Business Investor Work Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1460 days
- Processing time
- 3-6 months
- Fee
- NZD 12,380
- Validity
- Up to 4 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Opened November 2025, replacing the closed Entrepreneur Work Visa. Two investment pathways: NZD 1 million investment in an existing NZ business (3-year work-to-residence pathway) or NZD 2 million investment (12-month fast-track to residence). Must employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff. Restricted business types include drop-shipping, gambling, tobacco/vaping, adult entertainment, discount stores, convenience shops, fast food, franchises, and home-based operations. Can include partner and dependent children.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Open to all nationalities.
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Age
Must be aged 55 or under at the time of application.
Max age: 55; Min age: 0
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Financial
Must invest at least NZD 1 million (3-year pathway) or NZD 2 million (12-month pathway) in an eligible New Zealand business and have NZD 500,000 for settlement.
Minimum funds: NZD 1.5 million minimum
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Employment
Must have business experience and be able to actively manage the New Zealand business. Must employ at least 5 FTE staff.
Required status: Business experience, employ 5+ FTE
Documents you need
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Passport
Validity months: 48
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Proof of funds
Minimum amount: NZD 1,500,000 minimum (NZD 500K settlement + NZD 1M investment)
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Credit/debit card; Amount: NZD 12,380
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Business plan
Provide a business plan showing the activity, funding, market and expected costs.
Must include financials: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Prepare business plan, financial evidence, police certificates, and medical examinations.
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Online application
Submit Business Investor Work Visa application online through Immigration New Zealand.
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Document submission
Upload all supporting documents including business plan, proof of investment funds, and character/health evidence.
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Fee payment
Pay NZD 12,380 application fee.
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Processing wait
Wait 3-6 months for processing and assessment of business viability.
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Visa collection
If approved, visa is granted for up to 4 years with pathway to residence.