Residency · Oceania

New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa

Accepting applicationsFrom NZD 1,000,000≈ US$553k · €501k · £418k (at today's rate)

Discuss this programme Estimate Family Costs

A work visa of up to four years for people who buy and actively run an established New Zealand business with at least NZD 1 million, leading to residence after three years, or after 12 months with NZD 2 million.

Investment from: NZD 1,000,000≈ US$553k · €501k · £418k (at today's rate)
Processing: To confirm
Family: Spouse, Children
Stay required: To confirm

Decision summary

What do you obtain?: New Zealand Business Investor Work VisaRoute to citizenshipThe work visa can lead to a resident visa;
What does your family invest?: At least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business you actively run (NZD 2 million for the fast-track pathway), plus NZD 500,000 in reserve funds.
What is additional?: Government feesApplication fee from NZD 12,380, depending on where and how you apply.
How long does it take?: Information pending verification
Must you travel or live there?: Information pending verification
What is the main drawback?: Aged 55 or younger, three years of business experience, English, good health and character, and at least one new full-time job. Funds cannot be borrowed, except in certain circumstances.
Family inclusion: Spouse, Children · conditions apply
Program status: Operational

Overview

The Business Investor Work Visa is for people who invest at least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business and run it themselves. They also need at least NZD 500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and their family.

Applicants must be aged 55 or younger, have three years of business experience, speak English, and intend to create at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident. GST, the business's property value and transaction costs do not count towards the investment.

The visa lasts up to four years: a 12-month establishment stage to buy and start running the business, then an operating stage. Evidence of the purchase must be given within the first nine months, or the visa ends after 12 months.

After three years of running the business, a NZD 1 million investor may be eligible for a Business Investor Resident Visa; with NZD 2 million, after 12 months, though the business must still be run for three years in all.

Path to citizenship

Ordinary naturalisation rules only

The work visa can lead to a resident visa; citizenship then follows New Zealand's ordinary rules for residents.

See every residency route to citizenship →

Who this program may not suit

Taken from the facts recorded on this page. It may not suit you if:

Your budget is below NZD 1,000,000, the minimum recorded investment, before fees and costs.

Investment pathways

Investment pathway: Business Investor Work Visa, leading to a Business Investor Resident Visa.
Minimum investment: At least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business you actively run (NZD 2 million for the fast-track pathway), plus NZD 500,000 in reserve funds.

Checked against official programme sources

Family inclusion

Spouse
Named in the rule
Children
Named in the rule
Parents
Not named in the rule
Siblings
Not named in the rule

Ages, dependency and other conditions are in the rule below; confirm them for each family member.

Eligible dependents: Partner and dependent children can be included in the application.

Checked against official programme sources

Application process

The government has not yet published an application process for this programme.

Investment and fees

Qualifying investment amounts and government fees are always shown separately. We do not publish single "total price" figures, as the total depends on family composition and circumstances.

Estimate for your family

Spouse

Children0

Parents0

Investment for your family: NZD 1,000,000≈ US$553,200 · €500,600 · £418,300 (at today's rate); Established business purchase, standard pathway (minimum)
Known total so far: NZD 1,000,000≈ US$553,200 · €500,600 · £418,300 (at today's rate); 5 cost items not yet included

Children are counted as 10 and parents as 60 unless you enter ages in the calculator. Full breakdown and ages

Qualifying investment

Established business purchase, standard pathway (minimum): NZD 1,000,000≈ US$553,200 · €500,600 · £418,300 (at today's rate)
Established business purchase, fast-track pathway (minimum): NZD 2,000,000≈ US$1,106,000 · €1,001,000 · £836,500 (at today's rate)

Government fees: Application fee from NZD 12,380, depending on where and how you apply.
To be confirmed: Due diligence fees · Estimated additional costs · Investment holding period

Checked against official programme sources

Residence requirements

Renewal requirements: Up to four years, with one further visa of up to two years if more time is needed to qualify for residence.
Potential route to citizenship: The work visa can lead to a resident visa; citizenship then follows New Zealand's ordinary rules for residents.
To be confirmed: Residence requirements

Checked against official programme sources

Due diligence and documentation

Applicants and included dependants undergo background and source-of-funds checks by the relevant authority. Documentation requirements are confirmed during preparation — no documents are needed for an initial consultation.

Considerations, limitations and risks

Important restrictions

Aged 55 or younger, three years of business experience, English, good health and character, and at least one new full-time job. Funds cannot be borrowed, except in certain circumstances.

Published thresholds are not comprehensive costs; taxes, professional fees and dependant charges may apply.
Immigration law, visa access and naturalisation rules can change without notice.
Individual eligibility depends on nationality, financial background, due diligence and program-specific criteria.

Status and authority

Operational status: Operational
Official government authority: Immigration New Zealand
To be confirmed: Legal basis · Nationality restrictions

Programme rules change; your advisor confirms every figure before you commit.

Frequently asked questions

Does the New Zealand Business Investor visa lead to residence?

Yes. After running the business for three years with NZD 1 million invested, or 12 months with NZD 2 million, you may be eligible for a Business Investor Resident Visa.

Is there an age limit?

Yes. You must be aged 55 or younger when you apply.

What is the minimum investment for New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa?

At least NZD 1 million in an established New Zealand business you actively run (NZD 2 million for the fast-track pathway), plus NZD 500,000 in reserve funds.

Can my family be included?

Partner and dependent children can be included in the application.

How long does the process take?

Timeframes depend on the authority and the completeness of your application. An advisor can provide current guidance.

Does the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa lead to citizenship?

The work visa can lead to a resident visa; citizenship then follows New Zealand's ordinary rules for residents.

Is approval guaranteed?

No. Every application is decided by the government concerned after due diligence, and requirements can change.