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Entrepreneurship immigration

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Entrepreneurship immigration

There are many ways to immigrate to New Zealand. In addition to the skilled immigration, spouse and family reunion immigration, and investment immigration that we have introduced before, entrepreneurial immigration is also the immigration method chosen by some applicants. New Zealand's entrepreneurial immigration adopts a scoring system. There are different scoring standards based on the industry in which the applicant starts the business, the capital invested and the employment rate of the local population. The Immigration Bureau will score the applicant based on the business operation status. In recent years, the Immigration Bureau’s requirements for applicants have been constantly updated and become more stringent.

Entrepreneurship immigration

You can apply for this visa if you have been self-employed in New Zealand for at least 6 months, or have been running a self-employed business for 2 years on another visa.

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Currently, New Zealand currently accepts three entrepreneurial directions: export projects; high-growth and innovative businesses. Most applicants generally choose export projects to start a business, which can include the export of products and services. However, restaurants, wholesale, and retail businesses will not be approved by the New Zealand government.

 

When conducting visa evaluation, the applicant’s relevant business experience and legal sources of entrepreneurial funds are the focus of the evaluation. Business experience can include self-employment, shareholder or executive experience, but it needs to be relevant to the business being conducted in New Zealand. All funds provided require proof of legal origin.

 

If you have more than 3 years of business experience in China and want to come to New Zealand to start your own business or purchase an existing business in New Zealand, applying for entrepreneurial immigration will be a good choice. Whether it is an entrepreneurial immigrant work permit or an immigration process, it is You can bring your spouse and children to live together in New Zealand. Minor children can also enjoy free primary, middle and high school education.

Entrepreneurship immigrants are divided into two categories:

  • Ordinary entrepreneurial immigrants
    1. No age limit, IELTS 4 points, at least 3 years of relevant business experience, EOI needs to reach 120 points.
    2. Investment is more than 100,000 New Zealand dollars and less than 500,000 New Zealand dollars. If the applicant's business plan is in a high-tech or science and technology industry with high-level innovation and export potential, New Zealand may waive the investment requirement of NZD 100,000.
    3. Applicants must not have a record of corporate bankruptcy in the past 5 years, and must not have any records of commercial fraud or financial distress.
    4. Employ 1-3 New Zealand residents.
    5. To start a business in New Zealand according to the business plan, the applicant needs to personally operate the business for more than 2 years and meet the sales performance. If investing in an existing company, the applicant’s shareholding must not be less than 25%.
    6. You can apply for New Zealand permanent resident status after two years.
  • High-value Entrepreneurship Immigration
    1. No age limit, IELTS 4 points, at least 3 years of relevant business experience, EOI needs to reach 120 points.
    2. Invest more than NZ$500,000
    3. Employ 3 or more local residents
    4. To start a business in New Zealand according to the business plan, the applicant needs to personally operate the business for more than 6 months and meet the sales performance. If investing in an existing company, the applicant’s shareholding must not be less than 25%.
    5. After obtaining the entrepreneurial work visa and operating for 6 months, you can apply for New Zealand permanent resident status (conditions apply).

FAQ:

  • If there are already 3 local people working in the purchased business, does it meet the application requirements?

    No, the Immigration Department requires applicants to create three new job opportunities for New Zealand locals

  • Is it okay if my business plan is inconsistent with what I promised to the Immigration Bureau during the implementation process?

    No, the immigration application will not be approved unless the applicant informs the Immigration Bureau and the Immigration Bureau agrees with the applicant's change of business plan.

  • If there are already 3 local people working in the purchased business, does it meet the application requirements?

    No, the Immigration Department requires applicants to create three new job opportunities for New Zealand locals

  • My child is 24 years old. When applying for entrepreneurial immigration, can I take him with me?

    If your child is single, has no children, and can prove that he is financially dependent on his parents, you can submit an immigration application with your child before the age of 24 (inclusive).

  • Entrepreneurship work visa scoring system:

    *Score for business experience (can only be scored in one category)

  • Relevant self-employment experience:
    More than 10 years
    More than 5 years
    More than 3 years     		40
    30
    20
  • Non-relevant self-employment experience:
    More than 10 years
    More than 5 years
    More than 3 years     		20
    15
    5
  • Relevant senior management experience:
    More than 10 years
    More than 5 years     		10
    5
    Rating of benefit to New Zealand (can be scored in up to two categories)
  • New full-time job opportunities that can be created:
    Create 10 or more full-time jobs for NZ citizens or residents
    Create 5 or more full-time jobs for NZ citizens or residents
    Create 3 or more full-time jobs for NZ citizens or residents
    Create 2 or more full-time jobs forNZ citizens or residents
    Create 1 or more full-time jobs for NZ citizens or residents    		80
    50
    30
    20
    10
  • Approved annual export quota:
    Annual turnover of NZ$1 million
    Annual turnover of NZ$750,000
    Annual turnover of NZ$500,000
    Annual turnover of NZ$400,000
    Annual turnover of NZ$300,000
    Annual turnover of NZ$200,000     		80
    60
    40
    30
    20
    10
  • Unique or new products and services:
    Introduce new technologies and products to New Zealand or a certain region 30
  • Investment amount rating:
    Above 1 million NZD
    Above NZ$750,000
    Over NZ$500,000
    Over NZ$400,000
    Over NZ$300,000
    Over NZ$200,000
    Under $200,000     		80
    60
    50
    30
    20
    10
    0
  • Age score (based on the date of application):
    Under 24 years old
    25-29
    30-39
    40-49
    50-59
    60 years old or above    		15
    20
    20
    20
    10
    0
  • Extra points:
    Bonus points for areas outside Auckland 20