New Zealand Entrepreneur Visa: The Global Impact Visa for Innovators and Founders
The Global Impact Visa is New Zealand’s pathway for innovative entrepreneurs, investors, and change-makers who want to build a business or social enterprise in New Zealand. It is the closest thing New Zealand currently offers to an entrepreneur visa, providing a route from a work visa through to permanent residence for people with high-impact ideas.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) offers the GIV in collaboration with the Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF). The programme aims to attract talented visionaries, investors, startup groups, and entrepreneurs who show promise of bringing long-term positive effects to New Zealand and the wider world.
The Edmund Hillary Fellowship
The first step to obtaining the Global Impact Visa is to be accepted into the Edmund Hillary Fellowship.
EHF seeks exceptional individuals who apply innovative approaches to solving economic, environmental, social, or cultural challenges. The foundation offers fellowships to mission-driven entrepreneurs and teams working in the startup space who can benefit from the association to boost incubation of high-impact ventures in New Zealand.
The EHF enrols 100 candidates each year from outside New Zealand and also accepts applications from New Zealand-based entrepreneurs and investors. The selection process runs twice every year.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Global Impact Visa, you must:
- Apply for and receive an acceptance letter from the Edmund Hillary Fellowship
- Submit an application to Immigration New Zealand for the Global Impact Visa, including your EHF acceptance letter
- Provide all required documentation including proof of English language proficiency, medical and police certificates, and materials establishing your skills and background
- Show NZD $36,000 in savings to fund yourself and any accompanying family for the first year in the country
Note that INZ only issues 400 Global Impact Visas over a four-year period, so timing your application is important.
How Long Can You Stay in New Zealand?
The Global Impact Visa allows you to live in New Zealand for 36 months. During this time, you can:
- Live, study, and work in New Zealand for the duration of your visa
- Apply for permanent residence after you complete 30 months with the EHF
- Work in any location and for any employer, including self-employment
Important conditions to be aware of:
- You cannot include your partner or dependent children in your GIV application. They may apply for separate visas by virtue of their relationship to you
- You must retain the support of the EHF to qualify for New Zealand residency
- You cannot seek or receive any welfare assistance while you live in New Zealand
What About the Former Entrepreneur Work Visa?
The Entrepreneur Work Visa category closed to new applications in August 2025. If you previously held an Entrepreneur Work Visa and have been self-employed in New Zealand for at least six months, you may still be eligible for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa to secure permanent residence.
For people looking to invest in and operate an existing New Zealand business rather than launch a startup, the Business Investor Work Visa now provides that pathway, with investment options starting at NZD $1 million.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Your Global Impact Visa application may be decided within six months. However, Character and Health matters may require special handling, which can lead to delays. Not handling these individual cases and required documentation carefully can lead to rejection.
Provisas can help you prepare a thorough application that addresses all requirements upfront, avoiding surprises and unnecessary delays.
How Provisas Can Help
The Global Impact Visa process involves two gatekeepers – the Edmund Hillary Fellowship and Immigration New Zealand – each with their own requirements. Provisas can help you understand whether the GIV is the right pathway for your goals, prepare your Immigration New Zealand application following Fellowship acceptance, and guide you through the transition from entrepreneur work visa to permanent residence.
Book a consultation to discuss your options.
