Business & investor visas
New Zealand Entrepreneur Work Visa
For people setting up or buying a business in New Zealand, this route is now closed to new applications, with renewals available only for existing holders.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official New Zealand government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Entrepreneur Work Visa
- Route type
- Business work visa (closed to new applications)
- Status
- Closed to new applications; renewals only for existing holders
Who it is for
- Existing Entrepreneur Work Visa holders seeking to renew
- (New applicants should consider the Business Investor Work Visa instead)
Requirements
- Historically: NZD $100,000 to invest plus a business plan and enough entrepreneur points
- A minimum 25% shareholding in the business
- Enough money to support yourself and family beyond the capital investment
- No recent bankruptcy, business failure or financial wrongdoing
What you can do
- Continue running an established business under a renewed visa (existing holders)
How to apply
- New applications are not accepted
- Existing holders apply to renew through Immigration New Zealand
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related New Zealand visas
- RESIDENCE BY INVESTMENTNZD 5M GROWTH / NZD 10M BALANCEDRELAUNCHED APRIL 2025Active Investor Plus VisaThe Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand's residence-by-investment route, offering a Growth category from NZD 5 million over 3 years or a Balanced category from NZD 10 million over 5 years - it is an active-investment visa, not a property visa.View visa details
- BUSINESSINVESTORPATHWAY TO RESIDENCEBusiness Investor Work VisaFor people investing in and actively running an established New Zealand business, this work route opened from 24 November 2025 and offers a pathway to residence.View visa details
