The New Zealand government has introduced new immigration rules regarding the Business Category (Entrepreneur Work Visa).
These new rules are aimed at attracting high-earning businesses and experienced entrepreneurs. The minimum investment requirement is NZ$100,000. However, this amount does not include the working capital needed to run the business. The minimum investment may be reconsidered for export-oriented businesses, scientific sectors, or information and communication technology ventures where rapid capital growth can be demonstrated.
In addition, a points-based system is now being used, similar to the Skilled Migrant Category. As a result, the government has effectively eliminated immigration pathways through the purchase or creation of small-scale businesses. To obtain a Business Visa, applicants must now aim to score at least 120 points under the new system, which is quite challenging. The points calculation system is outlined below.
Points for Business Management Experience
(You can only claim points in one of the following categories)
Experience in running a business that matches the one you plan to establish in New Zealand:
- 10 years or more – 40 points
- 5 years or more – 30 points
- 3 years or more – 20 points
Experience in running a business that does not match the one you plan to establish in New Zealand:
- 10 years or more – 20 points
- 5 years or more – 15 points
- 3 years or more – 5 points
Experience as a manager role relevant to the business you plan to establish in New Zealand:
- 10 years or more – 10 points
- 5 years or more – 5 points
Points for Benefit to New Zealand
(You may claim points in two of the following categories.)
Full-time Job Creation for New Zealand Citizens or Residents:
- 10 or more full-time employees – 80 points
- 5 or more full-time employees – 50 points
- 3 or more full-time employees – 30 points
- 2 full-time employees – 20 points
- 1 full-time employee – 10 points
Confirmed Export Business (based on annual turnover):
- NZ$1,000,000 or more per year – 80 points
- NZ$750,000 or more per year – 60 points
- NZ$500,000 or more per year – 40 points
- NZ$400,000 or more per year – 30 points
- NZ$300,000 or more per year – 20 points
- NZ$200,000 or more per year – 10 points
Unique or Innovative Product or Service in New Zealand:
- Business plan demonstrating the uniqueness or innovation of a product or service for New Zealand or a specific region – 30 points
Points for Investment Capital
(This does not include working capital required to operate the business.)
- NZ$1,000,000 or more – 80 points
- NZ$750,000 or more – 60 points
- NZ$500,000 or more – 50 points
- NZ$400,000 or more – 30 points
- NZ$300,000 or more – 20 points
- NZ$200,000 or more – 10 points
- Less than NZ$200,000 – 0 points
Points for Age of Principal Applicant (at the time of application)
- 24 or younger – 15 points
- 25–49 – 20 points
- 50–59 – 10 points
- 60 or older – 0 points
Additional Points
(only one category can be claimed)
- Business located outside Auckland – 40 points (changes effective from 1 November 2015)
- Formal endorsement from New Zealand Government Agencies – 20 points
Detailed information is available on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
Read more about immigration to New Zealand.
Read more about New Zealand.
