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.
There are two investment opportunities:
- NZD $1 million: offers a 3-year work to residence pathway.
- NZD $2 million: offers a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months.
Visa eligibility
Applicants applying for a Business Investor Work Visa must:
- Meet the 3-year business experience requirement
- have, or intend to get, professional or occupational registration in New Zealand, if required for running the proposed business
- Meet the minimum investment amount of either NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million
- Show they have at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves or their family
- Demonstrate business experience, such as owning a business with at least 5 full-time employees or generating NZD $1 million in annual revenue
- Intend to be actively involved in running the business
- Be 55 years or younger
- Meet English language requirements
- Pass health and character checks
This visa lets you:
- Live and work in New Zealand
- Invest in and run an established business
- Study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period
- include your partner and dependent children in your visa application
The Business Investor Work Visa provides you with the opportunity for a renewal period of 2-years if you have not yet met the visa requirements and want to continue working towards your New Zealand residency.
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.