New Zealand is closing the entrepreneur visa and launching a business investor visa from November 2025. Find out what the investment requirements are, how the new program differs from the old one, what will happen to existing visas and what other avenues exist for investors

From November 2025, New Zealand is radically changing the rules for foreign businessmen and investors. The work visa for entrepreneurs is officially closed, instead the government is launching a business investor visa - a new path for those who are ready to invest in existing companies in the country.

Everything that is currently known about the new visa in this article we wrote in this article.

Why was the entrepreneur visa closed?

The previous category was created for those who wanted to start their own business in New Zealand. However, as the Immigration Service notes, the program did not meet expectations: the number of applications was small, and most were rejected.

In order to attract more effective investment, the government decided to switch from supporting startups "from scratch" to attracting investors in existing businesses.

How will the new business investor visa work?

Applications will start in November 2025. There are two investment options:

1 million NZD — a three-year path "work → residence permit".

2 million NZD — an accelerated path to a residence permit in 12 months.

An investor can:

- purchase a business in full, or

- buy a minimum of 25% share in the company.

Both options lead to obtaining a resident business investor visa, which allows permanent residence in the country, subject to compliance with the requirements.

How is it different from the old program?

- Focus: not new businesses, but the development of existing businesses.

- Simpler rules and faster processing of applications.

- A direct connection with the economy - job creation and support for existing companies.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasized: the goal is to attract investment that will help preserve jobs, create new ones and breathe life into local businesses.

What about those who have already applied for an Entrepreneur visa?

- Applications submitted will be processed under the old rules.

- Applications withdrawn will not be eligible for a refund of fees paid.

Current Entrepreneur work visa holders can still apply for a resident visa or extend their visa to meet the requirements.

Other investment visas

The new program will operate in parallel with the Active Investor Plus Visa (updated in April 2025), designed for large investors.

The government is also discussing the launch of a separate visa for startup founders with innovative ideas, but there are no details yet.

When will there be more information?

In October 2025, Immigration New Zealand promises to publish additional clarifications:

- full requirements for the Business Investor visa,

- differences from Active Investor Plus,

- application preparation tips.

New Zealand is betting on experienced investors and is reformatting business migration. If you plan to invest and live in the country, you should prepare now for the opening of the program in November 2025.

Since the terms of the new program are still being finalized, it is important to prepare in advance: evaluate potential businesses, check the requirements and collect documents.

Our migration specialists will help you develop an investment strategy, prepare an application and avoid the risk of rejection. Seek advice today - and ensure a successful start in New Zealand!

As a reminder! New Zealand is introducing two new seasonal work visas from December 2025 - GWSV and PSV. We have already told you who can use these visas, what requirements and positions are covered, as well as how the changes will affect employees and employers in the agriculture, tourism and food industries.

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