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.