Do you want to buy a New Zealand business?
From 24 November 2025, the Business Investment Visa categories opened for those with a business background who are looking to invest in New Zealand. The work visa can be valid for up to 4 years, and residence can be applied for during that period. Investors can include dependent family members in their application.
This category has 2 investment options:
- Invest $1 million NZD (approximately $575,000 USD) for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway; or
- Invest $2 million NZD (approximately $1,146,000 USD) for a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months.
Investors can either buy a profitable existing New Zealand business or acquire a minimum of 25% of the business. This does not include start-ups and must also meet the other investment thresholds for either visa pathway.
To be eligible:
- Investors must purchase at least 25% of equity in the business.
- The existing business must be operating in New Zealand and employ at least 5 full-time employees (excluding the owners).
- The existing business must have been operating for at least the last 5 years prior to the visa application being made.
- The business cannot be owned by the applicant or by a dependent family member included in the application.
- Investors must have at least $500,000 NZD (approximately $286,500 USD) in reserve funds to support themselves and their family.
- Create at least 1 additional employment for a New Zealand resident or citizen in the business.
- Has not been involved in any bankruptcy or business failure within the last 5 years prior to their application.
- Investors must have previous business experience.
- Investors must meet the regular health and character requirements for residence-class visas.
- Complete due diligence into the selected business.
- The principal applicant must be 55 years or younger when they apply.
- There are English language requirements to be met, unless investors are from Australia, Canada, the US or the UK.
Some businesses are excluded and cannot be eligible for investments
Some important exclusions include:
- Drop-shipping.
- Gambling
- Labour Hire.
- Adult entertainment.
- Manufacturing of tobacco or other nicotine-based products (including vaping).
- Businesses that offer immigration advice.
- Home-based businesses that are operating from a residential address.
- Convenience stores (e.g. corner stores and dairies).
- Discount/value stores (e.g. NZD $2 shops).
- Fast food outlets.
- Franchised businesses.
If you would like further information about this visa, please contact Richard Small and our friendly team.