New Zealand to Introduce Business Investor Work Visa in November 2025
A New Pathway for Global Entrepreneurs to Live, Work, and Invest
New Zealand is gearing up to roll out an exciting opportunity for international investors. Beginning November 24, 2025, the country will launch the Business Investor Work Visa, a program aimed at bringing in experienced businesspeople who are ready to invest in and contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
What the Visa Offers
The Business Investor Work Visa allows qualified investors to live and work in New Zealand while directly managing or financially supporting a locally established business. Key features include:
- Visa Validity: Up to 4 years
- Family Coverage: Eligible to include partner and dependent children
- Investment Options:
- NZD $1 million: Work-to-residence pathway within 3 years
- NZD $2 million: Fast-tracked residency in just 12 months
The higher your investment, the quicker your path to residency.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet several criteria to qualify:
- Invest in a company that has been actively operating for at least five years
- Commit a minimum of NZD $1M or $2M, based on the chosen pathway
- Hold at least NZD $500,000 in personal settlement funds
- Demonstrate business experience in a company with:
- At least 5 full-time employees, or
- NZD $1 million in annual revenue
- Be 55 years old or younger
- Meet English language requirements as well as standard health and character checks
Non-Eligible Business Types
The New Zealand government has set clear guidelines on what types of businesses do not qualify under this visa. These include:
- Discount or convenience retail stores
- Drop-shipping and fast-food chains
- Tobacco, vaping, gambling, or adult entertainment
- Home-based or franchise businesses
- Immigration advisory services
This ensures the program attracts investment into sectors that offer sustainable growth and local job creation.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Once investment and operational conditions are met, visa holders can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa, provided they:
- Maintain active involvement in the business
- Hold onto their ownership stake
- Sustain a workforce of at least five full-time staff
- Create at least one new full-time role for a New Zealand resident
- Prove ongoing business stability
- Spend 184 days per year in the country for each of the last three years
How It Stacks Up Against the Active Investor Plus Visa
While the Business Investor Work Visa targets medium-size investors, the Active Investor Plus Visa continues to cater to ultra-high-net-worth individuals, with investment thresholds starting at:
- NZD $5 million (Growth category – high-risk, direct investments)
- NZD $10 million (Balanced category – diversified investments including bonds, equities, and philanthropy)
Why It Matters
This new visa program underlines New Zealand’s commitment to attracting active investors — those who bring not just capital, but hands-on involvement, innovation, and job creation. It’s a strategic move that prioritizes long-term economic growth and nurtures the country’s business ecosystem.
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