Entrepreneur Residence Category

Applicants under the Entrepreneur category are required to demonstrate that they have established a business in New Zealand through Entrepreneur Work Visa category and the business is benefiting the country and has complied with all relevant employment and immigration laws. A business will be considered to benefit New Zealand if it promotes New Zealand's economic growth through:

• the introduction of new technology or enhancing technology, management or technical skills

• the introduction of new, or enhancing current, products or services

• the creation of employment

• the successful revitalization of an existing business

Normally applicants are required to have operated their business for a minimum to two years before they are eligible for residence under this category. However, this category also provides a faster path to residence for applicants who can invest NZ$500,000 (excluding working capital) in their business and create at least three full-time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents. 

Applicants under both entrepreneur categories must meet minimum English language requirement, normally an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) report with overall band score of 4 or more. They must also be of good health and good character.

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