Business Investor Visa
A Path to Growth and Residency
New Zealand’s fresh Business Investor Visa set to launch in November 2025, offers seasoned investors the opportunity to shape their future by putting money into the country’s expanding business scene. This visa takes the place of the Entrepreneur Work Visa and aims to draw in real business builders — not just money — to boost New Zealand’s economy.
Â
If you’ve always wanted to own or expand a business in a steady forward-thinking country, this visa might be your ticket to a fulfilling future.
Make your next investment global. Move to New Zealand through the Active Investor Plus Visa with expert help from Ezy Immigration.
Visas for New Zeland
We can assist you with all popular temporary or residence visa applications for Australia. We will not take on an application if we believe it will be unsuccessful, saving you time and money. We provide timely updates and keep you informed throughout the whole process.
We provide professional visa consultation services for the following visa categories :
LIAA Member
Licensed Immigration Adviser (NZ) # 201300919
Registered MARA Agent (AU) # 2117455
About the Business Investor Visa
The Business Investor Work Visa helps investors play an active part in running or expanding a New Zealand business. It offers two clear paths to residence through investment:
Â
- NZD $1 million investment — a three-year work-to-residence option
- NZD $2 million investment — a 12-month quick route to residence
Â
You can either buy an existing business or get at least 25 percent ownership as long as your investment reaches the needed amount.
Â
This adaptable setup lets investors pick the choice that fits their aims, business know-how, and money they have on hand.
Â
Both paths make you eligible for the Business Investor Resident Visa helping you and your family put down roots in New Zealand for good.
How Long the Business Investor Visa Lasts and What It Costs
You can get a Business Investor Work Visa for up to four years. This gives you time to set up or expand your business and show how your investment is making a difference.
Â
To apply, you’ll need to pay NZD $12,380, which covers the visa fee and immigration levy.
Â
You can add your partner and kids who depend on you to your application, so your whole family can move together.
Why the Business Investor Visa Takes the Place of the Entrepreneur Visa
The old Entrepreneur Work Visa program no longer accepts new applicants. The Government has introduced the Business Investor Visa to draw in more long-term high-quality investments instead of small or risky business ventures.
Â
The Entrepreneur Resident Visa continues to operate, but anyone who wants to launch or purchase a business must now submit an application for the new Business Investor Visa when it becomes available.
Â
If you have an Entrepreneur Work Visa, you can still apply for residence or renew your work visa to continue on your current path.
Â
Get more details about the Entrepreneur Resident Visa from Ezy Immigration.
Eligibility Requirements
To get the Business Investor Work Visa, you need to meet some key conditions. These make sure investors bring useful know-how, money, and a long-term pledge to New Zealand’s economy.
Â
You must:
Â
- Put at least NZD $1 million or $2 million into an existing business.
- Have at least NZD $500,000 in personal money to support themselves and their family.
- Be 55 years old or younger when they apply.
- Meet English language standards (IELTS 5.0 or something similar).
- Pass health and character checks.
- Show proven business know-how related to the investment.
- Make sure the business hires at least five full-time workers.
Â
These rules show that the visa targets hands-on investors—people who don’t just provide money but also bring their leadership skills and experience to the table.
Business Investment Restrictions
To keep the visa’s integrity, some business types aren’t eligible for this program. These include:
Â
- Drop-shipping ventures
- Gambling businesses
- Tobacco, nicotine, or vaping manufacturing
- Adult entertainment businesses
- Convenience or discount stores (e.g. corner dairies or “$2 shops”)
- Fast-food franchises
- Home-based businesses operating from a residence
- Immigration advisory firms or those linked to a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA)
Â
The aim is to steer investment toward industries that create jobs and boost New Zealand’s long-term growth.
How This Visa Fits with Other Business Investment Options
The Business Investor Visa goes hand in hand with the Active Investor Plus Visa, which got an update in April 2025. These visas are part of a bigger change to New Zealand’s business migration rules. The goal? To draw in seasoned investors who bring more than just money – they bring new ideas, global connections, and jobs.
Â
Want to see how these visas stack up? Check out our Active Investor Plus Visa guide for a side-by-side look.
Â
Not sure which path fits your plans? Ezy Immigration can take a look at your background and point you towards the visa that best matches your investment and living goals.
Why Invest and Do Business in New Zealand
New Zealand ranks among the top countries where setting up a business is straightforward. Its clear legal system, stable politics, and strong buyer markets create a perfect balance of chances and safety for entrepreneurs.
Â
The Business Investor Visa gives you a chance to add to this lively economy while creating a future for you and your loved ones. You’ll get the perks of running a business in a trusted environment, while gaining a way to live there.
Â
Ezy Immigration guides you through each stage—from checking if you qualify to getting your investment papers ready, sending in your visa request, and making sure you follow the rules after you arrive.
How Ezy Immigration Can Help You Apply
Getting a Business Investor Visa needs more than just paperwork—it demands careful planning and solid proof of your ability to invest.
Â
Ezy Immigration offers:
Â
- One-on-one visa strategy talks to check if you qualify
- Help with business and investment papers
- Talks with Immigration New Zealand for you
- Planning for you and your family to live here
Â
We make your move easy, so you can put your energy into growing your business in one of the world’s most trusted economies.
Â
👉 Want to invest in your future?  Set up a meeting with Ezy Immigration today.
What our clients are saying
Director
Licensed Immigration Adviser and Registered Migration Agents
Begin Your Business Investor Journey Now
New Zealand’s fresh Business Investor Visa gives you the opportunity to transform your investment goals into a future in one of the world’s most forward-thinking economies.
Â
With the proper plan and professional guidance, you can progress from business investor to permanent resident.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can submit your application in November 2025. You have the opportunity to get your investment and supporting documents ready now so you can apply as soon as possible.
The Business Investor Visa centers on direct business ownership or purchase, while Active Investor Plus gives you more options to invest in approved assets and funds.
Yes. Your application can include your partner and dependent children.
No. The Business Investor Visa doesn’t allow these types of businesses.
Your application will go through processing under the old rules. However, the government no longer accepts new Entrepreneur Work Visa applications.
No, you can’t get your money back for any fees and levies you’ve already paid.
Ezy Immigration helps you with every step of the visa process. This includes checking if you’re eligible, getting your documents ready, giving you advice about your business, and applying for residence.
Get in touch with us for personalised
service & assistance
Send your inquiry
We are bound by a strict Code of Conduct & will keep your information Private & Confidential.