New Zealand Business Investor Visa
The new Business Investor Work Visa launches November 2025,
offering two strategic pathways to secure New Zealand residence
through business investment.
Investment Pathways
Key Advantages:
- Existing Businesses: Investment in proven enterprises
- Family Inclusion: Partner and children included
Business Investor Work Visa Pathways
Explore two strategic pathways under the New Zealand Business Investor Visa, designed to fast-track your residence through business investment in existing enterprises.
Standard Pathway
Invest in an existing New Zealand business with a clear 3-year pathway to permanent residence. Perfect for investors seeking a balanced approach to business investment and immigration.
Investment Requirements:
- Minimum NZ $1 million investment in existing business
- Acquire at least 25% ownership or purchase outright
- Additional NZ $500,000 for settlement and living costs
Benefits:
Lower investment threshold
Family inclusion permitted
4-year visa duration
Fast-Track Pathway
Double your investment for the fastest path to New Zealand residence. Ideal for high-net-worth individuals seeking immediate residence eligibility and maximum flexibility.
Investment Requirements:
- Minimum NZ $2 million investment in existing business
- Acquire at least 25% ownership or purchase outright
- Additional NZ $500,000 for settlement and living costs
Premium Benefits:
- Fastest residence pathway (12 months)
- Priority processing
- Maximum investment security
Why Choose the Business Investor Visa?
Discover the strategic advantages of New Zealand’s newest business immigration pathway
Lower Investment Barrier
Starting at just NZ $1-2 million versus NZ $5-10 million for Active Investor Plus Visa, making New Zealand residence more accessible.
Investment Security
Focus on existing businesses reduces risk compared to startup investments, providing more predictable returns and outcomes.
Fast-Track Options
Choose between 3-year standard pathway or 12-month fast-track route to permanent residence based on your investment capacity.
Family Inclusion
Include your partner and dependent children in your application, making this an excellent family immigration solution.
Clear Timeline
Transparent processing times and residence pathways with no ambiguity about requirements or expected outcomes.
Economic Impact
Immediate benefit to New Zealand’s established business community while building your own economic foundation.
Investment Pathway Comparison
Compare the two investment pathways to choose the best option for your immigration goals
| Feature | Standard Pathway | Fast-Track Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Amount | NZ $1 Million | NZ $2 Million |
| Timeline to Residence | 3 Years | 12 Months |
| Visa Duration | Up to 4 Years | Up to 4 Years |
| Application Cost | NZ $12,380 | NZ $12,380 |
| Settlement Funds Required | NZ $500,000 | NZ $500,000 |
Business Investor Visa Eligibility Requirements
Comprehensive overview of all requirements for the Business Investor Work Visa application
Financial Requirements
- NZ $1-2 million investment in existing business
- NZ $500,000 settlement and living costs
- 25% minimum business ownership required
- Demonstrated access to investment funds
English Language
- IELTS 5.0 overall score minimum
- Or equivalent recognized test results
- All band scores must meet requirements
- Test must be taken within 2 years
Family Inclusion
- Partner included in application
- Dependent children under 24 eligible
- Additional health and character checks
- Family settlement funds required
Documentation
- Health certificates for all applicants
- Police clearance certificates
- Financial evidence and source of funds
- Business investment documentation
Business Investment
- Investment in existing New Zealand business
- No startup or new venture investments
- Business must be lawfully operating
- Investment must benefit New Zealand economy
Investment Focus
- Existing businesses only (no startups)
- Immediate economic benefit to New Zealand
- Reduced investment risk profile
- Professional due diligence recommended
Application Process Timeline
Step-by-step guide to successfully applying for the Business Investor Work Visa and achieving New Zealand residence
Ready to Start Your Application?
Our expert team can guide you through every step of the process and help ensure your application is complete and accurate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about the New Zealand Business Investor Visa pathway.
Registered Migration Agent (Australia)
Founder and Immigration Law Specialist