The New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa offers ambitious entrepreneurs and investors the opportunity to establish, operate, and grow a thriving business in one of the world’s most stable economies. As experts in immigration and business strategy, we present this in-depth guide to help you navigate every stage of the process, from investment criteria to the pathway toward permanent residence.
Understanding the Business Investor Work Visa
The Business Investor Work Visa enables individuals to purchase and operate an existing business in New Zealand for up to four years, divided into two key phases:
- Establishment Stage (First 12 months): Investors must purchase their nominated business and begin operations within this period.
- Operating Stage (Remaining 3 years): The visa continues once evidence of active business operations is provided within the first 9 months.
Failure to provide this evidence results in visa expiry at the end of the establishment stage.
Visa Duration and Renewal Options
This visa is initially granted for up to four years. However, investors who require more time to meet residency requirements can apply for a renewal of up to two additional years.
Pathways to Residence
Your eligibility for a Business Investor Resident Visa depends on the scale of your investment:
| Investment Amount | Eligibility for Residence | Duration of Business Operation Required |
|---|---|---|
| NZD $1 million | Standard Pathway | After 3 years |
| NZD $2 million | Fast-Track Pathway | After 12 months* |
*Applicants under the fast-track route must still operate the business for a total of 3 years across both visas.
Who Can Apply for the Business Investor Work Visa
To qualify for this visa, applicants must demonstrate financial capability, relevant experience, and a clear business intention.
1. Business Investor Work Visa Key Eligibility Requirements
You must:
- Invest at least NZD $1 million (standard) or NZD $2 million (fast-track) in an established business.
- Hold reserve funds of at least NZD $500,000 to support living and operational costs.
- Be actively involved in managing the business.
- Create at least one full-time job for an NZ citizen or resident.
- Possess or obtain professional or occupational registration, if required.
- Be aged 55 years or younger.
- Have a minimum of 3 years of business experience.
- Demonstrate English language proficiency.
- Meet health, character, and “fit and proper person” standards.
2. Investment and Financial Evidence Requirements
Minimum Investment Standards
Applicants must show the ability to invest a minimum of NZD $1 million in an established, lawful New Zealand business. The investment must not include:
- Goods and Services Tax (GST)
- Business property value
- Fees or transaction costs
Proof of Lawful Ownership and Source of Funds
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Bank statements
- Title deeds or property valuations
- Share certificates and ownership documents
- Tax returns, business financial statements, or dividends
- Evidence of inheritance or gifted funds
Funds cannot be borrowed or leveraged against loans or bonds (with rare exceptions).
Reserve Funds to Support Your Stay
Applicants must have NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to sustain themselves and their families while running the business.
Acceptable proof includes:
- Bank statements
- Title deeds
- Asset or property valuations
- Business ownership documents
If owned jointly with someone outside the application, only your share may be counted toward the reserve total.
3. Business Experience Criteria
Applicants need at least three years of verifiable business experience, which can include:
- Self-employment in a business or organisation with:
- At least 5 full-time employees, or
- Annual revenue of NZD $1 million or more.
- Senior management roles in companies with:
- At least 5 staff under direct management, and
- An annual turnover of NZD $5 million or more.
Evidence can include company registration, tax records, shareholder certificates, financial reports, pay slips, and employer references.
4. Acceptable Business for Investment
Your nominated business must meet strict criteria:
- Legally established and operating for at least 5 years.
- Compliant with immigration, employment, and tax laws.
- Have a purchase price of at least NZD $1 million, excluding property and GST.
- Employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff.
- Not previously used for investor or entrepreneur visa applications in the last decade.
Also read: Which Visa Is Best for Doing Business in New Zealand: Active Investor Plus or Business Investor Visa
Business Proposal and Due Diligence
A detailed Business Proposal is mandatory. It must include:
- A completed Business Proposal form.
- A valuation by a qualified statutory accountant.
- Financial and legal due diligence confirmation from independent professionals.
- Documentation of risks and operational understanding.
Note: Your immigration lawyer and the lawyer handling due diligence must be separate individuals (though they may belong to the same firm).
BIV Health, Character, and English Language Requirements
- Health: Medical examination and chest X-ray required.
- Character: Police certificates (less than 6 months old) from countries lived in for 5+ years since age 17.
- English: Proof through citizenship, work/study experience, or an English language test (no more than 2 years old).
Partner and Dependent Children Inclusion
Applicants may include partners and dependent children in their visa application, provided they:
- Demonstrate a genuine relationship.
- Meet health and character standards.
Partners may qualify for a work visa, and children may obtain New Zealand Student Visa or New Zealand Visitor Visas.
Application Process for the Business Investor Work Visa
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Ensure all evidence, identity, financial, health, and experience, is included. Non-English documents must have certified translations.
Step 2: Complete Application Form
Fill out the Business Investor Work Visa application and attach all supporting documents.
Step 3: Submit and Pay
Submit your application to Immigration New Zealand along with the fee of NZD $12,380.
Step 4: Await Decision
Immigration New Zealand may request additional information before issuing a final decision. Applicants are notified via email.
Processing Tips
- Ensure all documents are recent and complete.
- Police and medical certificates must be less than 6 months old.
- Make sure your passport remains valid throughout your intended stay.
- Book medical appointments early to prevent delays.
Why New Zealand Is Ideal for Business Investment
New Zealand consistently ranks among the world’s easiest places to do business, thanks to its transparent regulations, advanced infrastructure, and innovation-driven economy. Investors benefit from:
- A stable political and legal system.
- Access to skilled talent.
- Favourable taxation policies.
- A strategic gateway to Asia-Pacific markets.
Your Pathway to Permanent Residency
Successful completion of the Business Investor Work Visa allows progression to the Business Investor Resident Visa, offering:
- Permanent residence rights.
- Access to healthcare, education, and property ownership.
- The ability to grow or expand your investment portfolio across New Zealand.
Wrapping Up
At Immigration Chambers, we assist investors in strategically planning, structuring, and managing their migration journey to New Zealand. From preparing compliant documentation to ensuring smooth due diligence, our expertise ensures you meet every requirement of the Business Investor Work Visa pathway, paving your way to long-term success and residence in New Zealand.
Secure your future in New Zealand with expert guidance from our Immigration Lawyer in Auckland, contact us today for personalized assistance with your Business Investor Visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long is the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa valid for?
The Business Investor Work Visa is valid for up to four years, one year for establishing the business and three years for operating it.
2. Can I renew my Business Investor Work Visa?
Yes. You can renew your visa for up to two additional years if you require more time to meet the requirements for a Business Investor Resident Visa.
3. What is the minimum investment required for this visa?
You must invest at least NZD $1 million in an established New Zealand business. The fast-track pathway requires a minimum of NZD $2 million.
4. Can my family come with me under this visa?
Yes. You can include your partner and dependent children in your application. Partners may apply for a work visa, and children may apply for student or visitor visas.
5. What kind of business can I invest in?
The business must be lawfully operating in New Zealand for at least five years, employ at least five full-time staff, and meet all immigration, tax, and employment standards.
6. How can I show proof of my funds and investment?
Acceptable proof includes bank statements, property valuations, share certificates, business ownership documents, or tax records showing lawful acquisition and ownership of funds.
7. Do I need to prove my English language ability?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through citizenship, prior study/work experience, or an English test result no older than two years.
8. When can I apply for permanent residency?
You may apply for a Business Investor Resident Visa after running your business for:
- 3 years (Standard pathway – NZD $1 million investment)
- 12 months (Fast-track – NZD $2 million investment)
However, fast-track applicants must still continue business operations for a total of 3 years.
9. What is the total cost of applying for this visa?
The application fee for the Business Investor Work Visa is NZD $12,380, excluding additional costs such as medical exams and translations.
10. Can I invest in a new business instead of an established one?
No. The visa specifically requires investment in an established business that has been trading for at least five years.