New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Work Visa for experienced business owners and investors who want to invest in the country and eventually become permanent residents.
Unlike the previous Entrepreneur Work Visa, the new visa does not require applicants to start a new business.
Instead, they must invest in an existing New Zealand business and actively manage it.
The new visa will begin accepting applications from November 24, 2025.
What Is the New Business Investor Work Visa?
The Business Investor Work Visa replaces New Zealand’s earlier Entrepreneur Work Visa, which was often criticized for being complex and having a low approval rate.
The new visa aims to attract experienced global investors who can support existing businesses, create jobs, and contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
The visa is valid for up to four years and also provides a pathway to permanent residence.
Applicants can include their spouse or partner and dependent children in the same application.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the visa, applicants must meet several conditions, including:
Invest in a business that has been operating for at least five years.
Purchase and actively manage the business.
Meet the minimum investment requirement.
Show they have enough money to support themselves and their family while living in New Zealand.
Demonstrate relevant business experience.
Applicants also need to prove they have at least NZD 500,000 in reserve funds to support their family after moving to New Zealand.
Two Investment Options Available
The visa offers two investment choices depending on how quickly applicants want to become eligible for residence.
Option 1: Invest NZD 1 Million
Minimum investment: NZD 1 million (around ₹5 crore)
Provides a 3-year work-to-residence pathway
Option 2: Invest NZD 2 Million
Minimum investment: NZD 2 million (around ₹10 crore)
Offers a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months
Business Experience Is Also Required
Apart from investing money, applicants must show they have experience running a business.
For example, they should have owned or managed a business that:
Employs at least five full-time workers, or
Generates NZD 1 million or more in annual revenue.
Businesses That Are Not Eligible
Not every type of business qualifies under the new visa.
Investments are not allowed in businesses such as:
Convenience stores
Discount shops
Fast-food outlets
Home-based businesses
Franchise businesses
Immigration advisory services
Conditions After Receiving the Visa
Visa holders must continue to meet several requirements while operating their business in New Zealand.
They must:
Actively manage the business.
Maintain the required ownership level.
Continue employing at least five full-time workers.
Create and maintain at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident for a minimum of 12 months.
Keep the business financially stable.
Meet the required stay period in New Zealand, including 184 days in each of the previous three years.
Continue to satisfy health and character requirements.
Why Has New Zealand Introduced This Visa?
The new visa is expected to benefit both investors and New Zealand businesses.
Many established businesses in New Zealand are owned by people nearing retirement and may soon be looking for new owners.
The Business Investor Work Visa gives experienced international investors an opportunity to take over these businesses, create jobs, support economic growth, and build a pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand.
