Entrepreneur Resident Visa
For Entrepreneur Work Visa holders who have successfully established and run their New Zealand business.
The Entrepreneur Resident Visa is a New Zealand business, talent & investor visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NZ$5,860 including levy) and processing time (~9-15 months), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Entrepreneur Resident Visa is for
For Entrepreneur Work Visa holders who have successfully established and run their New Zealand business.
Grants residence; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship.
Entrepreneur Resident Visa - eligibility criteria
- Have run the business for 2 years on an Entrepreneur Work Visa (or 6 months with NZ$500,000 investment and 3 jobs)
- Show the business is trading profitably or has growth potential
- Have invested the proposed capital
- Have created the required full-time jobs for New Zealanders
- Meet health and character requirements
Entrepreneur Resident Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa (New Zealand) is ~NZ$5,860 including levy, with an indicative processing time of ~9-15 months. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration New Zealand.
| Type | Permanent residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online, from inside New Zealand |
| Length of stay | Permanent (indefinite resident visa) |
| Work rights | Work for any employer or run your own business |
| Study rights | Study with no restrictions |
| Government fee | ~NZ$5,860 including levy |
| Processing time | ~9-15 months |
| Route to PR | Grants residence; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
Grants residence; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship.
Many applicants also compare Entrepreneur · Entrepreneur Work Visa, Active Investor · Active Investor Plus Visa, PRV · Permanent Resident Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which New Zealand route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Entrepreneur Resident Visa pitfalls we fix
Entrepreneur Resident Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Entrepreneur Resident Visa cost?
The Entrepreneur Resident Visa government fee is ~NZ$5,860 including levy. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Entrepreneur Resident Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~9-15 months. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Entrepreneur Resident Visa lead to permanent residence?
Grants residence; can lead to a Permanent Resident Visa and citizenship.
Can I work on the Entrepreneur Resident Visa?
Work rights: Work for any employer or run your own business.
Who can apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa?
For Entrepreneur Work Visa holders who have successfully established and run their New Zealand business.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official New Zealand government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration New Zealand - official New Zealand immigration authority