Business Investor Visa
A pathway to New Zealand residency through the acquisition of a business.
Business Investor Visa – Overview
Since November 2025, the Business Investor Visa has created a new pathway to invest in New Zealand and live there on a permanent basis.
The Business Investor Visa programme includes two visa types: the Business Investor Work Visa and the Business Investor Resident Visa. Entry is through a four-year work visa (Business Investor Work Visa), which allows you to purchase and operate an existing business in New Zealand.
After successfully running the business, applicants can then apply for a permanent residence pathway through the Business Investor Resident Visa. Once all requirements are met, an application for Permanent Residency can also be made.
This programme is designed for experienced entrepreneurs or individuals in senior management or executive roles.
- Who is this programme suitable for?
The programme is intended for entrepreneurs and investors who…
- have demonstrated entrepreneurial or senior management experience,
- want to take on operational business responsibility,
- wish to build a long-term future in New Zealand,
- intend to be actively involved in developing and growing the business.
- Key elements of the programme
Business Investment Requirements:
- Purchase of an existing business in New Zealand (at least 5 years old, with a minimum of 5 full-time employees)
- Minimum purchase price: NZ$ 1 million (excluding any property component)
- Applicant must hold at least 25% ownership after acquisition
- Proof of reserve funds of NZ$ 500,000 to cover living costs
- Active involvement in the business is required (no passive investment)
General eligibility requirements:
- Maximum age: 55 years
- At least 3 years of entrepreneurial experience
- Proof of English language ability
- Health and character requirements must be met
- Non-eligible sectors
Not every sector qualifies for this programme. Some business types are excluded, including:
- Gambling and betting
- Manufacture or sale of tobacco or vape products
- Adult entertainment or sex industry
- Fast-food and franchise businesses
- Convenience stores and discount retail
- Drop-shipping or purely online trading models without a physical business presence
- Home-based businesses (operated from residential addresses)
- Businesses offering immigration advice
Only legally operating, independently managed businesses with a genuine physical presence in New Zealand can be recognised under the Business Investor Visa programme.
- Fast Track
If you invest at least NZ$ 2 million in a qualifying New Zealand business, you may substantially shorten your pathway to residence.
After just 12 months of active business operation, you may apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa – provided that the business:
remains solvent,
employs at least five full-time staff, and
creates at least one new full-time role for a New Zealander.
(The same requirements apply as under the standard pathway, but with a higher level of investment and a shorter operational period.)
INVESTOR AND ENTREPRENEUR VISA CONSULTATION
Our consultation gives you a transparent overview of which option best fits your individual situation and long-term goals, and which steps are required.
An experienced, licensed immigration adviser will guide and support you throughout the entire process.
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