New Zealand residence under the Entrepreneur policy
The Entrepreneur policy was created by the New Zealand government with the goal of providing a pathway to residence for migrants who demonstrate they’ve been actively participating in business and contributing to the country’s economic development. The policy is divided into two categories:
- Entrepreneur Category
- Entrepreneur Plus Category [effective since 30 November, 2009]
The Entrepreneur Category
The Entrepreneur Category aims to attract migrants who’ve been actively participating in business and contributing to New Zealand’s economic development. It’s a natural follow on from the Long Term Business Visa (LTBV), and those approved under the Entrepreneur Category are granted New Zealand residence.
You’ll need to show you have established a new business in New Zealand or purchased a substantial investment in an existing business. You must own at least 25% of the business’ shareholding, and you’ll need to prove your business benefits New Zealand and complies with employment and immigration law.
You’ll be required to provide evidence you have established a business in New Zealand and are self-employed.
You must also submit proof your business meets New Zealand employment and immigration laws.
How do I apply?
The Entrepreneur Plus Category
The Entrepreneur Plus Category provides a faster track to residence for applicants who:
- Hold a long-term business permit
- Have successfully established a business in New Zealand
- Have been ‘self-employed’ in that business
- Have invested at least NZ$500,000 in the business, and
- Have created a minimum of three new full-time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents.
As with the Entrepreneur Category, you’ll need to show your business complies with New Zealand employment and immigration laws. Some requirements are different if you:
- Have been on a long-term business permit approved (or approved by principal) before 20 November 2002, or
- Have renewed your long-term business permit that was originally approved (or approved in principal) before that date.
Am I eligible?
To apply under this category, you must hold a long-term business permit valid in New Zealand.
You’ll also need to ensure your business complies with New Zealand employment and immigration law, and that you or any of your family members haven’t applied for or been granted social welfare benefits in New Zealand.
You’ll also be asked to meet the English language requirements.
