New Zealand is the easiest country in the world to do business in, according to the 2020 World Bank Doing Business study. World Bank also rated New Zealand the easiest place in the world to start a business. There are very few restrictions on establishing, owning and operating a business in New Zealand.

If you are an experienced business person and you want to be self-employed in your own business in New Zealand, applying for a work visa under the “Entrepreneur Work Visa Category” may be an option for you. An Entrepreneur Work Visa will enable you to move to New Zealand and buy or establish your own business. It could be the first step on your pathway to applying for residence in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Residence Category.

What are the major requirements?

• Minimum capital investment of NZ $ 100,000, unless this requirement is waived.
• Meet or exceed 120 points on a scale which awards points for factors relating to the likely success of the proposed business and its value to New Zealand.
• A business plan specific to your proposed business.
• Not been involved in bankruptcy or business failure within 5 years preceding the date your application is made
• Not have been involved in business fraud or financial impropriety, and
• Meet health and character requirements for residence and English language requirements.

The Global Impact Visa is a three-year open work visa that enables participants in the Edmund Hillary Fellowship to work and live in New Zealand, with a path to permanent residence. Separate visas are also available for immediate family of Global Impact Visa holders.

To be eligible to apply for permanent residence, you must remain in the Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 30 months, and maintain the support of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship.