The objective of the Entrepreneur category is to attract migrants who can demonstrate they have been actively participating in business and contributing to New Zealand’s economic development.
If you have successfully established a business in New Zealand, and you have been “self-employed” in New Zealand in that business for at least two years, you may be eligible for residence in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Category.
You may have been in New Zealand on a Long Term Business Permit to enable you to establish the business, and now wish to apply for residence. Or you may have held a Work Permit granted under another category that allowed you to establish your own business.
“Self-employed” means your lawful active involvement in the management and operating of a business in New Zealand. You need to show that you have established a new business in New Zealand, or purchased a substantial investment in an existing business. You must own at least 25% of the shareholding of the business. Self-employment does not include involvement of a passive or speculative nature.
You will need to show that your business benefits New Zealand, and complies with employment and immigration law.
You may not qualify for residence if you or any partner or dependent children have received social welfare assistance during your time in New Zealand.
Note: Some requirements are different (mainly for English language and benefit to New Zealand) if you:
- have been on a long term business permit approved (or approved in principle) before 20 November 2002, or
- have renewed your long term business permit that was originally approved (or approved in principle) before that date.
Are there any other requirements?
Yes. Please refer to our checklist and other requirements.
What evidence of my New Zealand business do I need to provide?
See the attached requirements.
What if my business is different from that on which my long term business visa was approved?
See the attached comments.
Notes for Entrepreneur applicants.
Refer to Frequently Asked Questions page.
Before we can grant you a residence permit we’ll need to see that
- you’ve paid a migrant levy, and
- you and your partner and any dependent children aged 16 or over meet our English language requirements.
See the Operational Policy for the Entrepreneur Category.