New Business Investor Work Visa is now open

The Business Investor Work Visa is now open for experienced business people looking to invest in New Zealand, providing a pathway to residence and supporting investment in established businesses across the country.

From 24 November 2025, applications open for the Business Investor Work Visa to support investment in established New Zealand businesses. The visa is valid for up to 4 years and allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children.

There are 2 investment options:

• NZD $1 million: offers a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.
• NZD $2 million: offers a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months.

Business investor visas pathway to residence

Eligibility for Business Investor Work Visa

To qualify for a Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must:

• invest in a business that has been operating for at least 5 years
• meet the minimum investment amount of either NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million
• show they have at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family
• demonstrate business experience, such as owning a business with at least 5 full-time employees or generating NZD $1 million in annual revenue
• be 55 years or younger
• meet English language requirements, and
• pass health and character checks.

More information about the types of businesses you can invest in:

Acceptable investments for a Business Investor Work Visa

Eligibility for Business Investor Resident Visa

Once the business has been successfully operated for the required period, applicants can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.

To qualify, they must:

• be actively involved in running their business in New Zealand
• continue to meet the same level of ownership
• maintain at least 5 full-time equivalent jobs
• create and maintain at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident that lasts at least 12 months
• show the business is solvent
• meet time-in-New Zealand requirements (184 days in each of the previous 3 years), and
• meet health and character requirements.

More information

Read more about the announcement:

New investor visa to back local businesses — Beehive.govt.nz

Apply for a Business Investor Work Visa:

Business Investor Work Visa