Business and Investment Visas.

Entrepreneur Work Visas require the establishment of purchae of a New Zealand business that will either have export potential, be innovative or have high growth. Entrepreneur Work Visa applicants must have a business plan and be able to claim 120 points based on work experience, investment, age and the location of the business..

The Entrepreneur Start Up stage is the first stage of the Entrepreneur Work Visa. Holders of Entrepreneur Work Visas must establish and commence their proposed business in New Zealand during the first 12 months in the Start Up Stage. At the end of this stage, Immigration New Zealand requires the nominated funds for capital investment to have been transferred into the proposed business, have taken reasonable steps to establish the business as described in the business plan and meet the fit and proper person requirements.

The Entrepreneur Balance stage is the second stage of the Entrepreneur Work Visa. If Immigration New Zealand is satisfied the Start Up stage has been met, the Entrepreneur Work Visa will be valid for the balance of three years.

Entrepreneur Work Visa holders can apply for a resident visa after two years. If the capital investment is $500,000 or more, this can be reduced to six months.

The business will need to add significant benefits to New Zealand, traded profitably (or has the potential to in the next 12 months), comply with New Zealand immigration and employment law, can demonstrate the same or greater amount of capital specified in the business plan.

Applicants will need to meet the fit and proper person requirements for a resident visa.

To be eligible for an Active Investor Visa you must invest between $5 million and $15 million into New Zealand approved investments. Acceptable investments carry different weightings towards the investment thresholds.

The Active Investor Plus Visa is a resident visa. To be eligible for a permanent resident visa, you must spend at least 117 days in New Zealand as a resident visa holder during the four year investment period.

An applicant can include their partners and dependent children in their application.