New Zealand Introduces Business Investor Work Visa With Direct Pathway to Residency
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The new Business Investor Work Visa in New Zealand offers up to 4 years of residency for investors who are willing to directly manage a local business. With just NZD 1-2 million investment, this pathway provides a structured route to permanent settlement.
New Zealand is introducing a new pathway for high-net-worth migrants - the Business Investor Work Visa, which officially kicked off on November 24, 2025. This visa provides up to four years of residency and a structured route to permanent settlement.
This program targets global travellers who have been viewing New Zealand's wildlife, landscapes, and culture as reasons to stay permanently. Under this visa scheme, applicants must invest directly in a local business and actively help run it.
The new Business Investor Work Visa offers two investment pathways:
- 1 million NZD (567,300 USD) for a three-year work-to-residency pathway
- 2 million NZD (1,134,480 USD) for a fast-track one-year route
However, both pathways require an additional NZD 12,380 application fee and hands-on involvement in the business. After completing the required period, applicants can apply for an indefinite stay under the Business Investor Resident Visa, under the following conditions:
- Applicants must show USD 500,000 in personal funds to support themselves and accompanying family members.
- They must also demonstrate business experience, which the government says includes owning a company with NZD 1 million in annual revenue or five full-time employees.
- Restrictions applied to where investments are to be made. Eligible businesses must be at least five years old, and certain sectors, including gambling, fast food franchise, and tobacco, are considered ineligible.
Also Read: New Zealand to Launch New Seasonal Visa Program Starting December 2025
New Business Investor Work Visa vs Current Golden Visa
The Business Investor Work Visa is almost similar, but just below the New Zealand Premium Investment Route (the Golden visa), which is the active Investor Plus Visa, that requires a higher capital investment.
- NZD 5 million for higher risk investments
- NZD 10 million for lower-risk investment.
The Golden Visa program has already drawn strong interest after the thresholds were lowered earlier this year. 189 investors applied within three months, according to a report by Reuters, with US citizens making up about 45%.
The Active Investor Plus route remains likely for those who prefer not to directly manage a business, whereas the new visa is aimed at investors willing to take a more hands-on role.
Upcoming New Zealand Visa Categories
New Zealand is expanding options for entrepreneurs, as the immigration minister, Erica Stanford, has also mentioned that the country is developing a visa for Startup Entrepreneurs with scalable, innovative business ideas
Meanwhile, remote workers already have access to enter the country for up to 90 days through a Digital Nomad visa with no minimum income requirements
Explore Your Immigration Prospects With GetGIS Personalised Assistance
The New Zealand's New Business Investor Work Visa offers a promising pathway for investors seeking residency through active business involvement. If you are also considering. Immigration options to New Zealand. Reach out for Personalised end-to-end assistance by GetGIS.
Also Read: Minimum PTE Score for New Zealand in 2025-26
