New Zealand has launched a new Business Investor Work Visa, popularly being referred to as a “golden visa,” aimed at attracting high-net-worth individuals seeking residence through business investment. The visa officially opened for applications on November 24 and offers a structured pathway to permanent residency within four years, with faster options available for larger investments.
Under the new policy, applicants can bring along their partners and dependent children, reinforcing New Zealand’s push to attract long-term, family-backed investors.
Two Investment Pathways
The visa provides two clearly defined routes to residency:
NZD 1 million investment – Leads to residence after three years
NZD 2 million fast-track option – Grants eligibility for residency in just 12 months
In both cases, investors must also demonstrate NZD 500,000 in reserve funds to support living expenses in the country.
Strict Eligibility Criteria
The program is tailored for experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders. Applicants must:
Be under 55 years of age
Show proven business experience, such as:
Owning a company with at least five employees, or
Generating minimum NZD 1 million in annual turnover
Invest in a business that has been operating for at least five years
Pass health and character checks
A New Zealand government statement underlined the intent of the initiative, stating:
“New Zealand welcomes forward-thinking investors who can help grow existing enterprises and create new opportunities.”
Path to Permanent Residency
After successfully managing their investment for the required period, visa holders can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa. Applicants must demonstrate:
Ongoing business solvency
Continued ownership and control
Creation of at least one full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident
New Seasonal Visas Also Announced
Alongside the golden visa, the government will introduce two new seasonal visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) from December 8:
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
These visas are designed to help employers fill short-term workforce gaps, especially during peak demand periods, while maintaining strong safeguards for local workers.
Recent Random Post:
