Kia ora, future business leader! Are you running a successful business in New Zealand on your Entrepreneur Work Visa? Great news – now you can qualify for permanent residency through the Entrepreneur Resident Visa!
It is your golden ticket to:
✅ Make your permanent home in New Zealand
✅ Grow your business with long-term stability
✅ Bring your family with you
✅ Let’s get your NZ citizenship
Let me guide you through everything in simple, easy steps.
🧩 Do You Qualify with the Required Criteria?
Before applying, let’s check if you meet the required criteria:
✔ You’ve had an Entrepreneur Work Visa for at least 6 months
✔ You’ve invested at least $100,000 in your business (with some exceptions)
✔ You’ve been actively managing your business in NZ
✔ Your business helps New Zealand (creating jobs, exporting goods, etc.)
🗓️ Your Time-map to get the Residency Visa
The following is the timeline for the next 12 months:
- Month 1-2: Collect your business documents (financials, employment records, etc.)
- Month 3: Submit your visa application
- Month 4-11: Wait for processing, and focus on your business
- Month 12: Get approved! 🎉
🚀 Step – by – Step Process
Let us help you break it through easy steps:
📌 Quick Overview: The 4 Key Stages
🎯 STAGE 1: Lay the Foundation (Months 1-6)
✅ Operate your business for at least 6 months on your Entrepreneur Work Visa
✅ Meet your visa conditions:
- Maintain your investment for at least $100k+
- Create jobs for the citizens
✅ Keep the records of:
- Financial statements
- Tax returns
- Employee contracts
📑 STAGE 2: Prepare Your Application (Month 7-8)
Here’s the Document checklist:
| Document Type | Examples | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Proof | Profit & Loss statements, bank transactions | Shows your business is viable |
| Employment Records | PAYE records, employment agreements | Proves job creation (if required) |
| Business Assets | Photos of premises, equipment invoices | Demonstrates real investment |
| Personal Compliance | Police certificates, medical checks | Confirms you meet character requirements |
📌 Note: Keep all your documents on time to avoid any delays.
📤 STAGE 3: Submit Your Application (Month 9)
Choose your submission method:
🔹 Online (fastest option) via Immigration NZ’s website
🔹 Through an advisor (Seek a trusted Immigration Consultant: Visas Abroad)
Application fees:
- Principal applicant: NZD 4,890
- Partner: NZD 2,445
- Each child: NZD 1,225
⏳ STAGE 4: The Waiting Game (Months 10-15)
What happens during processing:
- They will verify your documents
- They will visit your offices
- They will ask you for additional information
While you wait:
✔ Keep your business running strong
✔ Avoid significant changes to your business structure
✔ Respond promptly to any requests from INZ
🎉 Approval! What Happens Next?
You’ll receive:
- Resident visa (with terms and conditions)
- Eligible to work and live in NZ indefinitely
- Can apply for citizenship after 5 years
What next? First 3 months after Approval
- Update your IRD (Inland Revenue Department) details
- Apply for health insurance
- Explore business growth opportunities
Typical Timeline:
💼What Immigration NZ requires from your business
| What They Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Financial Health | Is your business sustainable? |
| Job Creation | Are you employing Kiwis? |
| Economic Benefit | Is your business adding value to NZ? |
| Your Involvement | Are you actively managing the business? |
Pro Tip: If you have not met your goals, intense, persistent and growing businesses are still qualified.
🧾 Visa Fees Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Pay
Here’s the real cost (not including your business investment):
1. Application Fees (Non-Refundable)
| Who’s Applying? | Cost (NZD) | Ouch Factor 😅 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Applicant | $4,890 | “That’s a decent used car!” |
| Partner | $2,445 | “Date night just got expensive” |
| Each Child | $1,225 | “School trips seem cheap now” |
2. Hidden Costs You Should Budget For
- Medical Exams: $300-$600 per person
- Police Certificates: $100-$250 per country lived in
- Translation Services: $50-$150 per document
- Immigration Advisor: $3,000-$8,000 (optional but recommended)
💡 Pro Tip: Add 15% buffer to your budget – unexpected costs always pop up!
🛑 5 Key Limitations You Should Know
1. 💰 The $100,000 in Hand
✅ Minimum Investment Required:
- The standard requirement is NZD 100,000
- They don’t consider loans
2. ⏳ The 6-Months Game
📅 Mandatory Timeline:
- Must hold Entrepreneur Work Visa for 6+ months
- Businesses must be actively trading during this period
3. 👨💼 Job Creation
📌 Common Requirements:
- Typically need 2+ full-time employees
- Must be NZ citizens/residents
4. 🌍 Geographic Limitations
📍 Key Restrictions:
- You must live in New Zealand for at least 6 months each year
- Business must run primarily in New Zealand.
5. 📉 The “Successful Business” Trap
📉 Hard Truths:
- Businesses must be profitable or show a clear path to profit
- Significant losses may lead to visa decline
🔸 No Industry Swaps: Stuck with the business you applied with
🔸 Family Visa Complications: Your family’s visa depends on your success
🔸 Strict Compliance Checks: They might come for a surprise inspection
🤔 Common Questions – Answered!
Q: “My business is new but growing fast – will I qualify?”
A: Absolutely! NZ loves innovative businesses. The $100k investment can sometimes be waived for startups with strong potential.
Q: “Can my family come with me?”
A: Yes! You can include your family and children in your application.
Q: “What’s the path to citizenship?”
A: After holding residency for 5 years (and spending enough time in NZ), you can apply!
🚀 Your Action Plan Starts Here
- Bookmark This Page – For easy reference
- Check Your Eligibility – Official NZ Immigration Site
- Connect With Trusted Immigration Consultant: Visas Abroad
At: +91 99990744666 Email at: info@VisasAbroad.com
Remember, every successful business in NZ starts with a first step. Your Entrepreneur Resident Visa could be that step toward an exciting future!