New Zealand Business Investor Visa: Your Pathway to Residence and Business Growth in NZ
28 August 2025
Are you an experienced investor looking for new immigration options in a vibrant economy? New Zealand has just launched its new Business Investor Visa, offering exciting opportunities for those ready to actively contribute to the nation’s economic growth. Immigrationlaw.nz is here to guide you through this significant change.
The New Zealand Government recently announced a pivotal shift in its business immigration settings, replacing the Entrepreneur Work Visa with the more streamlined and attractive Business Investor Visa. This new visa, opening for applications in November 2025, is designed to attract high-calibre investors committed to running and growing businesses in New Zealand.
What is the New Business Investor Visa?
The Business Investor Work Visa provides two distinct pathways to residence for eligible applicants:
NZD $1 Million Investment Pathway: Invest NZD $1 million in an existing New Zealand business for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.
NZD $2 Million Investment Fast-Track: Invest NZD $2 million in an existing New Zealand business for a fast-track 12-month pathway to residence.
Both options allow applicants to either purchase an existing business outright or acquire at least 25% of it, provided the minimum investment threshold is met. You can also include your partner and dependent children in your application, making it a comprehensive solution for families seeking to relocate to New Zealand.
The Business Investor Visa complements the recently refreshed Active Investor Plus Visa, forming part of a broader strategy to attract valuable investment, talent, and international connections to New Zealand.
Key Eligibility Requirements for the Business Investor Work Visa
To be considered for this new visa, applicants must meet several criteria:
Minimum Investment: Meet the NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million investment threshold.
Settlement Funds: Demonstrate at least NZD $500,000 in funds to support yourself and your family while establishing your business.
Age Limit: Be 55 years old or younger at the time of application.
English Language: Meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).
Health & Character: Satisfy New Zealand’s health and character requirements.
Business Experience: Possess relevant business experience.
Business Criteria: Invest in a business that meets the financial threshold and employs a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent staff.
Unacceptable Business Investments
It’s crucial to understand which business types are not eligible for investment under this visa. These include, but are not limited to:
Drop-shipping, gambling, and manufacturing of tobacco or nicotine products.
Adult entertainment, convenience stores, and discount/value stores.
Fast food outlets, franchised businesses, and home-based businesses.
Businesses offering immigration advisory services, or those purchased from/materially involving a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA).
Entrepreneur Category Closure: What You Need to Know
With the introduction of the Business Investor Visa, the Entrepreneur Work Visa is now closed to new applications.
Existing Entrepreneur Work Visa Applications: If you have already submitted an Entrepreneur Work Visa application, it will be processed under the rules that were in place when you applied. Withdrawals will not be refunded.
Current Entrepreneur Work Visa Holders: If you currently hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa, you can still apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa. Renewals are also available if you need more time to meet residence requirements.
Transitioning to the New Visa: If you wish to apply for the Business Investor Work Visa, you will need to submit a new application when it opens in November 2025 and pay the associated fees and levies.
How Can Immigrationlaw.nz Help You?
Navigating New Zealand’s immigration landscape can be complex, especially with significant changes like the introduction of the Business Investor Visa. Our experienced team at Immigrationlaw.nz specialises in business and investor immigration, providing tailored advice and support.
We can assist you with:
Assessing your eligibility for the Business Investor Visa.
Guidance on meeting the investment and business requirements.
Preparing and submitting a robust visa application.
Understanding the differences between the Business Investor Visa and the Active Investor Plus Visa.
The cost of the Business Investor Work Visa will be NZD $12,380, which includes the application fee and immigration levy. Don’t leave your application to chance – partner with experts who can help you achieve your goal of living and doing business in New Zealand.
Contact Immigrationlaw.nz today for a consultation on the new Business Investor Visa and secure your future in New Zealand.
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