About the Visa
The Entrepreneur Work Visa serves as a bridge for determined entrepreneurs seeking to launch and manage a business in New Zealand. This visa caters to those ready to invest their skills, capital, and innovative ideas into the New Zealand market. It aims to stimulate the economy by encouraging entrepreneurial initiatives akin to the now-discontinued Residency-by-Investment Programs like the Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas.
Applicants for an Entrepreneur Work Visa must showcase a solid business plan, adequate investment capital, and a genuine intent to contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth. This visa is essential for individuals desiring to engage in business within New Zealand. It requires an investment of NZD $100,000, a comprehensive business plan, and the ability to score 120 points on our points scale.
Take the first step towards your New Zealand dreams
Eligibility Criteria & Overview for Entrepreneur Work Visa
- Business Plan: A well-crafted business plan outlining the proposed business’s feasibility, scalability, and economic impact.
- Capital Investment: Applicants must possess at least NZD $100,000 for investment and a detailed business plan. However, the NZD $100,000 capital requirement may be waived for businesses in the science or ICT sectors or those demonstrating high innovation or export potential.
- Immigration New Zealand Cost: Starting from NZD 3920.
Conditions and Requirements
- Length of Stay: The visa allows a 12-month stay during the startup stage, which can be extended by another 24 months upon demonstration of business setup.
- Business Establishment and Management: Visa holders are expected to establish and manage their business according to their business plan.
- Economic Contribution: The business should positively impact New Zealand’s economy through job creation, innovation, or export potential.
- Health and Character: Standard health and character requirements must be met.
Benefits of the Visa
- Live, work, and study in New Zealand while managing your business.
- Include your spouse and dependent children under 24 in your visa application.
- A pathway to residency, subject to the business’s success and economic contribution.
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Business Startup Requirements
- Start your business within the first 12 months of obtaining your visa.
- Demonstrate capital investment and steps taken towards business setup per your business plan.
Application Process for Entrepreneur Work Visa
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI detailing your business proposal and its alignment with New Zealand’s economic interests.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Receive an ITA if your EOI is successful.
- Formal Application: Submit your application, including your business plan and proof of capital investment.
- Assessment: Your proposal is evaluated based on potential economic benefits and feasibility.
The ICL Process
ICL Immigration excels in guiding entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneur Work Visa application process. Our tailored services aim to assist entrepreneurs in realizing their business dreams in New Zealand, offering:
- Initial Assessment and Consultation: Understanding your business concept, investment capability, and objectives to align with visa requirements.
- EOI Preparation and Submission: Assisting in crafting a persuasive EOI to highlight your business venture’s potential.
- Full Application Support: Guiding through the application process to ensure your business plan and documents meet all requirements.
- Post-Approval Support: Offering continued assistance in establishing your business in New Zealand, ensuring compliance, and exploring residency pathways.
Embarking on your entrepreneurial journey in New Zealand with the Entrepreneur Work Visa offers unparalleled opportunities in a country celebrated for innovation, economic stability, and a supportive business ecosystem. With ICL Immigration, you gain a committed partner dedicated to transforming your business aspirations into reality in New Zealand.
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Client Testimonials
“I would like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my essential skills work visa. Immigration NZ had many questions and keep finding problems with my employment offer and say that my job is not a mid-skilled one. Somehow, Nirmala Murthy and ICL immigration get me the 3-year essential skilled work visa that I needed. Very supportive, helpful and available - I will trust them with anything and recommend them to everyone who need any help with a visa or immigration matter.”
“Nirmala and her team worked very hard to get my work visa and her knowledge of the immigration system is very valuable when applying. I felt she worked very hard as my application required a fast turnaround and she would get back to me as soon as she could if I had any questions. Would use her services again.”
"I'd like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my work visa. I will trust ICL with all my future visas and recommend them to everyone who needs any help with a visa or other immigration matters"
“I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is looking for professional service and excellent results”
"I would very much recommend Nirmala, ICL Consultancies because of the highly professional working attitude and the friendly atmosphere. She made sure to keep in touch with us every step of the way, and it was great working with her. Keep up the good work, all the best."
“It was great to work with ICL for my residency application process, Nirmala has been very helpful through the process, proper guidance, proper documentation and recommendation letter write up, flexible appointments after working hours even, answering queries even on weekends, it's motherly care! I believe all these are possible from her many years of experience and of course attitude and passion. Quality service in less expensive if we can compare the market. I would recommend anyone to go with ICL.”
“Getting the visa and the right course in New Zealand was not easy. Nirmala from ICL Immigration helped a lot. She made difficult things simple for me. Very thankful for her help and advice, always there to support me. 5 Stars.”
“Very glad I chose ICL to help me with my student admission. Many things I was unsure about but they understood my goal of coming to NZ and patiently answered all my questions. They guided me to choose the best course. I am very happy - you should contact them if you want to study in NZ.”
"I was very stressed about all the visa stuff and finding the right course to study in New Zealand, but Nirmala from ICL Immigration made it all easy. She answered all my questions and I am very happy I found them. Thanks ICL Team!"
Success Stories
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FAQs
What is an Entrepreneur Work Visa?
An Entrepreneur Work Visa allows individuals to move to New Zealand to start and run their businesses. It is designed for those willing to invest their expertise, innovation, and capital in the New Zealand market.
How much capital do I need to invest for an Entrepreneur Work Visa?
You must invest at least NZD $100,000 in your business. However, this requirement may be waived for businesses in the science, ICT, or other high-value export sectors that demonstrate significant innovation or export potential.
What are the eligibility criteria for this visa?
To be eligible, you must submit a detailed business plan, have sufficient capital for investment, and aim to make a significant contribution to New Zealand's economy. You should also meet the standard health and character requirements.
Can I include my family in my visa application?
You can include your spouse and dependent children under 24 years old in your visa application.
What is the process to apply for an Entrepreneur Work Visa?
The application process starts with submitting an EOI (Expression of Interest) that outlines your business proposal. If successful, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), after which you must submit a detailed application including your business plan and evidence of capital investment.
How long can I stay on an Entrepreneur Work Visa in New Zealand?
Initially, you can stay for 12 months in the startup stage of your visa, followed by another 24 months once you have demonstrated that you have set up your business according to your business plan.
Is there a pathway to residency with this visa?
Yes, there is a pathway to residency that is subject to fulfilling certain conditions related to your business's success and its contribution to the economy.
What happens if I don't start my business within 12 months?
You are required to start your business within the first 12 months of your visa. Failure to do so may affect your visa status and future residency prospects.
What kind of evidence do I need to provide to show I've started my business?
Evidence can include telegraphic transfers, bank statements showing capital transfers to New Zealand, certificates of incorporation, audited accounts, GST records, invoices for business equipment and supplies, and other documents demonstrating business activity.
Can the capital investment requirement be waived?
The capital investment requirement of NZD 100,000 may be waived for businesses in certain sectors, such as science or ICT, that show a high level of innovation or potential for short-term growth. Conditions apply, such as creating jobs or achieving significant export turnover.
What support does ICL Immigration offer for the Entrepreneur Work Visa application process?
ICL Immigration offers comprehensive support, including initial assessment and consultation, EOI preparation and submission, full application support, and post-approval assistance in establishing your business in New Zealand.
Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to change based on New Zealand government policies. For the most current information, please refer to Immigration New Zealand or contact ICL Immigration for updated guidance.
