Who can be self-employed in New Zealand?
The following people can be self-employed in New Zealand:
- Anyone who has a right to live permanently in New Zealand, unless your visa has restrictions (this would generally include New Zealand citizens and residence class visa holders)
- Holders of Entrepreneur work visas
- Holders of work visas with open work conditions
- Holders of Working Holiday visas (for the duration allowed by your country's scheme)
- Please note that the primary intention for Working Holiday visa applicants should be to holiday in New Zealand. If your primary intention is to run a business, this may not be the correct visa category for your situation
- Holders of Post-study work visas with open work conditions
- Holders of Asylum Seeker/Refugee work visas with open work conditions
Explore visa options for living permanently
Information about Entrepreneur work visa
Explore visa options to join family
Information about Post-study work visa
Holders of student visas and visitor visas are unable to be self-employed in New Zealand.