INVESTOR & ENTREPRENEUR VISAS NEW ZEALAND
Your pathway to New Zealand with attractive visa options for experienced entrepreneurs and active investors.
INVESTOR AND ENTREPRENEUR VISAS
Invest, create, live - in New Zealand.
On this page:
- Which investor and business visas New Zealand offers
- Who each visa category is designed for
- Which pathway best aligns with your goals
VISAS FOR EXPERIENCED ENTREPRENEURS AND INVESTORS
New Zealand is one of the world’s most stable and transparent economic environments – a country actively seeking investors and entrepreneurs who offer more than just capital.
It is a place where economic opportunity, personal lifestyle and long-term security come together.
For experienced individuals looking for new opportunities – whether through a qualified investment or by building a business – New Zealand offers clear and predictable visa pathways that can lead to permanent residence.
The process can differ depending on the programme: while entrepreneurs under the Business Investor Visa take an active role in running a business in New Zealand, the Active Investor Plus Visa also gives globally oriented investors the option to secure a residence status without needing to live in New Zealand full-time.
WHICH VISAS ARE AVAILABLE?
New Zealand currently offers the Active Investor Plus Visa and the Business Investor Visa. Both are residency visas with specific, time-bound investment conditions attached. Their target groups, requirements and processes differ significantly. Below is a comparative overview:
| Visa | Active Investor Plus Visa | Business Investor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Target group | For investors who wish to commit substantial funds to New Zealand and secure a predictable residence status – even without needing to fully relocate. | Experienced entrepreneurs who want to buy or take a substantial share in an existing New Zealand business and manage it actively. |
| Minimum investment | Depending on investment type: NZ$ 5 million or NZ$ 10 million | NZ$ 1 million or NZ$ 2 million (Fast Track) |
| Investment types | Direct investments, managed funds, listed equities, philanthropy, bonds, property developments | Purchase or substantial participation in an existing business (min. 25% ownership possible) with active management. Certain industries excluded |
| Minimum investment period | Minimum 36 months (depending on investment type) | Minimum 36 months |
| Residency requirement (time spent in NZ) | Depending on investment type: at least 21 days within 36 months (≈ 7 days per year) | 184 days in each 12-month period over 3 years after acquiring the business |
| Age Main applicant | No age limit | Up to 55 years |
| English language requirement | No English requirement | English proficiency required: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent |
| Family inclusion | Yes | Yes |
| Residence status | Residency | Initially temporary, with a pathway to residency, provided all requirements are met (including job creation) |
| Pathway to Permanent Residence | Depending on investment type: after 3 or 5 years | 2 years after gaining residency – earliest after 3 years (Fast Track) |
- What rights do I have as a New Zealand Resident?
A Resident Visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand – in many ways similar to New Zealand citizens. However, it includes travel conditions that limit your right to re-enter New Zealand to two years from the date the visa is granted. During this time, you may leave and return to the country as often as you wish.
Once these travel conditions expire, you must either apply for a Permanent Resident Visa or apply for an extension of your travel conditions if you wish to keep leaving and re-entering New Zealand, even though your visa remains valid while you are inside the country.
- From Residency to Permanent Residency
When the travel conditions on your Resident Visa have expired and you meet the relevant criteria, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
To do this, you must demonstrate that you have lived in New Zealand for at least two years and have made the country your main home, or that you have strong ties – for example through the total time spent in the country, employment, investments or business interests.
A Permanent Resident Visa allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely without any travel restrictions. You may leave and return at any time, including after extended periods overseas.
INVESTOR AND ENTREPRENEUR VISA CONSULTATION
Our consultation gives you a clear, transparent picture of which option aligns with your individual circumstances and goals, and which steps are required.
An experienced, licensed immigration adviser will guide and support you throughout the process.
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