This visa is closed to new applications. Current holders may apply to renew. For buying into a business, see the Business Investor Work Visa.
Can you apply? Check yourself in 30 seconds
To apply for the Entrepreneur Work Visa you must meet these requirements. Tap your answer for each one.
- 1
Be a fit and proper person
- 2
Show us that you are able to invest at least NZD $100,000
- 3
Be awarded at least 120 points on our points scale
- 4
Provide a detailed business plan
- 5
Speak and understand English
Your answers stay on this device. A licensed adviser confirms the details with you.
What this visa lets you do
Your rights and conditions once the visa is granted.
Come to New Zealand to buy or start up your own business within 12 months of getting this visa
Work in your own business for up to 3 years
Bring your partner, and dependent children aged 19 and younger
Study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period
Travel in and out of New Zealand
Documents you’ll usually need
Tick what you already have — we’ll remember it on this device.
Your adviser gives you the exact list for your situation.
What it costs
Two separate fees, paid to two different organisations — no surprises.
The visa application fee you pay to INZ when the application is lodged. Set by the government and can change.
Our professional fee for advice and preparing your application, agreed in writing before any work starts. Your first consultation request is free.
Other costs you might have if your visa needs them
- Medical certificates and chest X-rays, if required
- Police certificates from each country you’ve lived in, if required
- Certified translations of documents not in English
- Qualification assessments (NZQA IQA), if required
How we help you apply
From your first question to INZ’s decision — one licensed adviser stays with your file.
- 1Free first consultationTell us your situation online or in person.
- 2Eligibility & strategyA licensed adviser confirms this is the right visa — or a better one.
- 3DocumentsYour personal checklist and a review of every document.
- 4LodgementWe submit to Immigration New Zealand on your behalf.
- 5DecisionWe answer INZ’s questions and stay with you to the decision.
Requirements summarised from immigration.govt.nz (© Crown, CC BY 3.0 NZ), checked 14 Oct 2026. Rules change often — we confirm the current requirements with you before you apply.