New Zealand is set to open a significant new gateway for affluent global migrants through its Business Investor Work Visa, launching 24 November 2025. The visa provides up to four years of residency and a built-in mechanism to transition to permanent settlement, marking a major expansion of the country’s investment-led immigration options.
A More Involved Route for Investors
Designed for high-net-worth individuals keen on contributing directly to New Zealand’s business ecosystem, the new pathway requires applicants to invest in a local company and take an active managerial role. New Zealand’s appeal—its wildlife, landscapes, and cultural identity—has long attracted global travellers, and this program aims to convert that interest into sustainable economic participation.
The scheme offers two investment tracks:
NZD $1 million (~USD $567,300) for a three-year work-to-residency pathway
NZD $2 million (~USD $1,134,480) for a fast-tracked one-year route
Both tracks require an additional NZD $12,380 application fee and hands-on business involvement. After completing the required operating period, applicants may seek permanent settlement through the Business Investor Resident Visa.
Applicant Requirements and Business Criteria
To qualify, applicants must demonstrate:
At least NZD $500,000 (~USD $283,700) in personal maintenance funds
Proven business experience, which may include owning a company generating NZD $1 million in annual revenue or employing five full-time staff
Active participation in business management throughout the visa period
Investments must be made into businesses that are:
At least five years old
Legally operating in New Zealand
Employing five or more full-time workers
Valued at NZD $1 million or more (excluding property and GST)
Able to offer the investor 25% or greater ownership
Certain sectors remain prohibited, including gambling, tobacco, fast-food franchises, and businesses already owned by the applicant or their family.
Comparison With the Active Investor Plus Visa
The Business Investor Work Visa sits below New Zealand’s premium “golden visa”—the Active Investor Plus Visa—which demands substantially higher capital commitments:
NZD $5 million for higher-risk investments
NZD $10 million for lower-risk investments
This premium route is ideal for investors seeking a more passive approach. Interest remains strong: after threshold reductions earlier this year, the category received 189 applications in three months, with US investors accounting for 45%.
In contrast, the new Business Investor Work Visa targets applicants wanting a more engaged, hands-on investment experience within New Zealand.
More Pathways Coming Soon
New Zealand’s immigration system is expanding its toolkit for innovators and global talent. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford has confirmed work is underway on a visa for startup entrepreneurs with scalable and innovative business ideas. Additionally, remote professionals can enter the country for up to 90 days under the existing digital nomad visa, which carries no minimum income requirement.
FAQs: New Zealand’s New Business Investor Work Visa
What kind of business can you invest in?
Your chosen business must:
Be 5+ years old
Be legally operating in New Zealand
Employ a minimum of five full-time staff
Be purchasable for at least NZD $1 million (excluding property value and GST)
Offer 25% or more ownership to the investor
You cannot invest in:
Gambling enterprises
Tobacco-related companies
Fast-food franchises
Any business already owned by you or your family
Businesses used for prior investor visas in the past 10 years
What requirements must you meet?
You must:
Be 55 years or younger
Actively participate in the business
Create at least one full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident
Demonstrate English proficiency
Be in good health and of good character
Have 3+ years of acceptable business experience
Be a “fit and proper person” (no fraud or serious legal issues)
Acceptable business experience includes:
Running a business or NGO with 5+ employees, or
Managing a business generating NZD $1 million revenue, OR
Holding a senior management role in a firm with 5+ employees and NZD $5 million turnover
Timeline: How the Four-Year Visa Works
Year 1 – Establishment Stage
You must:
Purchase the nominated business
Begin operating it
Provide proof of investment and active involvement within nine months
Failure to meet these obligations results in the visa ending at the 12-month mark.
Years 2–4 – Operating Stage
You must:
Continue running and growing the company
Maintain full compliance with tax, employment, and reporting rules
A one-time extension of up to two years is available if needed.
What happens after completing the investment period?
You may apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa, provided you have:
Completed the required investment
Operated the business for the designated period
Met job creation and compliance obligations
Partners and dependent children can later be included in the residency pathway.
What documents are required?
Passport and photographs
Proof of investment funds and lawful earnings
Proof of reserve funds
Detailed Business Proposal
Independent business valuation
Legal due diligence report
Medical examination and chest X-ray
Police certificates
English language test results (if applicable)
Can your family join you?
Yes. Eligible accompanying family members include:
Your partner
Dependent children
They must meet health and character criteria. English proficiency is only assessed at the residency stage.
Recent Random Post:
