New Zealand to Launch Business Investor Work Visa on November 24. Apply Now!

Highlights: New Zealand to Launch Business Investor Work Visa on November 24, 2025

• New Zealand has announced the launch of its Business Investor Work Visa on November 24, 2025, creating a direct pathway to residence for experienced business investors.
• The visa offers two investment options – NZD $1 million for a 3-year route or NZD $2 million for a fast-track 12-month route to residence.
• It is valid for up to four years and allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children.
• Applicants must have a minimum of NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support living expenses during their stay.
• Successful visa holders can transition to permanent residency after meeting business performance and residency requirements.

*Want to work in New Zealand? Talk to experts at Y-Axis to guide you with the steps.
 

Invest, Work, and Settle in New Zealand - The New Business Investor Work Visa Opens Doors to Residency!

The Business Investor Work Visa is New Zealand’s latest immigration initiative designed to attract skilled and financially capable entrepreneurs who want to contribute to the country’s economic growth.

By allowing investors to actively participate in established New Zealand businesses, this visa promotes sustainable development and job creation, supporting the government’s goal of boosting regional economies through foreign investment.

The visa is valid for up to four years and gives applicants the opportunity to live, work, and manage their business in New Zealand. After the investment period, successful applicants can apply for permanent residence under the Business Investor Resident Visa pathway

Two Investment Pathways:

• NZD $1 million investment – Provides a 3-year work-to-residence route.
• NZD $2 million investment – Offers a fast-track to residence after just 12 months.

*Want to apply for a Business investor work visa? Sign up with Y-Axis to help you with the process.
 

Plan to Invest in New Zealand? Here’s the Eligibility Checklist for the New Business Investor Visa!

Applicants must meet specific requirements to qualify for this visa. These criteria ensure that only experienced and genuine investors with strong business backgrounds can participate in the program.

To qualify for the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must:

• Invest in a New Zealand business that has been operating for at least 5 years.
• Meet the minimum investment threshold (NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million).
• Demonstrate ownership or management of a business with at least 5 full-time employees or annual revenue of NZD $1 million.
• Hold at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family.
• Be 55 years or younger.
• Meet the English language requirements (proof via IELTS or equivalent).
• Pass the health and character assessments required by Immigration New Zealand.

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Requirements for Business Investor Resident Visa

Once the business has been operated successfully for the required period, applicants can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa, granting them permanent residence in New Zealand.

To qualify for this next step, investors must continue to demonstrate active business involvement and compliance with investment and employment conditions.

• Maintain active involvement in running the business.
• Retain the same level of ownership throughout the visa period.
• Create and maintain at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident (for a minimum of 12 months).
• Maintain at least five full-time equivalent jobs in the business.
• Prove the business remains solvent and sustainable.
• Meet the residency requirement (184 days spent in New Zealand each year for 3 consecutive years).
• Continue to meet health and character standards.

This structured transition ensures that investors who contribute meaningfully to New Zealand’s economy can build a permanent life in one of the world’s most stable and prosperous countries.

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Why New Zealand is the Next Big Destination for Indian Investors!

For Indian entrepreneurs, New Zealand presents an excellent opportunity for both lifestyle and business growth:

• Ranked among the Top 5 easiest countries to do business globally.
• Offers a transparent regulatory environment with strong legal protections.
• Boasts a diversified economy with growth in tech, agribusiness, and renewable energy sectors.
• Home to over 240,000 people of Indian origin, creating a supportive community network.
• Known for its work-life balance, world-class education, and safe living conditions—ideal for families.

The Business Investor Work Visa not only provides a way to invest in New Zealand’s future but also a chance to build your own legacy through entrepreneurship.
 

*Are you looking for step-by-step assistance with overseas immigration? Contact Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy!

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FAQs

1. What is the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa?

The Business Investor Work Visa is a new visa category introduced by Immigration New Zealand for experienced entrepreneurs who want to invest in established businesses within the country. It aims to attract skilled investors who can contribute to the economy through business development and job creation. The visa allows holders to live, work, and manage their business in New Zealand for up to four years. After successfully running their business for the required period, visa holders can apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa to gain permanent residency.
 

2. When will applications open for the Business Investor Work Visa?

Applications for the Business Investor Work Visa will open on November 24, 2025. From this date, eligible applicants can apply through Immigration Online, New Zealand’s official immigration platform. The visa is designed to support investment in established New Zealand businesses and is valid for up to four years. Successful applicants who meet the required investment and performance conditions may later apply for permanent residence under the Business Investor Resident Visa pathway.
 

3. Who is eligible to apply for the Business Investor Work Visa?

To qualify for the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must be experienced entrepreneurs or investors with a proven business background. They must invest in a New Zealand business that has been operating for at least five years, meet the minimum investment threshold (NZD $1 million or NZD $2 million), and hold at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds. Applicants should be 55 years or younger, meet English language requirements, and pass health and character checks. This ensures only credible and skilled investors contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth.
 

4. What are the investment options under the Business Investor Work Visa?

There are two investment options available for applicants under this visa. The NZD $1 million investment option offers a three-year work-to-residence pathway, while the NZD $2 million investment option provides a fast-track route to permanent residence after 12 months. Both options require investment in established New Zealand businesses that meet Immigration New Zealand’s eligibility standards. The flexible investment structure allows applicants to choose a pathway that best matches their financial capacity and long-term settlement goals in New Zealand.
 

5. How long is the Business Investor Work Visa valid for?

The Business Investor Work Visa is valid for up to four years. During this period, visa holders are required to manage and actively participate in their chosen New Zealand business. The visa also allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children in the same application. After successfully completing the investment and business operation requirements, holders may be eligible to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa, granting them permanent residence in New Zealand.
 

6. Can applicants include their family members in the visa application?

Yes. The Business Investor Work Visa allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children in the same application. This enables families to live together in New Zealand while the primary applicant manages their business. Family members can enjoy benefits such as access to education, healthcare, and the opportunity to work or study depending on visa conditions. This makes the Business Investor Work Visa a family-friendly option for entrepreneurs planning long-term settlement in New Zealand.

 

7. What types of businesses are not eligible for investment under this visa?

Certain business types are excluded from eligibility under the Business Investor Work Visa. These include convenience stores, discount shops, drop-shipping operations, fast-food outlets, gambling or tobacco-related ventures (including vaping), adult entertainment, home-based or franchise businesses, and immigration advisory services. These exclusions ensure that investments focus on high-value, sustainable, and growth-oriented sectors that contribute positively to New Zealand’s economy and align with national business development goals.
 

8. How can Business Investor Work Visa holders apply for permanent residency?

After successfully operating their business for the required period, visa holders can apply for permanent residency through the Business Investor Resident Visa. To qualify, they must maintain active involvement in running the business, keep the same level of ownership, ensure the business remains solvent, and meet job creation and residency requirements. They must also continue to meet health and character standards. This pathway rewards genuine investors who have contributed to job creation and sustainable business growth in New Zealand.
 

9. What are the main benefits of the Business Investor Work Visa for Indian investors?

For Indian entrepreneurs, the Business Investor Work Visa offers a unique chance to expand internationally while gaining a pathway to residence in New Zealand. The country is known for its transparent regulations, ease of doing business, and thriving sectors such as technology, agribusiness, and renewable energy. With over 240,000 people of Indian origin already living in New Zealand, investors can benefit from an established community and a strong cultural connection. The visa also allows family inclusion, ensuring a balanced lifestyle and secure future.
 

10. What documents are required to apply for the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa?

Applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of business experience, financial documentation showing the investment amount and reserve funds, English language test results (such as IELTS), health and character certificates, and evidence of ownership or management of a qualifying business. If including family members, supporting relationship and dependent documents are also required. All documentation must meet Immigration New Zealand’s verification standards to ensure a smooth application process through the official online platform.