Investment immigration policies were introduced as early as the 1980s, and the New Zealand Entrepreneur Immigration Program was established by the New Zealand government at the end of November 2010. Applicants for New Zealand Entrepreneur Immigration must first obtain a 3-year work visa, establish a business in New Zealand, and then transition to permanent residency. Specifically, the application for the New Zealand Entrepreneur Immigration Program consists of three steps:
Step One:
Apply for a 9-month work visa, which allows the applicant to start a business in New Zealand. At this time, the entire family can reside in New Zealand, and children can enjoy free education.
Step Two:
Convert the 9-month work visa into a 3-year work visa. At this point, the entire family does not need to apply again and will automatically qualify for free healthcare services, just like New Zealand citizens.
Operate the business for two years, provided that the business meets two conditions:
1. The business must maintain stable operations and employ at least one local employee;
2. The financial statements submitted with the application must reflect a small profit.
This completes Step Three:
Apply to the New Zealand Immigration Department for approval of permanent residency.
These seemingly simple three steps require attention to many details in practice.
New Zealand Entrepreneur Immigration Application Requirements
1. Possess sufficient relevant experience (three years of executive experience or three years as a shareholder holding more than 25%);
2. Achieve a total score of 120 points and submit a business plan related to management experience;
3. Start a business in New Zealand, invest at least NZD 100,000, and explain the legal source of the funds;
4. An average IELTS score of 4.
