From November 24, 2025, applications open for the Business Investor Work Visa to support investment in established New Zealand businesses. The visa is valid for up to four years and allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children.
There are two investment options:
- NZD $1 million: offers a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
- NZD $2 million: offers a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months.
Eligibility for Business Investor Work Visa
To qualify for a Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must:
- invest in a business that has been operating for at least five years;
- meet the minimum investment amount of either NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million;
- show they have at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family;
- demonstrate business experience, such as owning a business with at least five full-time employees or generating NZD $1 million in annual revenue;
- be 55 years or younger;
- meet English language requirements; and
- pass health and character checks.
Eligibility for Business Investor Resident Visa
Once the business has been successfully operated for the required period, applicants can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.
To qualify, they must:
- be actively involved in running their business in New Zealand;
- continue to meet the same level of ownership;
- maintain at least five full-time equivalent jobs;
- create and maintain at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident that lasts at least 12 months;
- show the business is solvent;
- meet time-in-New Zealand requirements (184 days in each of the previous three years); and
- meet health and character requirements.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.