The minimum investment requirement is NZ$100,000. This amount needs to be available for investment in your business in New Zealand. The funds must be legally acquired and transferable to New Zealand. Higher investment amounts can earn you more points on the points-based assessment system.

The processing time for the Entrepreneur Work Visa is typically 3-6 months from submission of a complete application. The Entrepreneur Resident Visa processing time is approximately 4-8 months. These timeframes can vary based on the complexity of your application and Immigration New Zealand’s current processing capacity.

Yes, your partner and dependent children can be included in your Entrepreneur Work Visa application. Your partner will be eligible for an open work visa, allowing them to work for any employer in New Zealand. Your dependent children can attend New Zealand schools as domestic students, which means significantly lower fees compared to international students.

You need to demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency, which is typically an IELTS overall score of at least 4.0 (or equivalent in other approved English language tests). Alternatively, you can meet this requirement if you’re from an English-speaking country, have completed a degree with English as the language of instruction, or have worked for a substantial period in an environment where English is the primary language used.

Yes, you can either establish a new business or purchase an existing business in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Work Visa. If purchasing an existing business, you’ll need to demonstrate how you plan to add value to the business through growth, innovation, or other improvements. Simple continuation of an existing business without significant changes may not be sufficient to meet visa requirements.

If your business fails while you hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa, you should contact Immigration New Zealand as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to establish a new business or modify your business plan. However, if you cannot meet the conditions of your visa, it may be cancelled. It’s important to seek immigration advice promptly if your business faces significant challenges.