Business and Investment in New Zealand
Investing to gain Residence in New Zealand for you and your family
Rupert Ward is one of New Zealand’s most experienced, senior immigration lawyers and specialises in business and investment immigration. With a level of experience matched by very few, Rupert Ward’s legal office aims to assist his clients, from around the world, to achieve their business objectives in the stable and consistent business environment of New Zealand, and in doing so offering you residence in the “Switzerland of the Pacific”.
As a senior legal counsel in New Zealand who regularly works in multiple levels of the New Zealand court system (e.g. Immigration Protection Tribunal, district court, high court, ministerial level), and as a highly experienced former business advisor at government level*, Rupert’s experience offers his clients informed specialised advice to achieve their business and investment objectives in New Zealand. Rupert also holds a current legal practising certificate as a Solicitor in New South Wales, Australia.
Rupert Ward’s Office offers you advanced legal and Immigration advice, business advice and referral, co-operation with leading multinational and local accountancy specialists.
Business and investment migration clients are in a fortunate position, as despite the impact of world events (e.g. Covid-19), New Zealand is likely always going to welcome entrepreneurial and investment minded clients.
Few could argue in today’s volatile world environment that New Zealand probably represents a prudent and safe investment environment, whilst also potentially protecting your financial position. Rupert Ward’s legal services can offer you and your family residence in one of the safest most stable countries in the world.
See these recent blog articles for information about aspects of law and immigration in New Zealand.
*trade advisor for state government of Queensland
Business and Investment Visa Categories
Active Investor Plus Visa
The active investor plus visa is intended to allow serious and experienced investors the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand. After either 3 or 5 years of continued investment, visa holders may apply for permanent residency. Obtaining this visa depends on showing the ability to make a minimum $5 million NZD investment in New Zealand. The investments may either be in the growth category or balanced category. The visa enables you to travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely, and apply for permanent residency after 3 years under the growth category, and 5 years under the balanced category.
Business Investor Work Visa
The Business Investor Work Visa opened in November 2025, which provides an opportunity for experience business owners and operators to invest in New Zealand while also opening a pathway to residence. This visa supports investment in established New Zealand businesses and is valid for up to 4 years. Partners and dependent children are also included in the visa.
Business Investor Resident Visa
If your Business Investor Work Visa has expired, and you wish to stay longer in New Zealand running your business then you can make an application for a Business Investor Resident Visa.
Note: This information about visa categories is accurate as of time of writing (April 2026) and is subject to change by Immigration New Zealand. For up-to-date information and analysis of your situation, please fill out the enquiry form below.
Contact Rupert Ward
Contact us to enquire about how Rupert Ward can assist you with Business Migration and/or Investment in New Zealand.