To help you make sure you have everything you need to apply, please print out our checklist and follow the steps to apply.

Complete the form

Print and complete the form Entrepreneur/ERB Residence Application (INZ 1056) PDF.

Also available is the Entrepreneur/ERB Guide (INZ 1057) PDF, which will help you apply. 

If you cannot print the form and guide, they are available from your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.

Chinese applicants must also complete the Supplementary Application Form for Chinese Visitors, Students and Workers (INZ 1027) PDF.

Submit evidence to do with the business

You must provide all of the information that we require about the business, your current role, and your future role when the business relocates to New Zealand.

A letter from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

You must provide a letter from the CEO of the business that gives the following information:

• the name and location of the business intending to relocate to New Zealand
• why it is relocating, and how it will benefit New Zealand
• a statement confirming that the relocated business will operate within all relevant New Zealand employment and immigration law
• your current role in the business
• your intended role in the relocated business
• why you are considered to be a key staff member
• an explanation of why you are not eligible for residence under any of our other immigration categories.

Proof of the business’s current operation

You will need to supply proof of the business’s current operation. This can include, for example, original or certified copies of:

• the business registration
• company accounts or tax returns and
• any other documents or evidence that show how the business is currently operating. 

For the full details of the requirements of this category, see the requirements page.

Note: There may be additional requirements you must meet depending on the country from which you are applying. Any special requirements are available from your local branch.

Submit everything else we require, including the fee

You must provide all of the information and documents listed in the application form, including:

• passports/certificates of identity for everyone included on the application
• full birth certificates for for everyone included on the application
• two passport sized photographs of everyone included on the application.

You must also include the correct fee, and all of the other evidence listed below. If you do not submit the required information with your application we cannot accept it for processing.

Show us that you and your family meet our health requirements

You will need to provide a completed Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1007) PDF for each person included on your application.

Pregnant women and children under the age of 11 years are not required to submit X-ray certificates unless a special report is required.

For full details on health requirements, see our guide Health Requirements (INZ 1121) PDF.

Show us that you and your family meet our character requirements

You will also need to supply a police certificate for you and anyone else aged over 17 included on your application. You must supply police certificate(s) less than six months old, from your country of citizenship and from any country in which you have lived for twelve months or more since reaching 17 years of age.

Show us that you and your family meet our English language requirements

You must provide evidence that you meet English language requirements, and that anyone else included in your application aged 16 and over either meets English language requirements or will pre-purchase ESOL tuition. For more information, see the leaflet English Language Information (INZ 1060) PDF.

Show us that you and your partner meet our partnership requirements

You must submit evidence that you and your partner (if included in your application) meet our partnership requirements. Refer to the guide for what we will accept as evidence of your relationship.

Lodge your application

If you are overseas, your application must be made and approved before you travel to New Zealand. Find out where to send your application.

If you are in New Zealand, you must send your application to your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.