The New Zealand government has launched a fresh immigration initiative aimed at experienced business people who are ready to invest in and actively participate in New Zealand’s economy. The newly introduced visa category offers a clear route for such individuals to move from investment into residence.
Two Investment Pathways
Applicants will have two principal options for investment:
A lower threshold investment tier where the applicant invests NZD $1 million in a qualifying existing business, thereby gaining a pathway from work to residence over approximately three years.
A higher threshold investment tier of NZD $2 million in a qualifying existing business, which opens a fast-track route to residence after around 12 months. Dentons+1
In both cases the investment must be in an established business (rather than a start-up venture) and can involve either outright purchase of the business or acquisition of at least 25 percent ownership.
Eligibility & Key Requirements
To qualify for this visa, applicants will need to satisfy a number of criteria:
They must invest in a business that is already operating (in many examples, at least five years) and employs at least five full-time staff. 1News+2Greenstone Immigration+2
They must be under 55 years of age at the time of application. Greenstone Immigration
They must meet standard health and character requirements, and meet English-language benchmarks (for example IELTS 5.0 or equivalent). Fragomen+1
Applicants are required to show they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family in New Zealand (for example a settlement fund of NZD $500,000). Greenstone Immigration
What This Means for Investors
This new visa signals a shift in New Zealand’s business-immigration policy. Rather than focusing primarily on start-up entrepreneurs, the emphasis puts greater weight on experienced investors who will engage with existing businesses and contribute to employment and economic growth. Fragomen+1
By offering both a standard and a fast-track investment pathway, the initiative provides flexibility for investors depending on how much they wish to commit and how quickly they wish to settle in New Zealand.
Transition & Closing of Previous Category
With the introduction of this visa, the previous “Entrepreneur Work Visa” category has been closed to new applicants. Those already in the system under the previous entrepreneur pathway may continue under their existing rules.
Application Timeline
Applications for this new business-investor visa are expected to open on 24 November 2025.
Why This Matters
For non-resident businesspeople looking to relocate and invest abroad, this visa offers a clearly defined strategy to residency via active business involvement in New Zealand. For New Zealand, it is a targeted move to draw in experienced capital and skills, support job creation, and anchor overseas investment in real business activity rather than passive holdings.
Things to Consider
While the investment thresholds are substantial (NZD $1 m and $2 m), the structure means successful applicants can make New Zealand their base through this visa.
The requirement that the business already be established and have operating history (including employees) means investing in an existing business may be more viable than launching a brand-new enterprise.
The age, funds, and language/experience requirements should all be planned for in advance.
The “fast-track” option at the higher investment level significantly shortens the time to residence, but also likely demands more risk, capital and operational involvement.
As with all immigration and investment programmes, changes in policy can occur, so ongoing monitoring and professional advice are advisable.