Entrepreneur Visa Applications

To be granted any visa, you have to apply.  We recommend that you present your application along with all the necessary support to Immigration New Zealand, Business Migration Branch, Level 3, Kordia House, 109-125 Willis Street, Wellington, New Zealand – unless advised otherwise by your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.  Or post to Immigration New Zealand, Business Migration Branch, PO Box 3705, Wellington.

To download your application form, click here (PDF, 421 KB).

To download the associated guide, click here (PDF, 414 KB).

FAQs

In addition to my completed application, what else will you need from me?

Several things:

• Two passport-sized photographs for each person in your application
• Partnership documents, if applicable:
  
  • Marriage certificate
  • Or evidence that your partnership is genuine and stable (eg, joint bank accounts, joint property etc)
• Full birth certificates for each applicant showing parentage (if not previously supplied)
• Evidence of English language ability
• Your passport
• Original documentation to support your application including:
  • evidence from a reliable and independent agency that you have established a business in New Zealand
  • that you have been employed by that firm for two years or more
• Evidence that your business is of benefit to New Zealand, such as:
  • export/import evidence
  • employment records
  • audited accounts
• Police certificates from your country of citizenship and any other country you have lived in for more than 12 months within the last 10 years
• Completed Medical and X-ray Certificate forms (PDF, 475 KB)
• Application fee

Note:  All documents must be originals, or certified copies endorsed by a Notary Public, Justice of the Peace or anyone authorised by law to do so.

What about English language requirements?

If English is your first language, you will just need to show that you come from an English speaking background. Otherwise, you will need a certificate from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a score of at least Level 4. And anyone included on your application will need to take English tuition if they don’t already have a minimum level of English.

How much will this application cost?

NZ$2800 for most applicants.  To calculate your exact fee, check here.  A Migrant Levy must be paid when your application is approved, the amount for this is NZ$310 per person (maximum NZ$1240).

Will I need to meet with anyone from Immigration New Zealand?

In some instances, one of our business immigration specialists may request other documents to support your application.  They need to be satisfied as to the accuracy and authenticity of all evidence you provide.  If necessary, they may want to interview you.

How long will it take to be approved for this category?

Providing you have all your paperwork in order, you should know within three months. 

Where should I submit my application?

To your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch, listed here.  Or, to the Business Migration Branch  where it will be processed: 

Business Migration Branch
Immigration New Zealand
PO Box 3705
Wellington
New Zealand