19 May 2012
Entrepreneur Visa FAQs
What documentation needs to be provided for everyone on my residence application?
For every person included in the application you must provide:
-
Two passport-size photographs
-
Photocopies of the identity pages of their passport
-
A full birth certificate
-
You must show that everyone included in the application meets our health requirements by submitting a completed medical and chest X-ray certificate
-
You must show that everyone included in the application who is aged 17 or more meets our character requirements by providing police certificates from their country(ies) of citizenship, and all countries they have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This includes countries where the stay has been broken by short departures.
Evidence of your partnership:
If your partner is also applying on your application form, you need to show that you have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months.
Evidence you live together might include original or certified copies of documents showing shared accommodation - such as joint ownership of residential property, joint tenancy agreement, or correspondence (including postmarked envelopes) addressed to both you and your partner at the same address.
Are there English language requirements for me and my family?
To meet the English language requirements for the Entrepreneur visa, you must:
-
Have an English speaking background OR
-
Be a competent user of English OR
-
Have an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) certificate (no more than two years old at the time you lodge your application for residence), which shows you gained at least an overall band score of 3 in the IELTS General or Academic Module or more for Investor Visa or 4 or more for the Long-Term Business Visa, Entrepreneur or Entrepreneur Plus.
You may need to provide an IELTS certificate to confirm you meet these English language requirements.
If your partner and/or dependent children aged 16 or more are included in your residence application, they need to either meet the same English language requirements as you, or pre-purchase ESOL tuition in New Zealand. The English tuition can be purchased from us, on behalf of New Zealand’s Tertiary Education Commission. The resident visa will be granted only after you have paid the tuition charge. Payment of this tuition charge is not due until your application is approved.
Are there any age restrictions under this category?
No
How do I prove my business is of benefit to New Zealand?
The evidence you need to provide to show that your business is benefiting New Zealand could include:
-
Employment records such as IRD PAYE monthly schedules
-
Financial statements for the business
-
Export/import documents
-
Tax records.
Please detail the definitions surrounding an ‘established business’.
Substantial investment means the purchase of 25 per cent or more of the shareholding of a business.
Self-employment means your lawful active involvement in the management and operation of a business in New Zealand which you (the principal applicant) have established or purchased, or in which you have made a substantial investment. Self-employment does not include involvement of a passive or speculative nature.
Full-time employment is considered to be at least 30 hours of work per week.
How do I prove my business is of benefit to New Zealand?
The evidence you need to provide to show that your business is benefiting New Zealand could include:
-
Employment records such as IRD PAYE monthly schedules
-
Financial statements for the business
-
Export/import documents
-
Tax records.
What documentation is needed as evidence of business establishment and operation?
All documentation must be produced by a reliable independent agency or professional (for example, a solicitor or chartered accountant).
Acceptable evidence that you have established a business in New Zealand may include (but is not limited to):
-
A certificate of incorporation or business registration
-
Shareholder certificates or proof of ownership of business
-
A business purchase agreement
-
Company financial accounts and bank statements
-
Company tax returns
-
GST returns
-
Documents showing property lease or purchase by the business
-
Invoices for business equipment, supplies, ACC, utility bills
-
Photos of the business
-
Strategic planning documents.
What documentation is needed as evidence that my business meets New Zealand employment and immigration law?
Documents are needed that prove you are:
-
Paying employees no less than the correct minimum wages
-
Meeting holiday and special leave requirements and looking after the health and safety of your employees
-
Only employing people who are legally able to undertake that work in New Zealand.
Your documents may be verified to check that you meet the requirements. And Immigration New Zealand may also visit your business.
What happens once my application has been assessed?
If you have submitted an application for residence under the Entrepreneur Category, and Immigration New Zealand have approved it in principle, you will be issued resident visas to you and any family members included in your application when you have:
-
Paid any applicable migrant levy
-
Paid any applicable ESOL training tuition fee(s) if any of your family who are aged 16 and over included in your application have not satisfied the English language requirements.
How long will my resident visa be valid?
If you meet all the requirements, you and your family members included in your application will receive a resident visa. Resident visas will be current for 12 months from the date of issue. You and your family must arrive in New Zealand within that period or your resident visas will lapse.
Your resident visa will initially be valid for two years from the date you first enter New Zealand. This will allow you to travel to and from New Zealand during the two-year period.
You will need to meet requirements for a permanent resident visa if you would like to travel to and from New Zealand after that.
More information can be found at www.immigration.govt.nz.
Where can I get more detailed information?
Visit Immigration New Zealand’s business migration visa section: http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/invest/.
Or phone Immigration New Zealand:
-
0508 55 88 55 if you are within New Zealand but outside of Auckland
-
09 914 4100 if you are calling from Auckland
-
Or dial 011 64 508 55 88 55 if you are calling from outside of New Zealand OR
Or Email: entrepreneurs@dol.govt.nz.
