Business Investor Visa NZ

Build your future in New Zealand through the new Business Investor Visa. Launching November 2025, it provides investors with clear, flexible routes to residency.

What is the new Business Investor Visa in NZ?

The Business Investor Visa (New Zealand) is a new pathway for skilled investors to purchase or invest in existing businesses and take an active management role.

Replacing the former Entrepreneur Work Visa, it offers two investment options:

  • NZD $1 million for a 3‑year work‑to‑residence route
  • NZD $2 million for a 12‑month fast‑track to residence

Applicants can include their families and later apply for permanent residence through the Business Investor Resident Visa. This visa aims to attract investors who contribute to New Zealand’s growth through business development and job creation.

Complete a free assessment
nz citizenship benefits

Need help with your Business Investor Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Business Investor Visa applications.

Eligibility for the Business Investor Visa

To be eligible for New Zealand’s Business Investor Visa, applicants must satisfy specific investment, financial, and personal criteria and take an active management role in a New Zealand business.

  • 1

    Applicants may choose to invest NZD $1 million for a three‑year work‑to‑residence route or NZD $2 million for a 12‑month accelerated pathway to New Zealand residence.

  • 2

    Applicants must show a minimum of NZD $500,000 in personal funds to support themselves and their family while setting up or managing their New Zealand business.

  • 3

    Applicants must be 55 years of age or younger when submitting their Business Investor Visa application.

  • 4

    Applicants need to meet the English language requirement, demonstrating proficiency at IELTS 5.0 or an equivalent level.

  • 5

    Applicants must satisfy health and character requirements as outlined by Immigration New Zealand.

  • 6

    Applicants are required to demonstrate relevant business experience that aligns with their intended investment or management role in New Zealand.

Applicants can either purchase a New Zealand business outright or acquire a minimum 25% ownership stake in an existing business that meets the required investment threshold.

How We Can Help You Obtain Your Visa

With more than 35 years of experience and over 30,000 successful migrations to Australia and New Zealand, IMMagine Immigration offers expert guidance for investors pursuing the Business Investor Visa.

Our licensed advisers provide:

  • Eligibility assessments to identify the best investment pathway

  • Tailored advice on selecting or purchasing a qualifying New Zealand business

  • Comprehensive visa preparation and lodgement, ensuring all requirements are met

  • Collaboration with local professionals, including brokers, accountants, and legal experts

  • Family inclusion support and step‑by‑step assistance toward residence

From initial evaluation to final approval, IMMagine Immigration delivers complete, personalised support for a seamless transition to business and life in New Zealand.

Complete a free assessment

Step by Step

Our Process

free evaluation

1. Free Eligibility Check

Complete our short questionnaire and attach your resume (or provide a summary of qualifications and work experience).

Within 48 working hours, we will provide a free written assessment of Visa options.

online consultation

2. Online Consultation

Book a 75–90 minute paid online consultation to explore your visa options and get answers to all your questions.

visa application

3. Visa Application 

Once you decide to proceed, we will handle the preparation and processing of your visa application.

Visa Investment Criteria

The business you invest in must meet the minimum investment threshold, employ at least five full‑time staff in New Zealand, and not operate in restricted sectors.

Excluded business types include:

  • Drop‑shipping
  • Gambling
  • Tobacco, nicotine, or vaping product manufacturing
  • Adult entertainment
  • Convenience or discount stores
  • Fast‑food outlets
  • Franchised or home‑based businesses
  • Immigration advisory firms or those associated with Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIAs)
Complete a free assessment
nz citizenship benefits

Need help with your Business Investor Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with Business Investor Visa applications.

Visa Details

The application cost is NZD $12,380, which includes both the visa fee and the immigration levy.

The Business Investor Visa is valid for up to four years, allowing investors to live and work in New Zealand while managing their business.

The processing time for the Business Investor Visa is typically around 3 to 6 months from the date of submission.

Successful applicants may become eligible to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa after meeting all investment and business requirements.

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consultations held so far...
Yunus

Malaysia

"The only migration agency you need for AU and NZ. Heard a couple of bad experiences through my friends with other agencies. Ian, Jo and Hamish are thorough professionals and they mean business! It has been a wonderful journey indeed. Thank you IMMagine!"

Michael

South Africa

"A massive thank you to Tiffany, Hamish and Chen. Thanks to their knowledge, hard work and expertise, my family and I were fortunate to receive our 190 visa.

Chen and all the people we worked with at IMMagine, expertly guided us through this long process and we always knew that we couldn't be in better hands. They were professional, incredibly patient, understanding, knowledgeable and always a quick email away.

We will be eternally grateful for this wonderful opportunity!"

David

South Africa

"Immagine have to be the BEST immigration consultants. A thorough, professional team that get results. Outstanding in my experience."

Ian

South Africa

"Excellent service and very knowledgeable. We were guided through the entire process and ended up being invited to apply for the best visa of all... a 189! It's really hard to get into Australia... but Immagine made the process as enjoyable as it can possibly be."

Rit

Malaysia

"5 star service. Not only is the team knowledgeable but the level of execution and communication was outstanding. The whole process was stress free."

Mei

Singapore

"Very happy and grateful to have applied my permanent residency visa with IMMagine. The team there are professional and efficient. It was a long and patient wait with them for my visa to get approved but they have made the process easier. Kane was amazing with the whole process. Updates were sent frequently via email to notify the progress of the visa application. Made it worry free!"

Nikiko

South Africa

"Very happy with their services. They come highly recommended by us and are highly responsive and professional. Even though their fee is slightly more than others you will not regret and for those skeptical South Africans like us they are legit.. We have our VISA'S!!!"

Or

Israel

"We used the services of IMMagine for our permanent residency application, and April and Kane were fantastic and very supportive all through the process. They were always super quick to respond, and communication was effortless, which is extremly important in thsi proces. Our visa was unique and unusual, but April worked closely with my employer to receive all the needed information, and it was excepted.
I would highly recommend IMMagine services."

Viola

South Africa

"IMMagine supported us from day 1 with every submission, meticulously double checking all our documents. We received residency 16 days to the year since my arrival in NZ. IMMagine was on top of every announcement during COVID which allowed for a stress free and flawless application process. Thank you IMMagine, for making a dream come true."

Darmain

South Africa

"Immagine Immigration should no doubt be Your immigration company of choice , they dont sell You false promises and will never mislead You. I have used them and have never looked back . Kane Downs is indeed an awesome consultant and has been there for Myself and My Family every step of the way from start to finish for the last 7 years . A true Legend indeed who guided Us with honesty and integrity . Thanks Kane and Immagine Immigration , Highly Appreciated !!!"

Lafras

South Africa

"Very competent staff and very understanding of your conditions and needs. Thank you for a job well done over multiple applications."

Lauren

South Africa

"Excellent advice and outstanding service. The team at Immagine are fantastic and would highly recommend them to anyone needing their services."

Need Help With Your Visa?

IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with NZ work visas. Contact us today!