New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Visa offering a pathway to residency. Foreigners investing a capital of Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore in a business that can generate at least five jobs will be offered a residency permit in New Zealand.
The New Zealand government has announced the closure of the Entrepreneur Work Visa and introduced a new Business Investor Visa to attract experienced investors who will help grow New Zealand’s economy by actively running businesses.
Business Investor Visa
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.
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. Applicants may also include their partner and dependent children in their application.
The cost of the Business Investor Work Visa will be NZD $12,380, about Rs 6.4 lakh. This includes the visa application fee and immigration levy.
The Business Investor Work Visa complements the Active Investor Plus Visa, which was refreshed in April 2025, and is part of a broader update to business immigration settings to attract investment, talent, and international connections.
Eligibility of Business Investor Visa
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.
Businesses Not Allowed
The business types that are not acceptable business investments under this visa includes 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).