New Zealand launches work visa for business investors. Find out who can apply, how much you need to invest and how to get a residence permit

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New Zealand has introduced a new work visa for business investors, which paves the way for experienced entrepreneurs and managers from around the world, including representatives of Kyrgyzstan, Cameroon and Kazakhstan, to obtain a residence permit.

Applications will start on November 24, 2025, and the program itself is aimed at attracting investors to already operating businesses throughout the country.

Who can get a Business Investor Work Visa in New Zealand and how it differs from Active Investor Plus, we tell in this article.

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How much do you need to invest to get a business investor work visa in New Zealand?

The business investor work visa provides for two investment options:

- NZ$1 million – you can get a residence permit after three years of living and working in New Zealand.

- NZ$2 million – an accelerated process that allows you to apply for a residence permit after just 12 months.

How long is the business investor work visa in New Zealand?

The Business Investor Work Visa is issued for a period of up to 4 years.

Is it allowed to move with your family to New Zealand?

The business investor work visa in New Zealand allows you to include a partner and dependent children in the application.

Requirements for obtaining a Business Investor Work Visa in New Zealand

Investments must be directed to a business that has been operating for at least five years, and must also meet the following requirements:

- Invest in a qualified New Zealand business with a history of operation of more than 5 years.

- Invest at least 1 or 2 million NZD depending on the chosen level.

- Have a reserve fund of at least 500,000 NZD for your own and family needs.

- Demonstrate convincing business experience, including: owning a company with at least five full-time employees, or an annual business turnover of 1 million NZD.

- Be under 55 years of age.

- Meet English language, health and integrity standards.

Where you can not invest to obtain a Business Investor Work Visa in New Zealand

To ensure a sustainable economic effect, the program does not allow investments in the following areas:

- Minimarkets and discount stores;

- Dropshipping;

- Fast food establishments;

- Gambling, tobacco and vaping products;

- Adult entertainment;

- Home or franchise business;

- Immigration consultancy services.

How to get a permanent residence permit on the basis of a Business Investor Work Visa?

A business investor work visa can be a start for a long-term life in New Zealand. Those who successfully manage their business and comply with the requirements of the program can eventually apply for a business investor residence permit. To obtain this status, applicants must:

- Actively participate in the business;

- Maintain the same share of ownership;

- Maintain at least 5 permanent jobs;

- Create and maintain at least 1 new job for a New Zealand citizen or resident (for a period of 12 months);

- Confirm the financial stability of the company;

- Be present in the country for at least 184 days per year for the previous three years;

- Meet health and character requirements.

How is the Business Investor Work Visa different from the Active Investor Plus?

New Zealand currently offers two main pathways for investors – the Active Investor Plus visa and the new Business Investor Work Visa. While both programs are aimed at attracting capital and developing the local economy, there are significant differences between them.

Who is the New Zealand investment program suitable for?

The Active Investor Plus is suitable for experienced investors who have significant capital and are looking to support the development of New Zealand companies, but do not necessarily plan to take an active part in the business.

The Business Investor Work Visa, on the other hand, is aimed at hands-on business owners who want to personally manage the enterprise they are investing in.

Type and amount of investment

The Active Investor Plus visa provides for two levels of investment:

- The Growth category – from NZD 5 million, aimed at investments with increased risk, including managed funds and direct investments.

- Balanced category – from NZD 10 million, with a wider choice of assets and lower risk.

In contrast, the Business Investor Work Visa program requires investment specifically in an existing business that has been operating for at least five years:

- from NZD 1 million for a three-year path to residency, or

- from NZD 2 million for an accelerated, 12-month transition to resident status.

However, investments cannot be directed to areas such as gambling, tobacco products, franchises or fast food establishments. The cost of business real estate is not included in the total investment amount.

Job creation

There are no such requirements in the Active Investor Plus program.

For business investors, the mandatory condition is the support of five permanent jobs and the creation of at least one new job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Time in the country

Active Investor Plus investors must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand over a three-year investment period (for the Growth category), or 105 days over a five-year period (for the Balanced category).

Business Investor Work Visa participants must be in the country for at least 184 days per year from the date of commencement of activity.

Age and experience restrictions

Active Investor Plus has no age restrictions and does not require business experience.

Business Investor Work Visa is intended for applicants under the age of 55 who can prove at least three years of business management experience.

Financial reserves and language

The Active Investor Plus program does not set requirements for reserve funds or English language proficiency.

Business investors are required to have reserve funds of NZD 500,000 and English language proficiency at IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Visa duration and cost

Active Investor Plus is an indefinite resident visa, the cost of which is NZD 27,470.

A work visa for business investors is issued for up to 4 years and costs NZD 12,380.

Path to permanent residence

Active Investor Plus is already a resident visa. After maintaining your investment in the country for 3 or 5 years (depending on the category), you can apply for a permanent resident visa.

In the case of a Business Investor Work Visa, resident status can be obtained after 12 months for investments of NZD 2 million or more, or after 3 years for investments of NZD 1 million or more, provided that you actively manage the business, maintain jobs and stay in New Zealand for at least 184 days each year.

Applying for a resident business investor visa costs NZD 14,890.

How will the launch of the Business Investor Work Visa affect the New Zealand market?

The launch of the new program demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to attracting active investors who are truly developing the economy, not just investing capital. The emphasis is on supporting sustainable companies and creating jobs, which will contribute to increased productivity and local employment.

For entrepreneurs looking for a combination of business opportunities and a high quality of life, this program could become one of the most attractive ways to reside in New Zealand in recent years.

The introduction of a work visa for business investors demonstrates a new stage in New Zealand’s approach to attracting foreign capital – from passive investment to active partnership in business development. This program creates an opportunity not only to invest in a stable economy with transparent rules, but also to personally participate in shaping its future. For entrepreneurs who seek to combine business activity with life in a safe, innovative and environmentally conscious country, the Business Investor Work Visa can be a real ticket to a new chapter of professional and personal success.

Get professional support in preparing documents for an investor visa in New Zealand. Migration specialists will help assess your capabilities, prepare an investment plan and will accompany you at every stage of registration.

Sign up for a consultation to avoid mistakes and speed up the process of obtaining a residence permit.

Reminder! Romania is preparing to launch a new Golden Visa program for citizens of non-EU countries. Investors who have invested at least 400,000 euros will be able to obtain a five-year residence permit with the possibility of extension and subsequent acquisition of Romanian citizenship. We have already told you about the advantages of the program and the available investment paths.

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