Important Updates
Important Updates
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 23, 2025 | United StatesAmerican Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations
May 23, 2025 | Ireland, United Kingdom, BelgiumClassical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe
May 23, 2025 | United States, FranceFragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards
May 23, 2025 | United KingdomNorthern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
May 23, 2025 | United StatesAmerican Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations
May 23, 2025 | Ireland, United Kingdom, BelgiumClassical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe
May 23, 2025 | United States, FranceFragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards
May 23, 2025 | United KingdomNorthern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England
May 22, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

New Zealand Launches Entrepreneur Work Visa

July 31, 2014

Marco Deutsch

Country / Territory

  • New ZealandNew Zealand

Related offices

  • Auckland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Karen Justice

As forecast in our March newsletter, the New Zealand Long Term Business visa, which had not been substantially reviewed since 1999, has been relaunched as the Entrepreneur Work visa. This welcome move introduces a number of significant policy changes to ensure those wishing to buy or establish a high value business in New Zealand now have a clearer, faster and more effective application process to follow.
 
What are the main differences between the old and new style business visas? 
 
The Entrepreneur Work visa has changed to a points-based application process. To be eligible to submit an application, applicants must score a minimum of 120 points, broadly based on business experience, employment creation, export potential, unique or new products, capital investment, and age. 
 
Relevant self-employment in the proposed business gains the highest number of points. However, it is also possible to score points for relevant senior management level experience. 
 
Points awarded for employment creation are designed to acknowledge newly-created, ongoing, full or part-time positions for New Zealand citizens or residents. Bonus points are available for those who intend to establish themselves and their business outside of the Auckland region, or who gain formal support from a local agency such as a business development initiative or grant. 
 
In addition, applicants are required to have a minimum capital investment of NZD 100,000 (excluding working capital) and submit a credible, well-researched business plan. A major criticism of the previous system was the number of template-style business plans received, particularly from a variety of immigration advisers and lawyers, which resulted in lower value and poorly researched businesses being established, eventually leading to high failure rates. 
 
Recognising that some high-value businesses do not require significant capital investment up front, there is facility for the minimum upfront investment to be waived in certain circumstances. This is restricted to businesses in science, ICT or other high-value export-oriented sectors which show a high level of innovation or credible short-term high growth prospects. 
 
A two-stage process 
 
Initially, successful applicants are granted a twelve-month work visa, referred to as the Start Up Stage, to allow them to travel to New Zealand and begin their operations. Once the Business Migration Branch is satisfied the necessary steps have been taken to establish the business, the remaining 24 months of the visa, referred to as the Balance Stage, will be granted to take the total combined stay to three years. 
 
Achieving residence status 
 
As with the former Long Term Business visa, the new Entrepreneur Work visa provides a pathway to residence status through the Entrepreneur Residence category. This can occur once the visa holder has successfully established their business, been self-employed in the business for two years, realised the proposed benefits to New Zealand, and made the capital investments outlined in the original Entrepreneur Work visa application. 
 
Entrepreneur Work visa holders can fast-track their residence status if the principal visa holder has been self-employed in the business for six months, has invested at least NZD 500,000 (excluding working capital), and has generated at least three ongoing and sustainable full time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents. 
 
How long does it take to process an application for an Entrepreneur Work visa? 
 
Processing times are anticipated to be within two to four months from date of lodgement. However, the Business Migration Branch in Wellington currently has a significant backlog of Long Term Business visa applications still to be worked through. 
 
Licensed Adviser No. 200800190 

Country / Territory

  • New ZealandNew Zealand

Related offices

  • Auckland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Auckland

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards

Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."

Learn more

Media mentions

Northern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England

Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽ Ep. 8 (Part 2) | #FragomenFC

#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.

Learn more

Blog post

The UK’s Net Migration Drop Demands a Considered but Speedy Response

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

American Bar Association's How Things Work: The Legal Edition: F-1 Student Visa Revocations

Partners Michelle Jacobson and Sarah Peterson discuss recent SEVIS terminations and visa revocations and explore what these developments may mean for international students and universities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Classical Music: The Immigration Hurdles Facing UK Orchestras in Europe

Senior Immigration Programme Manager Louise Collins, Senior Manager Sean Rhodes and Manager Andreia Ghimis explore the touring challenges UK orchestras face in Europe and discuss ways to ease mobility barriers.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Recognized at FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards

Fragomen was recognized at the FACC Midwest Chicago Business Awards for "Best Business Development: US Company Expanding in France."

Learn more

Media mentions

Northern Engineer: The UK Immigration White Paper – What it Means for the Engineering Sector in the North of England

Practice Leader Kathleen O'Donnell, Manager Kirsty Moore and Immigration Paralegal Sean Pearce outline how the latest UK immigration white paper could affect engineering recruitment for employers in the North of England.

Learn more

Video

Passports & Pitch Side: Footballers on the Move ⚽ Ep. 8 (Part 2) | #FragomenFC

#FragomenFC co-hosts Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Associate Jake Paul Minster are joined by Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup—and an avid football fan—and Ismaïl Aissati—former professional footballer.

Learn more

Blog post

The UK’s Net Migration Drop Demands a Considered but Speedy Response

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses the UK's recent drop in net migration and emphasises the need for a considered yet swift response to address the economic and social impacts.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration White Paper: What it Means for UK Construction

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Christina Azntaridou discuss the UK government's immigration white paper's potential impact on construction hiring.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBC: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Negocios Now Names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025

Negocios Now names Associate Ana Gabriela Urizar to its NYC-TriState Latinos 40 Under 40 Class of 2025 list.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.