BD1.5 Overview of Business Investor work visa

1. The Business Investor work visa is a temporary entry class visa with conditions that allow self-employment and the lawful employment of persons in New Zealand.
2. The Business Investor work visa is comprised of two stages:
   1. the ‘Establishment’ stage which allows holders to purchase a nominated New Zealand business and begin operating it (see BD2); and
   2. the ‘Operating’ stage, which allows holders to continue operating and grow that business in New Zealand (see BD6).
3. After successfully operating that business, Business Investor work visa holders may on application be granted a Business Investor resident visa (see BI).
4. Business Investor work visa holders who have purchased a business for at least NZ$1 million may be eligible for a Business Investor resident visa after successfully operating that business in New Zealand for three years (see BI2).
5. Business Investor work visa holders who have purchased a business for at least NZ$2 million may be eligible for a Business Investor resident visa after successfully operating that business in New Zealand for 12 months (see BI2).

Effective 24/11/2025