What are the main requirements for the Entrepreneur Plus Category?

To be approved residence under the Entrepreneur Plus Category you must hold a long-term business visa and have:

• successfully established a business in New Zealand
• been 'self-employed' in your business
• transferred at least NZ$0.5 million through the banking system to New Zealand
• invested at least NZ$0.5 million in your business
• created a minimum of three new full-time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents (this is in addition to existing staff if you purchase a business)
• a minimum English language ability of IELTS 4
• met health and character requirements.

Unlike the Entrepreneur Category, there is no time requirement that you must have operated your business for to be successful under this category. 

Does my business have to be the same as the one for which I was granted a long-term business visa to establish?

Yes, unless a business immigration specialist at the Business Migration Branch has previously given consent for you to modify your original business proposal.  Your application cannot be approved under the Entrepreneur Plus Category if your established business is different to your proposal in your business plan.

Do I have to provide evidence that I have transferred at least NZ$0.5 million of investment capital to New Zealand?

Yes, you should provide telegraphic transfer documentation as evidence.

What evidence do I need to provide showing the establishment of my business?

Acceptable evidence that you have established a business in New Zealand may include (but is not limited to):

• a certificate of incorporation or business registration
• shareholder certificates or proof of ownership of business
• business purchase agreement
• company financial accounts and bank statements
• company tax returns
• GST returns
• documents showing property lease or purchase by the business
• invoices for business equipment, supplies, ACC, utility bills
• photos of the business
• strategic planning documents.

All documents submitted to prove that you have established a business in New Zealand must be produced by a reliable independent agency or professional (for example, a solicitor or chartered accountant).

Does the rehiring of existing staff count as creating new jobs?

The purchase of an existing business and retention or rehiring of existing staff is not considered to be creating new jobs. In this scenario you would have to create three new sustainable jobs to meet the Entrepreneur Plus criteria.

Will purchasing a business for NZ$300,000 and keeping NZ$200,000 aside for contingencies meet the category investment criteria?

Immigration Instructsions require that a minimum of NZ$0.5 million must be invested into a new or existing business. This can be made up of the purchase amount, establishment costs (fixed assets etc) and/or working capital. If a business is purchased for NZ$300,000, an additional $200,000 must be introduced into the business as working capital to meet requirements. Any funds kept outside the business (ie in a personal bank account) will not be considered as part of the investment into a company.  

How long will my resident visa be valid for?

If you are in New Zealand then you will be granted a resident visa.  The visa will enable you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely, and to travel in and out of New Zealand for two years.  At the end of the two years you can apply for a permanent resident visa (provided you meet all of the requirements), which will enable you to travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely. 

Are there any section 49(1) requirements once my residence has been granted?

Once you have been granted residence under the Entrepreneur Plus Category, you and your family will be subject to section 49(1) requirements. The requirements will be that you:

• must be self-employed in the business you have established or purchased for a minimum of two years (inclusive of time already spent operating the business while holding a long-term business permit)
• retain the NZ$0.5 million invested into your business
• maintain the three new jobs you have created in your business.

At the end of the section 49(1) period, a business immigration specialist has the ability to consider the circumstances regarding any failure to meet 49(1) requirements if they are satisfied the failure was beyond your control.  For example, unforeseen economic change that requires reduction of staffing levels. 

How long will the section 49(1) requirements apply?

The length of the section 49(1) requirements will be dependent on how long you have been self-employed in your business when your residence application is approved. For example, if you have operated your business for 12 months while holding a long-term business visa at the time your residence application is approved, your section 49(1) requirements will be in effect for 12 months. Providing you have met the requirements, after 12 months you will be eligible to have your 49(1) requirements removed.

What happens once my section 49(1) requirements are lifted?

Once your 49(1) requirements have been lifted you will be re-issued with a resident visa without conditions that will be valid for the remainder of the initial two-year period.