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Business Investor Visa （to replace Entrepreneur Resident Visa）

Resident Visa

Business Investor Visa （to replace Entrepreneur Resident Visa）

launched in November 2025
  • The Business Investor Work Visa will open for applications in November 2025 and offer 2 investment options:

  • NZD $1 million investment in an existing business, for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway
  • NZD $2 million investment in an existing business, for a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway

  • Applicants can purchase a business outright on either visa pathway or acquire at least 25% of the business, provided they meet the minimum $1 million or $2 million investment thresholds.

  • Applicants may also include their partner and dependent children in their application. 

  • Both options lead to eligibility to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.

  • A Business Investor Visa may be granted for up to 4 years.

  • The cost of the Business Investor Work Visa will be NZD $12,380. This includes the visa application fee and immigration levy.  Eligibility 
  • To be eligible for the Business Investor work visa, applicants must:

  • meet the minimum investment threshold
  • show they have at least NZD $500,000 to support themselves (and their family if they are including them in their application) while establishing their business
  • be aged 55 or younger when they apply
  • meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent)
  • meet health and character requirements
  • meet business experience requirements
  • invest in a business that meets the financial threshold and employs at least 5 full-time equivalent staff.

3, Business investment requirements

The following business types are not acceptable business investments under this visa:
  • drop-shipping
  • gambling
  • the manufacturing of tobacco or other nicotine-based products, including vaping
  • adult entertainment
  • convenience stores (for example, corner dairies)
  • businesses that offer immigration advisory services, or that were purchased from a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), or where an LIA is materially involved
  • discount or value stores (for example, NZD $2 shops)
  • fast food outlets
  • franchised businesses
  • home-based businesses (businesses only operating from a residential address).

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