Entrepreneur Visas:
Build Your Business in New Zealand
Service Type
Entrepreneur Visas
Applications Processed
150+
Average Processing Time:
16 months
Completion Rate
97%
Why Choose Angel Immigration?
Understanding New Zealand’s Entrepreneur Visa Requirements
New Zealand is a favourable environment for start-ups and business ventures. With open markets and personal freedom, the country supports new businesses that add value to its economy. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) offers two primary entrepreneur visa options: the Entrepreneur Work Visa and the Entrepreneur Resident Visa, designed to facilitate both temporary business setup and long-term residency.
If you’re ready to make a permanent move, the Entrepreneur Resident Visa offers a path to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. There are two ways to qualify:
- Standard Path: Stay self-employed for 2 years, proving that your business benefits New Zealand.
- Fast Track: Achieve residency in 6 months by investing at least NZD $500,000 and employing three New Zealand citizens or residents.
Benefits:
- Live, work, and study in New Zealand.
- Include your partner and children under 24 in your application.
- Full control over your business operations in New Zealand.
Conditions:
- If your business is less than 2 years old, you must maintain your investment and employment commitments for an additional 2 years.
For both visas, INZ imposes specific conditions to ensure compliance:
- Self-Employment: You must manage and operate your business actively.
- No External Employment: You cannot work for other employers.
- Financial Independence: You and any dependents cannot receive welfare assistance.
Failure to meet these conditions may result in visa cancellation, so compliance is essential. Our team can guide you through each requirement and help ensure your application’s success.
INZ recognises civil unions, legal marriages, and de facto relationships between both same-sex and opposite-sex couples as partnerships, provided they are genuine and stable.
Additional Requirements:
- Both partners must be at least 18 years old (or 16–17 with parental consent).
- You must have met before applying.
- Both partners must live together, excluding temporary holiday stays or flatmate arrangements.
Processing times for Entrepreneur Visas generally span 16 months. Fees and additional costs may apply depending on the complexity of your application.
Our experienced advisors help simplify the process, ensuring that your business plan and financial documentation meet INZ standards. Book a consultation for professional guidance on your Entrepreneur Visa journey.