In our previous blog post on 1 September 2025, we discussed the Minister of Immigration’s announcement of a new Business Investor visa. You can read that previous post here.
Recently, it has been announced that the new Business Investor visas are now open for applications.
This is a visa for experienced business people who would like to invest in New Zealand businesses. This visa is valid for up to 4 years, and applicants can include dependent family members in their application.
There are 2 investment options:
- Invest $1 million NZD (approximately $573,000 USD) for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.
- Invest $2 million NZD (approximately $1,146,000 USD) for a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months.
Applicants can either buy a New Zealand business or acquire a minimum of 25% of the business, as well as meet the relevant investment thresholds for either visa pathway.
Business Investor Work Visa
In summary, applications for this visa must:
- Invest in a business which has been operating for at least 5 years.
- Meet the minimum investment threshold.
- Have at least $500,000 NZD (approximately $286,500 USD) in funds to support themselves and their family.
- Have business experience.
As well as other requirements, which our friendly team would be happy to advise further on.
Business Investor Resident Visa
The requirements are higher for the resident visa option, such as:
- Being actively involved in the New Zealand business.
- Maintain at least 5 full-time equivalent jobs.
- Create and maintain at least 1 new full-time job.
- Show that the business is solvent.
As well as other requirements, which we would be happy to advise further about.
It is worth noting that both of these new business visas are paper-based applications, so applicants cannot apply online.
The popular Active Plus Investor visa is still available and an alternative investment visa option to consider.
If you would like further information about this visa, please contact Richard Small and our friendly team.