Investor Visas
Are you unsure whether you qualify under our Investor categories?
These categories have been through various changes in recent years. We have handled many applications in this category and have a real depth of expertise. There are no age restrictions, employment, or sponsorship requirements.
The key changes that come into effect on 1 April 2025 include:
- The introduction of two simplified investment categories – Growth and Balanced.
- Broadened scope of acceptable investments.
- Reduced immigration requirements for applicants who choose more active investments (such as time required to be spent in New Zealand) .
- Removal of the English language requirement.
Growth and Balanced categories
The new Growth and Balanced investment categories will allow for a broader range of investments.
Growth Category
The Growth Category is for more active investments, including direct investments and managed funds.
These must be approved by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) for the benefit to New Zealand. It’s important to note that NZTE does not guarantee the return. You need to get independent financial advice about that.
It will require a minimum investment of $5 million and minimum investment period of three years, and for the investor-migrant to spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over 3 years.
Allowing managed funds potentially reduces the risk of this category.
We have contacts with various fund managers.
Balanced Category
The Balanced category is for mixed investments, with the ability to choose lower-risk investments. There is a minimum investment of NZ $10 million over 5 years, with the investor-migrant required to spend at least 105 days in New Zealand over that period. However, exceeding the minimum investment by investing in some Growth category investments can reduce the number of days required to be spent in New Zealand.
The usual health and character requirements for any residence application apply.
There are strict rules about how funds are transferred, keep intact from other funds input into holding investments before finally being invested. These rules can be confusing and easy to accidentally breach. There are also rules about changing investments during the investment period.
Can I buy a house?
You cannot use the house you live in as your investment. Your investment must be for commercial return and not personal use.
You can invest in commercial property for the Balanced Category. See our blog for more details.
There are also restrictions on non-residents and non-citizens buying sensitive land and housing in New Zealand. These may be reviewed over time.
See our blog for more information.
Options for older investors
If you have an adult child who is a citizen or resident in New Zealand, NZ$1 million to invest and NZ$500,00 funds for support plus NZ$60,000 per year independent income, you could try the parent retirement resident visa.
Alternatively, if you are aged 64 or over, have the above funds and income and health insurance, you can apply for a Renewable Temporary Retirement Visa for two years.
It is possible to apply for these two visas together using the same investment funds.
Business Investment Visa
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.
Get expert help
The application process for an Investor Visa can be challenging and confusing. Without an immigration lawyer, you might make mistakes that would make the decision making process longer. So it is always a good idea to have a professional on hand.
We meet regularly with the senior managers responsible for these categories and we are closely in touch with how they are going. We have years of experience with Investor applications.
It is also important to know that not all types of business experience will be accepted, and proving that the investment funds were lawfully earned and acquired can also be a timely process.
Pacific Legal can support you through your application.
Talk to Pacific Legal Today
Contact us today to speak to one of our Immigration Lawyers
If you believe the Investment Category 2 Visa is the right choice for you, contact us today, and we can support your application!
