Key Highlights
New Zealand will introduce the Business Investor Work Visa on November 24, 2025. The new visa provides successful business individuals with a pragmatic pathway to permanent residence and stimulates investments in established Kiwi firms. With either the three-year option or the fast-track 12-month solution, entrepreneurs can invest in local economies and bring family members along.
What is the Business Investor Work Visa?
This visa provides an alternative for seasoned entrepreneurs to reside and work in New Zealand through investing in going concerns. It offers two main investment categories with varying residence pathways.
The Business Investor Work Visa is to encourage seasoned investors to invest in New Zealand's going concerns. Applicants can work and reside while actively engaging in their investments as they move towards residence.
Investment Options for Business Work Visa
Candidates are able to invest NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million, both providing different timelines and paths for gaining residence in New Zealand through active participation in business.
|
Investment Amount |
Work-to-Residence Pathway Length |
Description |
|
NZD $1 million |
3 years |
Longer residency pathway with opportunity to establish or purchase a business. |
|
NZD $2 million |
12 months |
Fast-tracked route to residence for higher investment levels. |
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Key Visa Features for Business Work Visa in New Zealand
The visa allows a stay of up to four years and covers applicants' partners and dependent children. Investors must actively manage their business investments during the visa term.
These features make the visa attractive for families, providing time and flexibility to establish or acquire businesses in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria
Several requirements ensure that applicants are genuine and capable investors, including age limits, business experience, and health and character checks.
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Should be 55 years or less on application.
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English language proficiency level of IELTS 5.0.
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Pass health and character tests.
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Shall show legitimate business experience, eg, proprietorship of a business employing at least five persons or turnover of NZD $1 million per annum.
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Have access to NZD $500,000 in funds held in reserve to cover living expenses.
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Invest a minimum of NZD $1 million or $2 million in approved businesses.
Business Investor Work Visa Application Process
Understanding the New Zealand visa application process helps ensure a smooth submission and timely approval. Applicants must apply online via Immigration New Zealand's official portal starting from November 24, 2025. Documentation includes proof of funds, business experience, health and character certificates, English language test results, and details of the intended investment. Supporting documents for partners and dependents must also be submitted.
The process involves submitting a detailed plan about the investment and business involvement and demonstrating bona fide business intentions. Timely compliance with requests for additional information from Immigration New Zealand is crucial for approval.
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Ineligible Businesses
To safeguard the local economy, some types of businesses are not eligible to invest under this visa, such as convenience shops and adult entertainment, among others. Business types excluded are:
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Convenience shops, discount stores, fast food restaurants
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Gambling, tobacco, and vaping product establishments
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Franchised and home-based enterprises
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Immigration advice services
Pathway to Permanent Residence
This visa is a stepping stone to permanent residence, with related conditions on business management, employment generation, and duration in New Zealand.
To be eligible for the Business Investor Resident Visa, applicants are required to:
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Manage the business investment actively
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Have mandatory levels of ownership
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Shore up a minimum of five full-time equivalent employees
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Establish at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand resident or citizen
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Ensure the business remains solvent and compliant
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Stay in New Zealand for at least 184 days each year for three consecutive years
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Benefits for Investors
The visa provides investors and their families with the chance to live in New Zealand while making a contribution to a strong and diverse economy in various sectors. Investors can gain from:
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A clear and well-defined route to residence
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Including partners and dependents in the application
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Prospects in various industries such as technology, agribusiness, and renewable energy
Conclusion
The introduction of the Business Investor Work Visa on November 24, 2025, provides a worthwhile avenue for successful businesspeople wishing to live in New Zealand. By investing in existing businesses and fulfilling certain parameters, individuals can invest in the nation's economy and work toward permanent residence. For complete and updated information on the business investor work visa, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website. To know more about New Zealand business investor work visas, visit TerraTern now!
