New Zealand is set to launch a new Business Investor Work Visa on 24 November 2025 to attract experienced business people ready to invest in established companies and eventually settle in the country.
About The New Investor Visa
This Business Investor Work Visa allows investors to live and work in New Zealand while managing or investing in a local business. It is valid for up to four years and allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children.
There are two investment tiers:
- NZD $1 million investment: offers a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
- NZD $2 million investment: provides a fast-track route to residence after just 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must meet several financial and professional criteria. Here’s what’s required:
- Invest in a business that has been operating for at least five years.
- Commit a minimum of NZD $1 million or $2 million as per the chosen pathway.
- Hold NZD $500,000 in reserve funds for personal and family support.
- Have proven business experience, such as running a company with at least five full-time employees or generating annual revenue of NZD $1 million.
- Be 55 years or younger.
- Meet English language, health, and character standards.
Businesses That Do Not Qualify
The following sectors are excluded:
- Convenience or discount stores
- Drop-shipping and fast food operations
- Gambling and tobacco (including vaping)
- Adult entertainment
- Home-based or franchised businesses
- Immigration advisory services
After meeting the investment and operational requirements, visa holders can transition to the Business Investor Resident Visa. To qualify, applicants must:
- Remain actively involved in the business
- Keep their ownership stake
- Maintain at least five full-time equivalent jobs
- Create and sustain one new full-time position for a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 12 months
- Prove the business is financially stable
- Spend at least 184 days in New Zealand in each of the previous three years
- Continue to meet health and character criteria
