Why This Matters Now
New Zealand welcomes ambitious investors who aim to make an impact, not just earn returns. The Government plans to shut down the Entrepreneur Work Visa and introduce a new Business Investor Visa starting November 2025.
This shift goes beyond policy—it creates a chance for growth. The Business Investor Visa aims to draw experienced investors who can boost New Zealand’s economy by running businesses hands-on. Unlike previous visas that focused on passive investment, this one rewards people ready to get involved and help local businesses grow.
Have you been hoping to invest and make a home in New Zealand with a straightforward route to residency? This new visa might be just what you’ve been looking for.
What the Business Investor Visa Has to Offer
The Business Investor Visa gives you two different investment choices making it adaptable for investors at various points in their journey:
- Choice 1: Put NZD $1 million into an existing business → 3-year work-to-residence path.
- Choice 2: Put NZD $2 million into an existing business → 12-month quick route to residence.
Here’s the best part. You can either:
- Buy a business outright, or
- Get at least 25% ownership in an existing business that meets the investment requirement.
This visa lasts up to 4 years and lets you add your partner and dependent children to your application opening a path for the whole family.
The costs are clear: NZD $12,380 (including application fees and immigration levy).
It goes hand in hand with the Active Investor Plus Visa (updated in April 2025) creating more tailored chances f
Why Investors Should Think About This Visa
New Zealand offers more than just stunning scenery—it’s becoming a center for new ideas green industries, and business chances. The Business Investor Visa aims to make sure your investment helps both you and New Zealand’s economy.
Here’s what makes this new option so attractive:
- Clear residency outcomes – The 3-year and 12-month paths both have an influence on getting the Business Investor Resident Visa.
- Flexibility – This new visa gives investors more choices to pick their involvement level and business ownership type, unlike the strict Entrepreneur Visa.
- Family-friendly migration – You can add your partner and dependent children to your application allowing your family to build their future with you.
- Economic contribution – Investors must run businesses that employ at least five full-time staff, which makes a real difference in the community.
- Active business focus – The visa leaves out less sustainable or passive ventures (like drop-shipping, gambling, or convenience stores). This ensures New Zealand attracts quality businesses that bring real value to the country.
This goes beyond a simple residency path—it’s an opportunity to create a lasting impact.
What You Should Do Next
If you’ve got plenty of investment experience, the Business Investor Visa might be your way to live and work in New Zealand while managing a money-making venture. But getting ready for this process is essential:
- You’ll need to reach investment minimums of $1 million or $2 million.
- You must show at least NZD $500,000 in settlement money for you and your family.
- People applying must be 55 or younger, pass English tests (IELTS 5.0 or similar), and clear health and character checks.
- Above all, your business plan must create at least five full-time jobs.
Now that the Entrepreneur Work Visa has ended, this offers the best chance for business-focused immigrants to build their future in New Zealand.
At EZY Immigration, we simplify this process. Our licensed immigration advisers help you every step of the way—from checking if you qualify to putting together a strong application making sure you tick all the boxes and boost your chances of getting approved.
Want to check out your options? Set up a meeting with EZY Immigration today.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a new visa starting in November 2025 taking the place of the Entrepreneur Work Visa. It lets seasoned investors buy or own a New Zealand business, with clear ways to become a resident.
You must invest at least NZD $1 million (3-year pathway) or NZD $2 million (12-month fast-track).
You can add your partner and dependent children to your application.
The visa has a maximum validity of up to 4 years.
The list of ineligible businesses includes gambling, drop-shipping, tobacco, adult entertainment, fast food franchised, and home-based businesses.
Yes, applicants must meet business experience requirements and show they can run a business.
The Active Investor Plus Visa centers on more traditional investment areas, while the Business Investor Visa targets investors who aim to be hands-on in managing a New Zealand business.
Applications start in November 2025.
