New Business Investor Visa to open November: new pathways to residence

The New Zealand Government has confirmed a major update to its business immigration settings with the introduction of the Business Investor Visa, a new pathway for experienced investors ready to invest in, operate, and grow established businesses. Applications will officially open on 24 November 2025, offering migrants with capital, proven business experience, and their families a clear route to residence. Applicants may include their partner and dependent children as part of the visa application.

Replacing the long-standing Entrepreneur Work Visa, which has now closed to new applications, the Business Investor Visa represents a sharper focus on attracting investors who bring both funding and operational capability. It complements April’s refresh of the Active Investor Plus Visa and is designed to stimulate economic growth by supporting job creation, productivity, and innovation.

Visa options and residence pathways

The Business Investor Visa provides two investment options for applicants:

• NZD 1 million investment in an established business, creating a three-year work-to-residence pathway
• NZD 2 million investment, offering a fast-track to residence after 12 months

Applicants may invest directly in a qualifying business that meets the visa’s operating history requirements, strengthening the link between investment activity and long-term economic contribution.

Both investment options provide a direct pathway to the Business Investor Resident Visa, with visas granted for up to four years and the ability to include a partner and dependent children in the application.

Eligibility for the Business Investor Visa

To qualify for the Business Investor Visa, applicants must:

• meet the investment threshold of NZD 1 million or NZD 2 million
• demonstrate at least NZD 500,000 in maintenance funds
• invest in a business that has been operating for at least five years
• be aged 55 or younger
• meet English language requirements
• satisfy health, character and business experience requirements, including experience such as running a business with at least five full-time employees or generating annual revenue of NZD 1 million

Certain sectors and business types are not eligible for investment under this visa. These include:

• convenience stores
• discount shops
• drop-shipping businesses
• fast food outlets
• gambling
• tobacco-related businesses, including vaping
• adult entertainment
• home-based businesses
• franchised businesses
• immigration advisory services

Business Investor Resident Visa requirements

Once the business has been successfully operated for the required period, applicants may be eligible for the Business Investor Resident Visa.

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

• be actively involved in managing their business in New Zealand
• maintain the same ownership level
• sustain at least five full-time equivalent positions
• create and maintain at least one new full-time role for a New Zealand citizen or resident that lasts at least 12 months
• demonstrate that the business is solvent
• meet presence in New Zealand requirements of 184 days in each of the previous three years
• meet health and character requirements

Closure of the Entrepreneur Work Visa

The Entrepreneur Work Visa category has now closed to new applications, marking the end of an era for New Zealand’s previous business migration pathway. The Government cited low volumes, high decline rates, and weak economic returns as key reasons for its retirement.

• If you currently hold an Entrepreneur Work Visa: you may continue on your pathway and renew your visa if more time is needed to meet residence requirements.
• If you have lodged an application: Immigration New Zealand will continue to process it under the original rules. However, withdrawals will not qualify for refunds.
• The Entrepreneur Resident Visa remains open, ensuring that existing visa holders can still transition to residence if they meet the criteria.

Looking ahead

The Business Investor Visa forms part of a broader, modernised business visa framework designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Work is also underway on a future visa pathway for startup entrepreneurs with innovative, scalable business ideas.

By targeting investors with proven capital and operational expertise, New Zealand aims to strengthen its business ecosystem, create jobs, and generate long-term economic benefits. Additional details, including a comparison with the Active Investor Plus Visa, are expected to be released before applications open.

Need support with the new Business Investor Visa?

At Absolute Immigration, we support investors to understand and meet the updated requirements of the Business Investor Visa, including the new investment thresholds, business age criteria, and experience expectations. Our team works closely with clients to prepare accurate, compliant applications that reflect Immigration New Zealand’s latest standards.

We provide clear guidance from the initial assessment through to meeting the ongoing obligations for the Business Investor Resident Visa, helping investors structure their applications and business operations for a strong and successful pathway to residence in New Zealand.

Contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com for expert advice tailored to your goals.