Pathway from Business Investor Work Visa to Business Investor Resident Visa in New Zealand
At Immigration Chambers, we assist entrepreneurs and investors in turning their New Zealand business ventures into a permanent home. The Business Investor Resident Visa provides a clear route for those who have successfully operated and invested in a New Zealand business under a Business Investor Work Visa. This visa allows you to live, work, and invest indefinitely in New Zealand, provided you meet specific financial, operational, and compliance criteria.
1. Eligibility Criteria for the Business Investor Resident Visa
To qualify for the Business Investor Resident Visa, you must:
- Hold a current Business Investor Work Visa.
- Have actively managed your business for:
- At least 3 years, if your investment was NZD $1 million or more, or
- At least 12 months, if your investment was NZD $2 million or more (fast-track option).
- Employ a minimum of 5 full-time equivalent staff.
- Have created and maintained at least one additional full-time position for a New Zealand citizen or resident for a minimum of 12 months.
- Retain ownership of the same business and maintain the approved shareholding ratio.
- Keep your business financially solvent, compliant with taxation, employment, and immigration laws.
- Spend at least 184 days per year in New Zealand while holding your work visa.
- Meet the health, character, and fit and proper person requirements.
2. Pathways to Residency
- Standard Pathway – 3 Years
If you have invested NZD $1 million or more, excluding GST or property value, you can apply for residency after 3 years of active business operation.
- Fast-Track Pathway – 12 Months
If you have invested NZD $2 million or more, you can apply for residency after 12 months.
However, you must continue to operate your business for a total of 3 years to maintain residency conditions.
3. Proving Active Involvement in Your Business
You must demonstrate that you have been personally managing and directing the business. Acceptable evidence includes:
- Audited financial accounts and tax filings.
- Business bank statements showing ongoing operations.
- Employee payroll records and PAYE summaries.
- GST filings and invoices for business expenses.
- Property lease agreements for business premises.
- Utility bills and service contracts.
4. Financial and Legal Compliance
A key part of your application involves proving that your business is both solvent and compliant. You must submit:
- A qualified statutory accountant’s report confirming financial and tax compliance.
- A lawyer’s confirmation letter verifying adherence to all legal and regulatory obligations.
Your business must meet New Zealand’s employment, immigration, and commercial standards throughout the entire visa period.
5. Employment Obligations
Your business must:
- Employ at least five full-time equivalent employees, and
- Maintain one additional ongoing position for a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 12 months.
Evidence can include employment contracts, IRD PAYE records, and proof of immigration status for employees.
6. Health and Character Requirements
All applicants must meet New Zealand’s health and character standards, including:
- Medical and chest X-ray examinations, not older than 3 months at submission.
- Police certificates from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years (must be less than 6 months old).
Applicants must also satisfy the “fit and proper person” criteria, demonstrating no history of financial impropriety, fraud, or dishonesty in business dealings.
7. Including Your Family Under Resident Visa
You may include your partner and dependent children in your application. You must provide:
- Proof of relationships (marriage, birth certificates).
- Evidence they meet identity, character, and health requirements.
- Proof of English language proficiency for family members aged 16 or older.
If they do not meet the English requirement, they can pre-pay for English language lessons in New Zealand.
8. Required Documentation
When applying for your Investor Resident Visa, include:
- Valid passport(s) and two acceptable photographs.
- Certified copy of full birth certificate.
- Evidence of business ownership and management involvement.
- Accountant’s report on financial compliance.
- Lawyer’s verification of legal compliance.
- Proof of employment for five full-time staff and one additional local employee.
- Police and medical certificates.
- Certified English translations of non-English documents.
Application Fee: NZD $14,890 (subject to change).
Also read: Business Investor Work Visa New Zealand 2025: Complete Guide
Business Investor Resident Visa Application Process
Step 1: Gather Documents
Prepare all required documentation as listed above and ensure translations meet official certification requirements.
Step 2: Complete Application Form
Fill in the Business Investor Resident Visa form accurately with all supporting documents attached.
Step 3: Submit Application and Pay Fees
Submit your application to Immigration New Zealand along with the required payment.
Step 4: Assessment and Decision
Immigration New Zealand will review your documents, request further evidence if required, and issue an Approval in Principle (AIP) if successful.
Step 5: Final Approval
Once all conditions, including family English language requirements, are met, your Business Investor Resident Visa will be granted.
After Visa Grant: Conditions While in New Zealand
While holding this visa, you must:
- Continue to own and operate the approved business for 3 years.
- Spend at least 184 days per year in New Zealand.
- Maintain 5 full-time staff and 1 additional local employee.
- Keep your business financially and legally compliant.
Failure to meet these conditions may result in revocation of residency status.
Travelling and Maintaining Visa Validity
You may travel freely in and out of New Zealand for the first 2 years.
To travel beyond that, you must either:
- Apply for a variation of conditions, or
- Obtain a Permanent Resident Visa.
Ensure your visa is always in a valid passport, and if renewed, request a visa transfer.
Transition to Permanent Residency
After holding your Business Investor Resident Visa for 2 years and fulfilling all conditions, you may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Requirements include:
- Proof of compliance with all section 49 conditions.
- Evidence of continuous business operation.
- Accountant’s or solicitor’s letter confirming compliance.
Once approved, you gain indefinite travel rights and can reside in New Zealand permanently.
Pathway to New Zealand Citizenship
After five years of residency, you can apply for New Zealand citizenship, without needing to hold a Permanent Resident Visa first. Citizenship offers full rights to live, vote, and participate in New Zealand’s social and economic life as a Kiwi citizen.
How Immigration Chambers Can Assist
At Immigration Chambers, we specialise in guiding investors through every stage of the Business Investor visa process, from preparing documentation to fulfilling compliance requirements and securing permanent residency.
We ensure:
- Strategic planning of your investment structure.
- Accurate preparation of financial and legal documentation.
- Assistance with employment compliance and reporting.
- Ongoing advisory support for achieving Permanent Residency or Citizenship.
Get in touch with our expert Immigration Adviser Auckland today to turn your New Zealand business investment into a permanent home for you and your family.
FAQs
1. What is the Business Investor Resident Visa in New Zealand?
The Business Investor Resident Visa allows entrepreneurs and investors who have successfully operated a business under a Business Investor Work Visa to live, work, and invest in New Zealand indefinitely. It serves as a pathway to permanent residency for eligible investors.
2. How can I transition from a Business Investor Work Visa to a Resident Visa?
To transition, you must demonstrate that you have met the conditions of your Business Investor Work Visa, such as actively managing your business, meeting investment and employment targets, and maintaining compliance with New Zealand business laws.
3. What are the key eligibility requirements for this Visa?
Applicants must show evidence of successful business operation in New Zealand, continued investment in the business, financial stability, and good character. They must also prove that their business has contributed positively to New Zealand’s economy.
4. How long does it take to obtain a Business Investor Resident Visa in New Zealand?
Processing times can vary depending on the complexity of your case and the completeness of your documentation. Typically, it takes several months once all required evidence is submitted and verified by Immigration New Zealand.
5. Can my family members be included under this visa application?
Yes, eligible family members such as your spouse or partner and dependent children can be included in your Business Investor Resident Visa application, allowing them to live, study, and work in New Zealand.
6. What are the main benefits of holding a Business Investor Resident Visa?
This visa allows you to live, work, and invest in New Zealand permanently. It provides long-term stability, access to public services, and the opportunity to eventually apply for New Zealand citizenship.
7. What happens if my business fails before applying for a resident visa?
If your business closes or fails to meet visa conditions, you may still be considered depending on your individual circumstances. However, Immigration New Zealand will assess whether genuine efforts were made and whether the failure was beyond your control.