Entrepreneur Work Visa (BB)

Temporary entry class visa for entrepreneurs to establish or buy a business in NZ, with applications accepted until 25 August 2025 unless exceptions apply.

Status: active
Updated: 2026-04-26
Also known as: Entrepreneur Work VisaBB
Sources: BBBB1BB2BB2.1BB2.1.1BB2.1.5BB3.1BB3.5BB3.10BB3.15BB3.20BB4BB4.1BB4.5BB4.10BB5BF1BF2.10BF2.15BH4.5BM1

At a glance

The Entrepreneur Work Visa (BB) is a previous immigration instructions category for entrepreneurs who intend to establish or purchase a business in New Zealand. It provides a temporary work visa, and its sub‑instructions cover the objective, category definition, application determination, stages, business proposal changes, and definitions (BB1–BB6). [BB]

The objective of this category is to contribute to economic growth by enabling experienced business people to grow or establish high growth and innovative businesses with export potential in New Zealand. [BB1]

Under BB2.1 (effective 25 August 2025), applications under the Entrepreneur Work Instructions must be lodged on or before 25 August 2025 unless the applicant is eligible for a further Entrepreneur Work Visa under BB4.10. [BB2.1][BB4.10] The visa is granted for a total of up to 3 years, with an initial 12‑month Start‑Up stage followed by a Balance stage, and may be extended beyond 3 years under strict conditions. [BB2.1.1] Holders are subject to specific work and travel conditions, including a prohibition on applying for welfare assistance under the Social Security Act 2018. [BB2.1.5]

How to apply

BB2 — Special category of work visa — is a sub-instruction heading under the Entrepreneur Work Visa category that contains no operative instruction text. Applicants are not required to provide any additional information specific to BB2. [BB2]

To apply for an Entrepreneur Work Visa, an applicant must submit their application on or before 25 August 2025, unless the application is for a further Entrepreneur Work Visa under BB4.10 (for those who already hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa or had an application accepted for processing before that date). [BB2.1][BB4.10] The application must demonstrate that the requirements set out in BB3.1 are met [BB3.1], and applicants and any accompanying family members must meet health and character standards for residence as specified in A4 and A5, along with all Generic Temporary Entry Instructions. [BB2.1] For applications after the deadline, only those eligible under BB4.10 may be considered. [BB2.1]

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must be experienced business people intending to establish or purchase a high growth and innovative business with export potential. [BB1]

Further eligibility criteria and points-based assessment for the Entrepreneur Work Visa are defined in BB3 and BB4, which remain pending ingestion. BB2 does not impose any further eligibility requirements. [BB2]

In addition, BB2.1 requires that the principal applicant and any partner or dependent children accompanying them meet health requirements for residence under A4, character requirements under A5, and all applicable Generic Temporary Entry Instructions. [BB2.1] The applicant must also meet the detailed requirements of BB3.1 for the grant of the visa. [BB2.1]

Requirements for grant (BB3.1)

To be granted an Entrepreneur Work Visa, the applicant must satisfy a business immigration specialist that they meet all of the following: [BB3.1]

Minimum capital investment of $100,000, unless waived under BB3.5.1(b). [BB3.1]
Award of at least 120 points for factors described in BB3.10(d). [BB3.1]
A business plan specific to the proposed business that meets the requirements of BB3.15. [BB3.1]
Appropriate professional or occupational registration in New Zealand if required for operating the proposed business. [BB3.1]
No bankruptcy or business failure within the 5 years preceding the application date. [BB3.1]
No involvement in business fraud or financial impropriety. [BB3.1]
Evidence of sufficient funds (in addition to investment capital) to finance the business and provide maintenance and accommodation for themselves and any accompanying partner/dependent children for the visa period. [BB3.1]
The business immigration specialist is satisfied that the applicant has sufficient relevant business experience and genuine intent to establish the business and comply with visa conditions. [BB3.1]
The applicant and any accompanying partner/dependent children meet the specific requirements of BB2.1(c) and (d). [BB3.1]
Fit and proper person requirements [BM1].
English language requirements set out in BF1 and BF2. [BB3.1][BF1]

Under BF2.10, an applicant is also considered to have an English-speaking background if: (a) they have been lawfully employed full-time in an occupation in New Zealand for a minimum of 12 months; and (b) English was the language of employment. Self-employment does not count as 'employment' for this purpose. [BF2.10]

Evidence of the 12 months full-time employment is either:

references from employers on company letterhead, which state the occupation and dates of employment and the contact phone number and an address of the employer; or
an employment contract with confirmation from the employer that the applicant is still employed.

Evidence that English was the language of employment is a written statement from the employer that English was the primary language of employment. [BF2.15]

The proposed business must not constitute an unacceptable risk to New Zealand laws or policies. An application will be declined if granting the visa would create unacceptable risks to the integrity of immigration or employment laws or policies. In particular, applications based on business opportunities whose main purpose is to facilitate immigration entry by non‑citizens will not be approved. [BB3.1]

Points scale (BB3.10)

[BB3.10]

Applications must meet a minimum score of 120 points. An application that does not reach 120 points will be declined. [BB3.10]

Applicants must demonstrate to the satisfaction of a business immigration specialist why they should be awarded the points they have claimed. Business immigration specialists must give written reasons for declining an application and not awarding any points claimed. [BB3.10]

The points that can be awarded are set out below.

Business experience (only one category may be claimed):

Experience type	Duration	Points
Relevant self-employment	10 years +	40
	5 years +	30
	3 years +	20
Other self-employment	10 years +	20
	5 years +	15
	3 years +	5
Relevant senior management experience	10 years +	10
	5 years +	5

Benefit to New Zealand (up to two categories may be claimed):

New full-time employment creation:

Number of new full-time positions for NZ citizens/residents	Points
10+	80
5+	50
3+	30
2	20
1	10

Approved export businesses (based on annual turnover):

Annual turnover	Points
$1,000,000+	80
$750,000+	60
$500,000+	40
$400,000+	30
$300,000+	20
$200,000+	10

Unique or new products or services to New Zealand:

30 points if a credible business proposal provides unique or new products/services to New Zealand or to a particular region.

Capital investment:

Investment amount	Points
$1,000,000+	80
$750,000+	60
$500,000+	50
$400,000+	30
$300,000+	20
$200,000+	10
under $200,000	0

Age (at date of lodging application):

Age	Points
24 and under	15
25‑29	20
30‑39	20
40‑49	20
50‑59	10
60 and over	0

Bonus points:

Business based outside Auckland as defined in BB6.1.35 – 40 points.

Note: See BH4.5 (which references BB6) for definitions of terms for the Entrepreneur Work Visa and Entrepreneur Residence Visa categories. [BH4.5] The criteria for recognising capital investment are outlined at BB3.5.10.

Capital investment requirement (BB3.5)

The minimum capital investment of NZ$100,000 may be waived only for businesses in science, ICT, or other high value export‑oriented sector that demonstrate high innovation or credible short‑term high growth prospects. [BB3.5] Only members of the Business Migration management team can approve a waiver. [BB3.5]

The principal applicant must nominate funds and/or assets equivalent to the total investment in the business plan, demonstrate ownership of those funds/assets, and show they were earned or acquired legally. [BB3.5] Nominated funds/assets may be owned solely by the applicant or jointly with a partner if the business immigration specialist is satisfied the partnership is genuine and stable, the couple has lived together for at least 12 months, and the partner supports the use of the funds. [BB3.5] If funds are held jointly with someone other than a partner, the applicant may claim only the portion for which they provide evidence of ownership. [BB3.5] Gifted funds are permitted only if unconditionally given in accordance with local law, earned lawfully by the donor, and based outside New Zealand. [BB3.5] All nominated funds/assets must be unencumbered and must not be borrowed. [BB3.5]

Capital investment includes all nominated funds used in the establishment and operation of the approved business, except for:

passive or speculative investments (e.g. reserve funds, term deposits);
items for the personal use of the applicant(s) (e.g. residences, cars, boats);
remuneration paid to the applicant(s) or their immediate family; or
investment in residential property, unless the development of residential property meets the definition of acceptable business activity and formed part of the applicant's business plan. [BB3.5]

Funds that are already held in New Zealand must have originally been transferred through the banking system from the country where they were earned or acquired legally, or must have been earned or acquired legally in New Zealand. [BB3.5]

Business plan requirements (BB3.15)

All applicants must submit a business plan that satisfies the specific requirements of BB3.15. The plan must: [BB3.15]

be for establishing or purchasing a specific business in New Zealand;
be specific to the proposed business, not a generic or template plan;
be no more than three months old at the date the application is made;
include satisfactory evidence supporting claims about the proposed business, the principal applicant's sufficient funds and/or assets to finance the proposal, and the principal applicant's relevant business experience;
demonstrate to the satisfaction of a business immigration specialist that the financial forecasts are realistic, the principal applicant has sufficient relevant knowledge of the proposed business and the New Zealand business environment, and has done sufficient market research to optimise the chances of succeeding;
show that the proposed business meets at least one of the three characteristics from the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category objective: high growth, innovative, or export potential;
include sufficient supporting documentation for any claims made about the business, or about the applicant's skills, funds, or experience.

Business plan for purchasing an existing business (BB3.15.1)

Where the business plan involves the purchase of an existing business, the plan must additionally: [BB3.15]

identify the particular business to be purchased;
include information allowing assessment of the benefit the applicant's activity will provide to New Zealand;
include evidence outlining the purchase price and financial performance of the existing business — for example, a conditional sale and purchase agreement, an independent valuation, and/or financial statements for the previous two years;
include information on current employee numbers, such as wage records, anonymised employment agreements, job descriptions, or Employer Monthly Schedules.

Assessment of the business plan (BB3.15.5)

A business immigration specialist assesses the application based on: [BB3.15]

the applicant's capacity to contribute to economic growth through a business that is high growth, innovative, or has export potential;
plans demonstrating how the objectives in the business plan will be met;
evidence of sufficient relevant business experience;
information showing how the business will significantly benefit New Zealand.

In assessing the plan, the specialist considers the credibility of the information and whether the business will significantly benefit New Zealand. The specialist must be satisfied that the submitted information meets the evidential requirements of the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category instructions and may request additional evidence as needed. [BB3.15]

Vetting and external advice (BB3.15.5)

INZ may submit any business plan to an independent person or business for vetting. The independent assessment and advice will be considered by the business immigration specialist when making a decision. INZ may also consult other government agencies or sections of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. [BB3.15]

Verification of the business plan (BB3.15.10)

A business immigration specialist must be satisfied that the documents supporting the business plan are genuine and accurate, and may take any steps necessary to verify them. The specialist may interview the principal applicant (or have another INZ office interview them) to determine whether the information in the business plan is genuine and accurate. [BB3.15]

Further Entrepreneur Work Visa beyond three years (BB4.10)

An applicant who holds a valid Entrepreneur Work Visa may be granted a further Entrepreneur Work Visa beyond the initial 3‑year visa. [BB4.10] This further visa is for a period not exceeding 3 years and can be granted only once. [BB4.10] The application must be approved by a business immigration specialist and the prescribed fee and immigration levy paid. [BB4.10]

To be granted the further visa, the business immigration specialist must be satisfied that: [BB4.10]

the applicant has spent any time in New Zealand setting up and operating the original business proposal; [BB4.10]
any change to the original business proposal was granted by a business immigration specialist in accordance with BB5; [BB4.10]
the applicant intends to spend the further period in New Zealand either implementing the original business proposed or a business proposal for which consent has been given; [BB4.10]
the applicant has, in addition to investment capital, sufficient funds to finance their business and for their own maintenance and accommodation and that of any partner or dependent children; [BB4.10]
the applicant and any accompanying partner or dependent children have not drawn on the New Zealand welfare system; [BB4.10]
the applicant and any accompanying partner or dependent children meet health and character requirements for residence (see A4 and A5); [BB4.10]
the applicant continues to meet the fit and proper person requirements [BM1].

The grant of a further visa requires that there are valid reasons for the principal applicant needing the extra time to meet the requirements for residence under the Entrepreneur Residence Visa Category. [BB4.10]

After the further visa period, if the applicant still wishes to run their business, they will need to apply under any other applicable category in force at that time. [BB4.10]

Changing a business proposal (BB5)

Holders of an Entrepreneur Work Visa may submit one request to change their business plan within the visa's validity. Changes must be minimal or the request will be declined. [BB5]

A business immigration specialist may approve a change request only if satisfied that all of the following are met: [BB5]

the changes are minimal and do not significantly alter the nature of the proposed business; [BB5]
there are genuine reasons for changing the original business proposal (note that inadequate market research is not a genuine reason); [BB5]
the business still requires the same or a greater level of capital investment than the original proposal; [BB5]
had the proposed changes been submitted initially, they would have earned the same or greater points under the Entrepreneur Work Visa points scale; [BB5]
the business still meets the requirements for a business plan; [BB5]
the applicant has sufficient business experience relevant to the proposed new business; [BB5]
the business continues to offer at least the same level of benefit to NZ, including full-time positions for NZ citizens or residents, annual turnover, new exports, or introduction of unique products or services; [BB5]
the applicant continues to meet the fit and proper person requirements [BM1].

If a change request is refused because it does not meet the criteria (except fit and proper person requirements), the applicant must be offered the option of continuing with their original business proposal. If the applicant still wishes to pursue the new business after refusal, they must lodge a new Entrepreneur Work Visa application. Starting the new business without approval or a new application may make the visa holder liable for deportation. [BB5]

Long Term Business Visa holders may also apply for a change of plan under these instructions, but they do not have to meet the points-scale or business-plan criteria. [BB5]

Interpretation & edge cases

BB4 — Stages of Entrepreneur Work Visas — establishes the two-stage structure (Start-Up stage and Balance stage). [BB4] During the Start-Up stage, holders must establish and commence their proposed business in New Zealand within the first 12 months. [BB4.1]
This category applies only to applications lodged under the previous business immigration instructions that pre‑date the replacement business categories. [BB]
Advisers must confirm whether the transitional provisions of the Business Immigration Instructions (BA) govern the application. (Cross‑reference to the Business Immigration Instructions concept page.)
The objective (BB1) informs the interpretation of the category's requirements, particularly the emphasis on high growth, innovation, and export potential. [BB1]
The visa is structured in two stages: a 12‑month Start‑Up stage (extendable by a business immigration specialist under BB4.5.5) and the remaining Balance stage. If the holder does not satisfy BB4.5(a) during the Start‑Up stage, the visa expires at the end of the Start‑Up period. [BB2.1.1]
Towards the end of the Start-Up stage, the holder must provide evidence to satisfy a business immigration specialist that:
- investment capital for the proposed business, as stated in the business plan, has been transferred directly from the holder's bank account(s) to New Zealand through the banking system; and
- reasonable steps have been taken to establish or invest in the business as set out in the business plan. The business immigration specialist must also be satisfied the applicant continues to meet the fit and proper person requirements [BM1]. [BB4.5]
Evidence of the transfer of investment capital may include telegraphic transfer forms, bank statements, or other documents the specialist considers relevant. Evidence of reasonable steps taken may include a certificate of incorporation, audited accounts, GST records, other tax records, property purchase or lease documents, invoices for business equipment and supplies, employment agreements, bank statements, utility invoices, sales agreements, and any other information the specialist considers demonstrates establishment or investment. [BB4.5]
If the business immigration specialist is not satisfied the requirements have been met but considers the holder may be able to meet them within a specified time, they may extend the Start-Up stage to allow further steps to establish and operate the business. Further extensions will not extend the maximum overall visa duration beyond 3 years from the date the visa was granted. [BB4.5]
A further Entrepreneur Work Visa (Renewal) may be granted beyond the initial 3‑year period only if the conditions of BB4.10 are met and the application is approved by a business immigration specialist. [BB2.1.1]
Under BB4.10, only one further Entrepreneur Work Visa may be granted beyond the initial 3 years, for a maximum period of 3 years. The applicant must hold a valid Entrepreneur Work Visa, have spent time operating the business, have any changes approved, intend to implement the business, have sufficient funds, not have drawn on welfare, and meet health, character, and fit and proper person requirements [BM1]. [BB4.10]
The visa conditions prohibit the holder, and any partner or dependent children holding visas through the relationship, from applying for and being granted welfare assistance under the Social Security Act 2018 while in New Zealand. [BB2.1.5]
Business plans may be sent for independent vetting, and INZ may consult other government agencies, meaning applicants should expect external scrutiny of claims and documentation. [BB3.15]
Verification may include an interview with the principal applicant, and failure to satisfy the specialist that documents are genuine and accurate may lead to decline. [BB3.15]
In accordance with fairness and natural justice principles, applicants will be given the opportunity to comment before a decision is made on the basis of any potentially prejudicial information (PPI). For the Entrepreneur Work Visa, PPI is defined as factual information or material that will or may adversely affect the outcome of the application. [BB3.20]