Entrepreneur Work Visa
Apply for this visa if you want to work in your own business in New Zealand. You must have NZD $100,000 to invest, a business plan, and be able to claim 120 points on our points scale.
Apply online-
Length of stay
Up to
3 years
-
Cost
From
NZD $12380
-
Processing time
80% within
12 months
-
Residency option
Can lead to a residence visa
Yes
To apply you must:
- be a fit and proper person
- show us that you are able to invest at least NZD $100,000
- be awarded at least 120 points on our points scale
- provide a detailed business plan
- speak and understand English
- meet the other requirements of this visa.
This visa lets you:
- come to New Zealand to buy or start up your own business within 12 months of getting this visa
- work in your own business for up to 3 years
- bring your partner, and dependent children aged 19 and younger
- study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period
- travel in and out of New Zealand.
You can stay for 12 months while you start up your business, then another 24 months once you have shown us that you have set up your business.
If your business is in the science or ICT sectors, and shows a high level of innovation or export potential, we may waive the NZD $100,000 investment requirement.
We cannot give you this visa if you have been made bankrupt or been involved in a business failure in the last 5 years, or any kind of business fraud or financial wrongdoing.
Who can apply
Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.
Identity
You must provide proof of your identity:
- 2 acceptable photos of your head and shoulders
- your passport or
.
If your photo does not meet all of our requirements we will ask you for a new photo. If you are applying for a visa, we will stop processing your application until we receive an acceptable photo. If you are requesting an NZeTA, your request may be delayed or refused. Use the photo examples on this page to check your photo is correct and meets our requirements. Alert Do not use the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs website or other online tools to check your photo as those tools are for passport photos only. Your photo is more likely to be accepted if you use a professional photographer or business that takes passport photos. Give the photographer our instructions to make sure you get a photo that meets our requirements.
The photo you submit with a paper application must be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Further instructions are on the paper application forms. Note You can only apply for an NZeTA online. The photo you submit with an online application must be: Alert We are unlikely to accept your photo if it is not the right size. If you request an NZeTA using the web app, you can either upload an existing photo or take one using your device's camera. If you use the mobile app, you can only take a photo using your device's camera. Your photo must be: If you take a photo with your device, the camera must have a minimum resolution of 540 x 720 pixels. Large photos will be automatically formatted. If there is an issue with your photo you will receive an error message when you submit your visa or NZeTA photo online. To help you, we have provided a list of online errors and how to fix them. Your photo must: It may be easier to remove them.
Visa and NZeTA photos
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.
Meeting our photo requirements
Visa and NZeTA photos are not passport photos
Using a professional photographer
Paper applications for visas
Online applications for visas
Online requests for NZeTAs
Online photo error messages
Taking your visa photo
Be in portrait, not landscape
Be of you, not a photo of a photo or your travel document
Have even lighting with minimal shadowing
Be in colour, showing natural skin tones
Be in focus, not blurry
Not contain red-eye
Be an original photo, not changed by photo-editing software
Not be a selfie
Be taken 1.5 metres from the face
Be taken against a plain, light-coloured — but not white — background with no patterns or objects
Only contain plain clothing patterns
Be of one person
We need to clearly see your face
Face the camera and keep your head straight
Keep your eyes open and mouth closed
Do not smile or frown
Show your face clearly and that long hair is tucked behind your ears
Position yourself in the middle of the photo
Remove sunglasses and hats
If you wear prescription glasses
Make sure your eyes show clearly through the lenses, with no reflected light
If you wear a head covering for religious or medical reasons
Make sure that your face and hairline can be seen in the photo
You may provide your original passport, or a certified copy when you submit your application. If you provide a certified copy we may request your original passport to complete your application.
Citizens of China applying from China
Also provide your:
- Hukou (household registration book)
- Chinese identity card.
If you are a citizen of China and you are submitting a paper application form in China, you must also complete a supplementary form.
Applicants from Hong Kong or Macao applying within Hong Kong or Macao
Also provide a copy of your identity card.
If you are submitting a paper application form, you must provide a supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students.
Citizens of Indonesia
If you are a citizen of Indonesia, also provide your
Applicants applying from New Caledonia
Also provide a copy of your carte d'assuré and a copy of your livret de famille.
Applicants applying from French Polynesia or Wallis and Futuna
If you are not a French national, also provide a copy of your carte d'assuré.
Health
You must be in good health.
You must have a chest X-ray and a medical examination as proof of your good health.
Note You can check the situations where you need an X-ray or medical examination, and the different types of examinations. Who needs an X-ray or medical examination If you need a medical examination, you normally get a 'general medical examination' unless you need a limited medical examination. A general medical examination is sometimes called a 'full medical examination'. For some visas, you must have a chest X-ray, a medical examination or both before you apply. For an Accredited Employer Work Visa or a Visitor Visa, we will let you know after you submit your application if you need a chest X-ray or medical examination. If you need a chest X-ray or medical examination, you must visit a doctor or radiologist from our list of 'panel physicians' — unless there are no panel physicians in your country. Panel physicians are doctors and radiologists approved to complete chest X-rays and medical examinations for New Zealand visa applications. Check if there is a panel physician in your country. Doctors who can do examinations You must visit a panel physician. You can use any registered doctor. You must visit a panel medical clinic who will refer you to a panel radiology clinic. Note If there are other people on your application, they will each need an appointment. If you are menstruating (having a period), you need to wait until your period finishes before having your medical examination. You cannot have your medical examination during your period because the blood can affect your urine test. For an Accredited Employer Work Visa or Visitor Visa, if we need you to have a chest X-ray or medical examination, we give you an Immigration New Zealand health case reference number (NZHR). Give the NZHR to the clinic when you make your appointment. Finding your eMedical and INZ health case reference numbers You can bring a family member, support person or interpreter to your appointment. Let the clinic know when you make your appointment if you are bringing someone with you. If you are having a physical examination, you can ask the clinic for a chaperone. The clinic must have chaperones available. Have the following ready to bring to your appointment: Identity documents for X-rays and medical examinations Note If you are 17 years or under, you need your parent or legal guardian to come with you. If you are visiting any registered doctor because there are no panel physicians in your country, you need to also bring: Get the medical certificate form you need:
You need to also bring a completed 'Immigration Adviser Details' form to give to the clinic.
At your medical appointment, you must sign a form to allow the doctor to send your medical information to us. If you are 17 or younger, your parent or guardian must sign the form for you. If your doctor is using eMedical, they will give you an eMedical client consent and declaration form to sign. You can read the form before your appointment:
There are 3 parts to the medical examination: The doctor checks your height, weight, mental state, hearing and vision, listens to your heart and lungs, feels your abdomen and checks your reflexes and other parts of your nervous system. A nurse or health care assistant may complete parts of the examination. You will need to: You must pay any costs related to your X-ray and medical examinations. Note Ask the clinic about the costs when you make your appointment. In your visa application, you need to provide evidence of your X-ray or examination results. To show you had an examination you can either: To get a copy of your results you can ask the doctor when you have your examination, or any time afterwards. You can ask for email notifications. If you do, you will receive an email when your physician sends us your results. You cannot reply to this email. If you have any questions about your results, discuss these with your doctor. You can ask the clinic for a copy of your medical examination results. Once we receive your results you can also contact us if you want a copy of them. If you have an immigration adviser, and would like them to be able to see and ask questions about your medical information, you need to:
The panel physicians who use eMedical must agree to protect your personal information to meet New Zealand privacy laws. Your information is sent to us using a secure online channel and is available only to us and the clinic where you were examined. If you have any privacy concerns, you can contact us.
How to get an X-ray or medical examination
If you need a chest X-ray or medical examination for your visa application, you will need to make a doctor's appointment and take any relevant documents with you. You will need to provide evidence of your medical results in your application.
Process overview
Your chest X-ray and medical examination results must be no more than 3 months old when we get your application.
1. Check if you need a chest X-ray or medical examination
2. Make an appointment
If there is a panel physician in your country
If there is no panel physician in your country
If you are in New Zealand and only need a chest X-ray
Bringing someone with you to the appointment
3. Get what you need for your appointment
If you are visiting a doctor that is not a panel physician
If you are using a licensed immigration adviser
4. Go to your appointment
Authority to collect medical information
What happens at the medical examination
Paying for your medical examination
5. Provide evidence of your results in your application
6. How to get your results
If you need a copy of your results
Sharing your medical information with an immigration adviser
Your privacy
Applicants from China, Hong Kong or Macao applying within China, Hong Kong or Macao
You must provide a chest X-ray completed in the last 3 months, even if you have provided one to us previously, if:
- you have spent 6 months in a row in China since the last X-ray certificate was issued, and
- you are now coming to New Zealand for more than 6 months.
Character
You must be of good character.
If you are 17 or older, you must provide a police certificate from:
- your country of citizenship
- any country you have lived in for 5 years or more since you turned 17.
Anyone applying for a New Zealand visa must meet the character requirements. When you apply, you must tell us about any issues or activities, both current and in your past, that could affect our decision, including whether you have been: If there is an issue, we may: You can request a character waiver or special direction when you apply. If your request is approved, we can give you a visa if your application meets all other requirements. Visas are given by special direction only in rare circumstances. You may need to provide us with police certificates to show your good character. Whether you need to give these certificates depends on how long you plan to stay in New Zealand and the visa you are applying for.
Character requirements for New Zealand visas
To be given a New Zealand visa, you must be of good character. If you have a criminal history, have provided false or misleading information, or could be a risk to New Zealand, we can decline your application.
Being of good character
Providing police certificates
Depending on the visa you want, and how long you plan to stay in New Zealand, you may need to provide a police certificate as evidence of your good character. Police certificates are documents issued by the police or a government agency. They: If we ask you to provide a police certificate, you must: Providing English translations supporting documents You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then. Provide police certificates from any country you: If you are aged 16 or younger, you do not need to provide police certificates. If you have a criminal record, we may still be able to grant you a visa. You can provide an explanation of your criminal record when you apply, and we will decide if you meet our good character requirements. You must provide police certificates if you are aged 17 or older. Provide police certificates from: Police certificates must show any criminal records you have had at any time in any of these countries — not only in the last 10 years. If you have a criminal record, we may still be able to give you a visa. You can provide an explanation of your criminal record when you apply, and we will decide if you meet our good character requirements. If you apply for a visa as the partner of a New Zealander or a New Zealand visa holder, your partner is known as the 'supporting partner'. Your supporting partner must be able to show us they are of good character. They may need to provide police certificates for proof. If your supporting partner is a New Zealand citizen or has a resident visa, they: If your partner needs to provide police certificates, the police certificates must be from countries where they have spent 12 months or more over the last 10 years, since they turned 17 — even if the 12 months were not all in one stay. Police certificates must show any criminal records they have had at any time in any of these countries — not only in the last 10 years. Note Your partner does not need to provide a New Zealand police certificate, as we will get one directly from the authorities. If your supporting partner has a work or study visa, we may ask your partner to provide police certificates, if you are applying for a temporary visa. Your partner will not meet our character requirements if they have any convictions for
If your supporting partner cannot prove they are of good character, we may give them a
If your partner has any convictions for domestic violence or sexual offences, they cannot support your application. For all types of visa applications, we still may request police certificates from your partner to make sure they meet our character requirements. You may not need to provide police certificates if you have provided them in a previous visa application. Check the character requirements of the visa you are applying for. Some of the authorities that issue police certificates (the police and other government agencies) may require a set of fingerprints when you request a police certificate. If you do need a set of fingerprints to get a police certificate, check in your region for a fingerprinting service. There are many private businesses who offer fingerprinting services. If you cannot find a fingerprinting service in your region, you can contact the New Zealand Police to see if they can help. They only offer this service in some regions and on specific days. Contact them to check availability before going to a police station.
Police certificates
When you apply for a visa, you may need to provide us with a police certificate to show that you are of good character.
About police certificates
Find out how to get a police certificate
If your supporting partner has a temporary visa to work or study
If your partner cannot prove good character
If you have provided police certificates before
Fingerprinting for police certificates
How to get a police certificate
Note
Police certificates must be less than 6 months old at the time you apply.
If you provide a police certificate that is not in English, you must provide an
All supporting documents submitted with your resident visa application must be provided in English or include an English translation. Visitor visa requirements are changing From 26 May 2025, supporting document translations for visitor visa applications will no longer need to be certified. Examples of documents that require full translation include: You must provide us with full certified English translations of all medical and police certificates. This includes police certificates that record no convictions. Note If your other evidence is not in English, you should provide a translated copy, as this will help us to process your application faster. Immigration New Zealand does not translate documents on behalf of visa applicants. You must pay for certified translations. You can provide certified translations completed by: We do not accept translations completed by the applicant, family members, or the immigration adviser assisting with your application. We will accept translations from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA) who is: Check your passport to see if it has your name written in English. Ask your translator to use this spelling when they translate your documents. If a translator used a different spelling of your name in your translated documents, then include this spelling of your name in the 'other names' section of the visa application form. We need to know if you have used other names that are in your translated documents. For example, if: In your visa application form, enter all other names that you have used in the section called 'other names'. Each translation must: When you apply for your visa, the supporting documents that you provide us are the: How you provide the documents depends on if you are applying online or on a paper form. We may not need an original document or its certified copy in the following situations: When we process your application, we will contact you if we need you to send us a document.
Providing English translations of supporting documents
Check the requirements of the visa you are applying for. Provide certified translations of your documents to avoid delays processing your application.
Check the visa application requirements
Residence visa applications
Visitor visa applications
All other visa applications
Our requirements for translated documents
Who can complete a certified translation
Using the English spelling of the name in your passport
Include your 'other names' in the application form
Check your translated document
Submitting your original foreign language documents
If applying online, make sure all scanned copies are clear and readable.
Fit and proper person
You must be a fit and proper person.
You must confirm in the application form that you meet fit and proper person requirements.
To be a fit and proper person, all businesses you have
- have never been investigated by the Serious Fraud Office or the New Zealand Police for any offence resulting from business dealings
- have no convictions for an offence involving dishonesty, and
- have never been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety.
Note
We will contact you if you need to provide further information.
English language
You must speak and understand English.
You can show us you speak English by either providing:
- an acceptable English language test result
- evidence you have an English-speaking background, or
- evidence you are a competent user of English for other reasons.
Your result must be no more than 2 years old at the time you apply and must be obtained by sitting the test in person at a test centre. Tests taken remotely outside of a test centre, such as ‘at home’ tests are not acceptable. Check Table 1 to find out which English language test results we accept if you are the principal applicant for an: In 2023 the International English Language Test System (IELTS) provider introduced a One Skill Retake option for both their Academic and General Training tests. The IELTS One Skill Retake must be completed within 60 days of the original test date. The Cambridge English: First (FCE) is now called B2 First. The Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE) is now called B2 First for Schools. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Grade D or higher in all 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking. You need this score in all 4 skills because there is no overall grade for this test. Instead of taking an English language test, you can meet our English language requirements by:
English language test results for entrepreneurs and employees relocating to New Zealand
Find out which English language test results are acceptable if you are applying for an entrepreneur visa or you are the employee of a business that is relocating to New Zealand.
Your English language test results
IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)
Cambridge language assessments
Test
Minimum score you need
4 overall
Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
31 overall
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
29 overall
Cambridge English B2 First
142 overall
Cambridge B2 First for Schools
142 overall
Occupational English Test (OET)
Paper or computer-based test
Other ways to show English proficiency
Your English-speaking background can be shown by your: Alert Your visa requirements state how you can meet our English language criteria. When you apply for a visa, proof of your English-speaking background can include: You can show us you are a competent user of English because of where you live, your family life, work background and studies. Evidence you meet our minimum standard of English can include: We may ask you to provide us with an English language test result if we need further evidence that you meet the minimum standard. You can buy English language lessons for your partner and dependent children aged 16 and older, as part of your visa application. You choose the lesson option when you apply. Then if your application is successful, we would approve it in principle. When you then pay for the lessons, we can fully approve your application and grant your visa. This lets your partner and dependent children improve their English after they come to New Zealand. If your partner and dependent children sit an English language test, but do not get a high enough score, they may get a discount on the cost of the lessons. Learning English after you come to New Zealand If you (as the
Principal applicants for other visas cannot use the English lesson option as a way to meet our English language requirements. Your visa requirements state whether or not you need to meet any minimum requirements for English. Some visas have no requirements around English language. The level of English language ability is higher for skilled residence visas and cannot be met from just having an English-speaking background.
Meeting English language requirements
For visas other than skilled residence visas, you may be able to use your English-speaking background to meet our English language requirements.
Using your background to meet our English language requirements
If you are applying for a skilled residence visa, you cannot use English-speaking background as evidence of your English language ability.
English-speaking background from education and qualifications
Qualification
Minimum score or level required
General Certificate of Education (GCE) ‘A’ levels from Britain or Singapore
C pass. Subjects must include English Language or Literature or Use of English
International Baccalaureate
Full diploma in English medium
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English
C pass
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examinations (HKALE)
C pass in Use of English
STPM 920 (Malaysia)
A or B pass in English Literature
University of Cambridge in collaboration with University of Malaya, General Certificate of English (GCE) ‘A’ levels
C pass, including English or General Paper subjects.
South African Matriculation Certificate
Minimum D pass in English (higher grade)
South African Senior Certificate
Minimum D pass in English (higher grade), endorsed with the words 'matriculation exempt’
New Zealand tertiary entrance qualification
Gained on completing year 13 (seventh form)
English-speaking background from work, family and everyday life
If your background is insufficient evidence
English language tests
English language lessons
For your partner and dependent children
For principal applicants applying for a Parent Resident Visa
Other visas and their English language ability requirements
Note
English language test results must be no more than 2 years old.
Relationship with family
If you include your partner and children in your application, you must have a genuine relationship with them.
You must provide evidence:
- of your relationship with your partner and dependent children, like a marriage certificate and birth certificates, and
- that your partner and dependent children meet the health, character and identity requirements for this visa, if necessary.
We define partnership as 2 people, who live together in a
You must be able to show us that you and your partner are living together in a
Living together means sharing the same home as your partner. This does not include: Evidence showing you are living together can include: For some partnership applications – such as a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa – evidence of living together must cover a period of 12 months prior to the application being submitted. Make sure you check the category you are applying under to see if we need this from you. You can provide us with items showing your shared address, dated every few months, to cover the full duration. These items can be addressed to you both jointly — or individually — as long as we can see that you have both been at the same address for the same period of time. Evidence of having a genuine and stable relationship needs to show that: Evidence can include: The way we want to receive this evidence depends on how you are applying. If you apply by paper for a residence visa, we must receive originals or certified copies. You can send electronically issued documents as we regard those as originals. If you apply online, we accept scanned images — so you do not need to send us originals or certified copies. You and your supporting partner must: When you apply for a visa based on your partnership with a New Zealand visa holder or New Zealand citizen, we call that person your supporting partner. Character requirements for New Zealand visas See also the requirements for supporting partners in the 'Eligible NZ supporting partner' and 'Your partner's' sections for these visas: When we assess your visa application, we consider things like: We will also look at your living and financial arrangements, including: If you and your partner have spent time living apart, you should provide information about your separation, including: We will use the information you provide to assess whether you and your partner have genuine and compelling reasons to have stayed apart. Note If you and your partner are coming together through a culturally arranged marriage, the rules are different.
Partnership and how to prove it
If you are applying for a visa based on your partnership, find out how we define partnership and what evidence you can provide to show your relationship is genuine.
How we define partnership
Providing evidence of your partnership
Living together
Having a genuine and stable relationship
How to supply this evidence
Applying by paper
Applying online
Minimum requirements
Supporting partners
How we assess partnership
If you have not always lived together
There are 2 ways that dependent children can apply for a visa. Note The definition of dependent children depends on age and whether they are applying for a resident visa or a temporary visa. Your child is dependent if they are: If they are 18 or over they must not have children of their own. If they are aged 21 to 24 they must also rely on you or another adult for financial support (depending on which visa they have applied for). Your child is dependent if they: If they are 18 or 19 they must not have children of their own. If your children are 20 or older: If they want to join you in New Zealand they need to apply for their own visa. If your children are aged 20 to 24 they may still be dependent if: Your children must have applied for, or have been included in your application for one of the following residence visas:
Bringing children
How to apply for visas for dependent children.
How your children apply for a visa
Dependent children are not eligible for work visas.
How we define dependent children
Resident visas for dependent children
Temporary visas for dependent children
Primary or secondary student visas and visitor visas
Child of a New Zealander or Worker visitor visas
Eligible residence visas
Note
Your partner and any dependent children do not have to meet the English language requirement at this stage. But if you later apply for residence, they will either need to meet the requirement or pay us for English language classes before we can grant a resident visa.
Applicants from Hong Kong or Macao applying within Hong Kong or Macao
You should provide copies of identity cards for family members included in your application.
Minimum capital investment
You must show us that you are able to make a capital investment of at least NZD $100,000.
You must provide evidence you have:
- the funds or assets to make the capital investment outlined in your business plan, and
- enough money to support yourself and any family who are coming to New Zealand with you, on top of your capital investment.
You must provide evidence that the funds or assets you intend to use for your capital investment are:
- owned by you (or you and your partner), and
- earned or acquired lawfully.
Evidence you own the funds or assets to invest may include:
- bank statements
- title deeds
- property valuations
- share certificates
- business ownership documents
- asset valuations.
Evidence you earned or acquired the funds or assets lawfully may include:
- tax returns or certificates
- pay slips
- business financial statements
- business shareholdings
- dividends
- receipts for property sales
- bank certificates
- share trading profits
- evidence of gifted money
- probate and other evidence of inherited money.
Note
We may waive this requirement for businesses in science, ICT, or other high-value export industries that show a high level of innovation or high growth prospects in the short-term.
Your funds or assets cannot be borrowed or have a loan or bond against them.
It is okay if you invested funds that were gifted to you, as long as they were gifted unconditionally and earned or acquired lawfully.
If you own an investment jointly with someone who is not your partner or dependent child, you can nominate the value of your share for your capital investment.
Capital investments exclude:
- passive or speculative investments, like reserve funds or term deposits
- items for your own use, like your car, boat or home
- any salary or wages paid to you or your immediate family, and
- residential property investments, unless they are part of the business plan.
If your nominated funds are already in New Zealand, you must provide evidence that they were originally transferred to New Zealand through the banking system.
Request for a minimum capital investment waiver
For us to consider a capital investment of less than NZD $100,000, you must request a waiver.
We will only consider waiving the minimum capital investment requirement, if your business:
- is in science, ICT or another high-value export sector, and
- shows a high level of innovation or short-term growth prospects.
For us to consider your business high-value export business, it would need to aim to:
- create 5 or more jobs for New Zealanders, and
- turnover NZD $500,000 in annual exports.
For us to consider your business has a high level of innovation, you would need show us:
- you have discovered new ways to produce more goods or services without increasing the production costs, and
- your business is likely to succeed because of your innovation.
Note
If we agree to waive this requirement, you will not be eligible for any points for capital investment on our points scale.
Entrepreneur points
You must be awarded at least 120 points on our points scale.
We may award points for:
- your age
- your capital investment
- your business experience
- the benefits of your business to New Zealand
- the location of your business.
You can use our points scale to get an idea of how many points you may be able to claim.
You can also use it to check the evidence you will need to provide to support your claims.
Business plan
You must provide a detailed business plan for the business you intend to operate in New Zealand.
Your business plan must include information about the business you will operate in New Zealand. Business information must include: Check if you need occupational registration for your job The Entrepreneur Work policy objective is to contribute to economic growth by helping experienced business people grow or establish high-growth and innovative businesses that have export potential. You must include financial information, including: In your visa application you must include information about your business track record and character, including details of any: You can also include this information in your business plan. You must also include evidence that: If you are buying an existing business, your business plan must also include: Our Entrepreneur Work Visa Guide has information about how to set out your business plan.
Preparing your business plan
If you apply for an Entrepreneur Work Visa, you need to provide a detailed business plan. Find out what your plan needs to include.
What your business plan must include
Business information
Entrepreneur Work policy objective
Financial information
Optional business track record and character information
Supporting evidence for your business plan
If you are buying an existing business
Note
Your business plan should be no more than 3 months old when you apply.
If you later want to make a minor change to your business plan, you will need to submit a request to us for our approval.
We will not be able to approve your application if the purpose of your business is to help people who are not New Zealanders enter New Zealand.
Occupational registration
You must have New Zealand occupational registration, if it is required to run your business in New Zealand.
If registration is required, you must provide us with a
Business start-up
You must start up your business within 12 months.
Once you have been granted an Entrepreneur Work Visa, you must start up your business within the first 12 months of your visa.
Towards the end of the 12 months or your 'start-up' stage, you will need to show us that you have:
- made the capital investment detailed in your business plan, and
- taken reasonable steps to set-up or invest in the business detailed in your business plan.
Evidence you have invested your capital can include:
- telegraphic transfers
- bank statements
- other documents showing it was transferred to New Zealand through the banking system.
Evidence you have taken steps to set up or invest can include:
- a certificate of incorporation
- audited accounts
- GST records
- other tax records
- documents showing you have purchased or leased the business site
- invoices for business equipment and supplies
- any other documents that show you are in business, for example, employment agreements, bank statements, power bills for your business, sales agreements, contracts to provide products or services.
Note
We may be able to extend the start-up period if you can show us you can set up your business within a specified time.
Evaluation
You must agree to take part in an evaluation of the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category.
You must sign a declaration in the 'Entrepreneur Work Visa Application' agreeing that you will take part in an evaluation of the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category, if we approve your application.
You must also agree to keep us up to date with any changes to your contact details for 5 years after we approve your application. This is so we can get in touch about the evaluation.
Check your points
Check how many points you may be able to claim in your visa application. Only an immigration officer can confirm your points when they assess your application.
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How to pay and submit
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When you arrive
Entry permission
You must apply for permission to enter New Zealand. You do this by completing a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) form.
You can start your digital declaration any time, but the earliest you can submit it is 24 hours before starting your travel to New Zealand.
A paper declaration form is available for travellers who cannot complete it online.
New Zealand Traveller Declaration
New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.
Alert
You can be refused entry permission if you:
- do not meet our character requirements
- have had a change in circumstances since we issued your visa
- refuse to let us take your photo, fingerprints or an iris scan.
When you travel to New Zealand on a temporary visa, your intentions must be genuine. This means that you: We use all the information we have, including the information you give us in your application, to confirm that you have genuine intentions. Alert You must answer truthfully when you complete your visa application or NZTD. If you are travelling on a visitor visa or visiting from a
If you have a visitor visa for a specific reason, you must be coming to New Zealand for that reason. For example, if you have a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa, your reason for visiting must be getting medical treatment. If you are travelling on a student visa, you must have genuine intentions to study in New Zealand. You can only work if the conditions of your student visa allow you to. If you are travelling to New Zealand to work, you must have a visa that will allow you to. Unless your visa allows you to work in any job, you must plan to work in the job, for the employer, and in the location specified in your visa. You may be asked to provide evidence of your genuine intentions: Here are some examples of evidence to show that you have genuine intentions in coming to New Zealand. To show your travel history, you could show a copy of your current and recent passports, including: If you live in a country that is not your country of citizenship, provide a copy of the visa allowing you to live in that country. If you have ever had a visa application declined by any other country, provide: If you plan to visit family or friends in New Zealand, provide their: Evidence of your travel plans while in New Zealand could include copies of: You may also need to show that you have plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. This evidence could include: If you are applying for a student visa, you could provide evidence that you have: If you do not need to pay tuition fees, or if you can pay by instalment — where you make smaller payments over a period of time — you must provide confirmation from your education provider. You can also write a cover letter or statement of purpose explaining why you want to study in New Zealand. This will help us decide if you are a genuine student. If you are using an education agent or licensed immigration adviser, they cannot write the letter for you. Examples of things you could write about in your letter or statement include: If you plan to apply for another visa — for example, a work visa — after you finish your studies, include this in your cover letter or statement of purpose.
To show that you have genuine intentions to work, you will in most cases need to provide: If your visa requires you to have enough money to live on during your stay, you will need to provide evidence. This could include: Depending on your situation, you may need to provide: We consider each application based on the information and evidence we receive. If you do not provide enough evidence, it may take us longer to process your application, or we may decline your application. You must provide genuine evidence. If you or your agent provide evidence that is false or misleading, we may also decline your application. False, misleading or withheld information in visa applications Check the translation requirements for the visa you are applying for. All non-English documents must be translated when you apply for visitor and resident visas. Providing English translations of supporting documents If you are applying online, make sure your evidence is in an acceptable file format. To decide if your intentions are genuine, we look at: We look at evidence you provide with your application to check that it: When we consider information about your personal circumstances, we look at: We also look at information from your previous applications and travel to New Zealand. This can show us if you have: We might not give you a visa or allow you to enter New Zealand if we:
Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand
Before you can get a visa or enter New Zealand to visit, work or study, we check that your reasons for coming here are genuine.
What it means to have 'genuine intentions'
Visitor visas
Student visas
Work visas
Evidence to show you have genuine intentions
Evidence of your travel history
If you live in a different country to your citizenship
Declined visa applications
Evidence you are visiting family or friends
Evidence of your travel plans
Evidence of your study plans
Evidence of your work plans
Evidence you have enough money
Evidence of your home country circumstances
evidence of your relationships with close relatives in your home country
Providing good-quality evidence
How we decide if your intentions are genuine
Evidence you provide with your application
Your personal circumstances
Your previous applications
If we decide your intentions are not genuine
If you have been refused entry to New Zealand and you still want to travel to here, contact the Customer Service Centre for advice. You may need to apply for a visa before you travel here again. Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements — for example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa. When you arrive we check your identity and other information again before we give you
Alert Having a visa does not guarantee that you will be allowed to enter New Zealand. Your airline or other carrier can be fined if they let you board an aircraft or ship after we have let them know that you cannot travel. We can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if: We can stop you travelling to New Zealand or entering the country if you: We can also refuse to let you travel to or enter New Zealand if you cannot show us evidence to support the conditions of your visa. For example, you cannot show us evidence that you: Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ If your circumstances have changed and you can no longer meet the conditions of your visa we can also refuse to let you enter New Zealand. For example, if your work visa is based on a job offer that has since been withdrawn you will not be allowed to travel to New Zealand on that visa. You cannot come to New Zealand if you do not meet our health and character requirements. For example, you can be refused entry if: You could be refused entry to New Zealand if you:
What might stop you from being allowed to enter New Zealand
Together with your airline or other carrier, we can stop you from travelling to New Zealand if you do not meet our entry requirements. For example, if you cannot provide evidence that you can meet the conditions of your visa.
Why we stop you travelling to or entering New Zealand
Your identity and travel documents
Information you provide to us
Meeting the conditions of your visa
Your character and health
Arriving in New Zealand
While you are in New Zealand
These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa. Your visa conditions are recorded in your eVisa.
Travel
After you arrive, you can travel in and out of New Zealand as many times as you like before your visa expires.
Work
You can only work for yourself, in the business and location named on your visa.
Contact details
You must let us know if your address or other contact details change for 5 years after your visa is approved.
Note
We may get in touch with you during the end of your ‘start-up’ stage to check you have met the conditions of your visa.
If we are unable to confirm that you are meeting the conditions you may not be able to stay in New Zealand.
Later, we may need to contact you to take part in an evaluation of the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category.
No welfare assistance
You must not apply for or accept welfare assistance while in New Zealand.
If you have a partner or dependent children who are granted visas based on your Entrepreneur Work Visa, they must not apply for or accept welfare assistance while in New Zealand either.
Study
You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period.
Note
If you want to study longer than 3 months, you can apply for a variation of conditions to your work visa.
Visa expiry
You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
Note
Visa expiry dates are printed on a visa label or included in a visa letter.