
• Provide evidence that the business is benefiting New Zealand, is profitable or has the ability to be profitable in the following 12 months
• have been self employed or, if you’re a part-owner, have worked, in that business for two years before you apply for residence as an entrepreneur
• Satisfy the English Language standard (IELTS 5)