An IMGW News Report
New Zealand is overhauling its business immigration settings with the introduction of a Business Investor Visa, aimed at attracting experienced investors to grow the country’s economy through hands-on business activity. The new visa, opening for applications in November 2025, replaces the Entrepreneur Work Visa, which will no longer accept new applications.
The Business Investor Visa offers two investment pathways. Applicants can invest NZD $1 million in an existing business, following a three-year work-to-residence track, or NZD $2 million for a 12-month fast-track to residence. Investments can involve purchasing a business outright or acquiring a minimum 25% stake, provided the investment thresholds are met. The visa also allows partners and dependent children to be included, with the overarching goal of supporting the applicants’ full-time business involvement.
“The Business Investor Visa will bring overseas investment to maintain and create jobs, grow incomes, and breathe new life into existing businesses across the country,”
Erica Stanford, Minister of Education & Immigration
New Zealand’s strong socio-economic fundamentals make it an attractive destination for investors. The country has maintained steady GDP growth of around 3% per annum, with a low unemployment rate of 3.8% as of mid-2025. Per capita income stands at approximately NZD $65,000, and New Zealand consistently ranks highly for personal freedoms, transparency, and quality of life, including access to healthcare and education. Robust institutions, political stability, and a well-regulated business environment further reinforce the appeal for overseas investors seeking both economic opportunity and lifestyle security.
New Zealand launches the Business Investor Visa, offering investors $1–2 million pathways to residence. With strong economic fundamentals, low unemployment, and high quality of life, it’s a prime destination for global entrepreneurs.
“By offering a streamlined, clearly defined route for skilled investors, New Zealand aims to attract capital, stimulate business growth, and reinforce its international economic connections—supporting both job creation and long-term prosperity”
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford emphasised that the new visa is designed to deliver tangible economic benefits. “The Business Investor Visa will bring overseas investment to maintain and create jobs, grow incomes, and breathe new life into existing businesses across the country,” she said. The initiative forms part of a broader refresh of New Zealand’s business immigration framework, which also includes updates to the Active Investor Plus Visa.
Eligibility requirements ensure that only serious investors participate. Applicants must meet the minimum investment threshold, demonstrate access to NZD $500,000 to support themselves and their families while establishing the business, be under 55 years of age, meet English language, health, and character requirements, and possess relevant business experience. Investments must support businesses that employ at least five full-time equivalent staff and meet certain financial criteria.
“New zealand has maintained steady GDP growth of around 3% per annum, with a low unemployment rate of 3.8% as of mid-2025”
Certain sectors are excluded from investment, including drop-shipping, gambling, tobacco and nicotine-related products, adult entertainment, fast food franchises, home-based businesses, and immigration advisory firms.
Applications for the Business Investor Visa will incur a fee of NZD $12,380, which covers the visa application and immigration levy. Officials promise more detailed guidance in October, including comparisons with the Active Investor Plus Visa for prospective applicants.
By offering a streamlined, clearly defined route for skilled investors, New Zealand aims to attract capital, stimulate business growth, and reinforce its international economic connections—supporting both job creation and long-term prosperity.
