New Zealand Entrepreneur Resident
New Zealand
Residency
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See if you're a match →New Zealand's Entrepreneur Resident Visa is for people who have built a profitable, compliant business in New Zealand, usually after holding an Entrepreneur Work Visa.
- Type
- Business residence
- Business basis
- Self-employment in a New Zealand business
- Core requirements
- Trading history, profitability, compliance, English, and admissibility
- What to know
- Usually follows Entrepreneur Work Visa activity
Summary
New Zealand's Entrepreneur Resident Visa is for people who have built a real business in New Zealand and want to move from business activity into residence.
It is usually not a starting point. Most applicants first need to operate the New Zealand business under an Entrepreneur Work Visa or another lawful status.
Eligibility
You may be a fit if:
- You have been self-employed in a New Zealand business.
- The business is trading profitably.
- The business complies with New Zealand tax, employment, immigration, and other legal requirements.
- You meet English, health, character, and identity requirements.
The standard route usually looks for 2 years of self-employment. A faster route can be possible after 6 months if the business meets higher investment and job-creation requirements.
Duration, Renewal, and Long-Term Path
- Duration: Resident visa from approval.
- Renewal: Can support permanent resident status after conditions are met.
- Citizenship: May support citizenship by grant after the required residence and presence period.
What This Route Allows
If approved, the visa can let you live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely while continuing the business activity expected by the visa conditions.
What This Route Is Not
This is not a general startup idea visa. Immigration New Zealand looks at actual New Zealand business activity, profitability, compliance, investment, and benefit to New Zealand.
Next Steps
- Confirm your current or planned New Zealand business status.
- Check whether the 2-year or 6-month route is realistic.
- Gather business accounts, tax records, employment records, licenses, and compliance documents.
- Prepare evidence that the business benefits New Zealand.
- Confirm English, health, character, and family documents.