Business Investor Visa Category
NEW ZEALAND’S NEW BUSINESS INVESTOR VISA
New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Visa designed for experienced entrepreneurs and high value investors who want to purchase and actively operate an existing New Zealand business. This modernised category replaces the former Entrepreneur Work and Resident visas and provides a clearer, performance based pathway to residence in New Zealand.
Who This Visa Is For
This visa is intended for individuals who can bring capital, business expertise, and job creation to New Zealand. It is suitable for investors who want to take an active management role in an existing local business rather than make passive financial investments (as per the Active Investor Plus visa category).
Investment Pathways
Applicants can choose between two investment levels:
- Standard pathway
- Eligibility for residence after three years of operating the business
- Fast track pathway
- Eligibility for residence after 12 months, although the resident visa is conditional upon still being involved in the business for a total of three years
In both pathways, applicants must either purchase an existing business outright or hold at least a 25% ownership stake.
Visa Duration and Structure
The work visa is granted initially for up to four years, divided into two stages:
-
Establishment Phase (first 12 months)
- Acquire the nominated business
- Begin active operation
- Provide evidence of establishment within the first nine months of the issue of the visa
-
Operating Phase (remaining period)
- Continue running and growing the business
- Meet all performance and compliance requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several criteria, including:
- Investment capital of at least NZD1m or NZD2m
- Settlement funds of at least NZD500,000
- Aged 55 years or younger at the time of application
- Have a proven management or business ownership background
- Meet minimum English language standards (IELTS overall score of 5.0 or equivalent)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Identify and nominate a business to purchase which must employ at least five full time equivalent staff already
Pathway to Residence
To qualify for a resident visa for New Zealand under either the Fast-track or Standard pathway, business investors must:
- Maintain the required ownership level for at least three years
- Actively manage the business
- Employ at least five full time equivalent staff
- Create at least one additional full time equivalent job for a New Zealand citizen or resident (who is not a family member)
- Demonstrate that the business is solvent
- Meet time in New Zealand requirements (184 days per year for three years)
Resident visas are only granted once the business has been successfully operated for the required duration under either standard or fast-track pathways, which in turn depend on the purchase price of or investment into the business.