The Government has announced a new Business Investor Visa to provides a pathway to residence for business migrants who are ready to invest in, operate, and grow established businesses in New Zealand.

The Business Investor Visa complements the existing Active Investor Plus Visa, and forms part of Immigration New Zealand’s broader refresh of business visa settings. 

Applications for the Business Investor Visa will open in November 2025. The visa offers two investment options:

• $1 million investment in an existing business, with a three-year work-to-residence pathway.

• $2 million investment in an existing business, with a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway (whilst maintaining an interest in the business for at least three years).

Applicants will need to have business experience and be required to purchase the existing New Zealand business outright or acquire at least 25% of the business. Applicants will also have to “actively run the business” and become a tax resident in New Zealand.

The existing business must have been operational for at least five years, meet certain financial thresholds, and employ a minimum of five fulltime staff. Applicants will also be expected to create at least one new full-time job for New Zealand citizens and residents.

Certain businesses, such as fast-food outlets, convenience stores, franchises, gambling and immigration advisory services, and adult entertainment will be excluded. 

More information on the Business Investor Visa will be made available in October.

If you have any questions or would like to understand more about the new Business Investor Visa, please contact one of our experts. 

This article was co-authored by Dan Stockton, a Law Clerk in our Employment team.