Visa Types covered:
Visa Types covered:
Visa Types covered:
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Business/Investors
Entrepreneur Visas
If you're an experienced business person interested in a move to New Zealand and buying into or starting your own business, the Entrepreneur Category could be for you. It starts with the 3-year Entrepreneur Work Visa (granted initially for 12 months to allow for business start-up, followed by a further 2 years once established in the business). This category is one of the most complex and decline rates are high. Therefore, getting the right advice is really crucial.
As well as meeting health, character and English language requirements (IELTS 4 or other evidence) you will need a clear and viable business plan that is innovative, high growth or export-oriented (or ideally a cominbation of all three) and will provide a significant benefit to New Zealand. You also need at least 120 points and a minimum capital investment of NZ$100,000 (NZ$200,000 in most cases). You also need to have sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the first 3 yrs without relying on any business income. We actually recommend you have at least NZD400,000 to consider this category.
After successfully running your business for 2 years you can apply for residence. Where your investment has been NZ$500,000 + and you have created 3+ new full-time jobs for New Zealanders the 2 years can be reduced to 6 months.
Investor Visas
Starting April 1, 2025, New Zealand will be enhancing its "Active Investor Plus" category to foster economic growth. The changes include introducing two simplified investment categories:
Growth which requires a minimum investment of NZ$ 5 million and Balanced which requires a minimum NZ$ 10 million.
The key difference between the two is explained in a media factsheet released on 9 February 2025:
In essence, this represents a relaxation of the current Active Investor Plus Category by:
* broadening the scope of acceptable investments for the Balanced category to include bond and property (new residential, new/existing commercial or industrial developments) investments;
* allowing Growth investors to choose managed funds as well as direct investments into NZ approved businesses:
* removing English language requirements;
* reducing the time Growth and Balanced category visa holders have to make their investments in New Zealand, both categories must make all investments within 6 months of their approval in principle but may apply for a 6 month extension.
The changes help attract high value investment, simplify settings, and incentivise people to invest in ‘active’ investment classes.
They reflect feedback from investors and industry stakeholders and provide attractive investment options for lower-risk investments that will attract new investors to our shores. They also allow investors to become familiar with New Zealand’s investment community and gain the confidence to undertake more active investments in the future.
