New Zealand’s Business Investor Work Visa Opens November 2025

Exciting news for experienced business owners and investors — New Zealand is opening applications for the Business Investor Work Visa on 24 November 2025. This visa offers a structured pathway to residence for those looking to invest in and contribute to established businesses across the country.

With a strong focus on attracting genuine business investment and experienced entrepreneurs, the new visa aims to strengthen New Zealand’s economy while providing investors with an opportunity to build a long-term future in the country.

About the Business Investor Work Visa

The Business Investor Work Visa is valid for up to four years and allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children in their application.

Applicants can choose between two investment options:

• NZD $1 million investment — provides a 3-year work-to-residence pathway

• NZD $2 million investment — provides a fast-track 12-month pathway to residence

Both pathways are designed to encourage investment in established New Zealand businesses that have demonstrated stability and job creation over time.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must meet a series of business, financial, and personal requirements, including:

• Investing in a business that has been operating for at least 5 years

• Meeting the minimum investment amount of NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million

• Having at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family

• Demonstrating business experience, such as owning a company with at least 5 full-time employees or generating annual revenue of NZD $1 million

• Being 55 years or younger

• Meeting English language, health, and character requirements

Businesses Not Eligible for Investment

Certain types of businesses are excluded from eligibility under this visa category. These include:

• Convenience stores and discount shops

• Drop-shipping and fast food operations

• Gambling or tobacco-related businesses (including vaping)

• Adult entertainment or home-based businesses

• Franchised businesses

• Immigration advisory services

Pathway to Residency

Once applicants have successfully operated their business in New Zealand for the required period, they may be eligible to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Remain actively involved in managing the business

• Maintain the same level of ownership

• Employ at least five full-time equivalent staff

• Create and maintain at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident for at least 12 months

• Demonstrate that the business is financially solvent

• Meet the time-in-New Zealand requirement (at least 184 days in each of the previous three years)

• Continue to meet health and character standards

Why Apply Through Network Migration Services

At Network Migration Services, our team of licensed immigration advisers is here to guide you through every step of the process — from understanding your eligibility to preparing a compliant visa application and planning your investment strategy in New Zealand.

We can help clarify which business types qualify, ensure your documentation meets Immigration New Zealand’s strict requirements, and assist you with the transition from temporary to permanent residency.