New Zealand is introducing a new Business Investor Work Visa on November 24, 2025, creating a fresh opportunity for wealthy migrants who want long-term residency by actively running a business in the country. The visa offers up to four years of stay and a clear route to permanent residence for those who invest in and personally manage a New Zealand business. Applicants can choose between investing NZD $1 million for a three-year work-to-residency route or NZD $2 million for a one-year fast-track option. In addition to the investment amount, there is a mandatory application fee of NZD $12,380, and applicants must take an active role in the business. After completing the investment period, they can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa, which grants indefinite stay.
To qualify, applicants must show at least NZD $500,000 in personal maintenance funds, be 55 or younger, create at least one full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident, and demonstrate acceptable business experience, such as owning a company with NZD $1 million revenue or at least five employees, or having held a senior management role in a firm with NZD $5 million turnover. They must also meet health, character, and English requirements and have no history of fraud or serious legal violations. The business they choose must be legally operating in New Zealand for at least five years, employ a minimum of five full-time workers, be valued at NZD $1 million or more (excluding property and GST), and offer at least 25% ownership. Certain businesses are prohibited, including gambling operations, tobacco firms, fast-food franchises, businesses already owned by the applicant or their family, and businesses previously used in a visa application within the last decade.
During the first year, applicants must purchase and begin operating their chosen business and provide evidence within nine months, or the visa expires after 12 months. Over the next three years, they must continue running the business, comply with tax and employment laws, and maintain reporting obligations. A one-time extension of up to two years may be granted if necessary. After completing the required period and meeting all conditions—investment, active management, job creation, and compliance—they can apply for residency, with partners and dependent children eligible to be included. Required documents include a passport, photographs, proof of investment and legally earned funds, maintenance funds, a business proposal, business valuation by a statutory accountant, legal due diligence report, medical tests, police clearance, and English proficiency results if needed.
This new visa is positioned below the Active Investor Plus Visa, which requires NZD $5 million for high-risk investments or NZD $10 million for lower-risk ones and has already attracted strong interest, with 189 applicants in three months—nearly half from the United States. While that program favors passive investors, the Business Investor Work Visa is designed for those who want to directly run a business. New Zealand is also preparing to launch a visa for startup founders with scalable ideas, and remote workers already have the option of entering on a 90-day digital nomad visa with no minimum income requirement.
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