New Zealand Entrepreneur Immigration
IELTS 4, score 120 points, invest at least NZD 100,000 in a business in New Zealand (innovation and export businesses preferred) to obtain an Entrepreneur Work Visa; after operating the business for 2 years (6 months for high investment) as per the business plan, you can obtain an Entrepreneur Residence Visa; after holding the residence visa for 2 years and residing in New Zealand for at least 184 days per year, you can obtain a permanent resident return visa with no immigration monitoring requirement.
Program Highlights
Green List Fast Track
No Points Assessment Required
Permanent Residence in 2 Years
Enjoy New Zealand Benefits
Processing Time 6-12 Months
Application Process
Sign Contract
Have achieved required IELTS score, assessed to score 120 points, and meet other application conditions
Prepare Documents
Prepare corresponding submission documents; applicant may choose to visit New Zealand for a site inspection
Submit Application Documents
After the full set of documents is prepared, the applicant needs to sign, then submit the full set to Immigration New Zealand
Acceptance
Receive an acknowledgment letter from Immigration New Zealand
Approval
Receive the application result from Immigration New Zealand
Land and Operate Business
Land in New Zealand and operate the business; after 2 years (6 months for high investment), convert work visa to residence status
Application Requirements
- Language Requirement
- IELTS at least 4 or PTE at least 29 or TOEFL iBT at least 31
- Investment Amount
- At least NZD 100,000 investment (exemption possible if the business is in science, ICT, or other high-value export sectors with high innovation or short-term growth prospects)
- Management Experience
- The main applicant must have management experience. If a shareholder, must hold at least 25% shares for at least 3 years; if a senior manager, at least 5 years of management experience with at least 5 subordinates per year or annual company turnover over NZD 1 million. If management experience is in innovation or import/export, investment from NZD 100,000; otherwise, investment from NZD 500,000 and at least 3 employees.
- Points Requirement
- Meet 120 points
- Business Record
- No bankruptcy or business failure in the past 5 years
- Health and No Criminal Record
- Good health, no criminal record
Fee Details
| Fee Item | Receiving Agency | Amount | Payment Timeline | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting Service Fee | Contracting Company | 50,000 RMB | At contract signing | Fully refundable, see contract for details |
| Foreign Lawyer Fee | Partner Law Firm | 50,000 NZD | Before submission | Partially refundable |
| Business Inspection Fee | Third Party | 3,500 NZD (optional) | Before landing | Non-refundable |
| Work Visa Application Fee | Immigration Office | 12,380 NZD (subject to official notice on immigration website) | At submission | Non-refundable |
| Medical Examination Fee | Medical Center | Approx. 5,000 RMB (subject to hospital fee standards) | Before submission | Non-refundable |
| Translation, Notarization and Other Third-Party Fees | Third Party | Approx. 30,000 RMB (subject to institution fee standards) | At submission | Non-refundable |
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Sources
- 1.Immigration New Zealand Official Website
- 2.Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- 3.New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
Author
AiEAC Immigration Consultant
Immigration Consultant