The New Zealand Government has announced the launch of the Business Investor Work Visa, designed to attract experienced investors capable of contributing to the country’s economic growth through active business participation. The new visa, which opens for applications on November 24, 2025, replaces the previous Entrepreneur Work Visa.
The Business Investor Work Visa provides a pathway to residence for skilled business professionals looking to invest and operate established businesses in New Zealand. Valid for up to four years, the visa allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children in their application.
Two Investment Pathways
The visa offers two distinct investment options:
- NZD $1 million investment – a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
- NZD $2 million investment – a fast-track pathway to residence after just 12 months.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must:
- Invest in a business that has been operating for at least five years.
- Commit a minimum investment of either NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million.
- Have at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family.
- Demonstrate proven business experience, such as owning a business with at least five full-time employees or generating NZD $1 million in annual revenue.
- Be 55 years of age or younger.
- Meet English language, health, and character requirements.
Certain types of businesses are excluded from eligibility under this visa, including convenience stores, discount or drop-shipping operations, fast-food outlets, gambling and tobacco-related ventures, adult entertainment, home-based or franchised businesses, and immigration advisory services.
Pathway to Residency
Applicants who successfully operate their business for the required duration may qualify for the Business Investor Resident Visa, granting them permanent residency. To be eligible, they must:
- Remain actively involved in the management of the business.
- Maintain the same level of ownership.
- Support at least five full-time equivalent jobs.
- Create and sustain at least one new job for a New Zealand citizen or resident lasting 12 months or longer.
- Demonstrate that the business is financially solvent.
- Meet the residency requirement of 184 days in each of the previous three years, along with health and character standards.
