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Entrepreneur Work Visa

New ZealandStarting a business

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

Official link

Is this for a founder, startup entrepreneur, self-employed person, freelancer, company owner or another business profile?

This route is for people working in their own business in New Zealand; the visa is closed to new applications, and existing holders may apply to renew.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The checked route page does not resolve every condition and exception within this question.

What must actually exist or be demonstrated: business plan, company, innovation, clients, contracts, economic activity, job creation or other substance?

A detailed business plan and at least 120 points are required; the route is closed to new applications.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The checked route page does not resolve every condition and exception within this question.

What investment, capital, income, revenue, funding or viability evidence is central to this pathway?

The investment requirement is NZD $100,000, with a possible waiver for qualifying science or ICT businesses; new applications are closed.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The checked route page does not resolve every condition and exception within this question.

What business/self-employed activity may the holder conduct? Are there important restrictions? What is the family position where clearly stated?

Holders could work in their own business for up to 3 years; the official source does not establish permission for other work or state the family position. The visa is closed to new applications.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The checked route page does not resolve every condition and exception within this question.

What approval/application sequence applies, how long is the status granted, how is it renewed, and what longer-term residence direction is officially stated?

The visa is closed to new applications; existing holders may apply to renew. It allows up to 3 years in total, with a 12-month start-up period followed by 24 months after showing the business is set up. The official source does not state a longer-term residence direction.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The checked route page does not resolve every condition and exception within this question.

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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