Business Investor Work Visa: Your Direct Path to Business Ownership
The Business Investor Work Visa is New Zealand’s newest pathway for experienced entrepreneurs looking to take over and expand proven local companies. Unlike passive investment options, this category values your active management and leadership. It offers a transparent, high-certainty route to residency, allowing you to integrate into the New Zealand business community while securing a world-class lifestyle for your family.
As of late 2025, New Zealand has shifted its focus toward “active” business migration. The Business Investor Work Visa is the cornerstone of this new strategy, replacing the old points-based system with clear financial and operational benchmarks.
This visa is specifically for individuals who intend to purchase at least 25% ownership of a New Zealand business that has been operating for at least five years. By investing in an established enterprise, you bypass the high risks of a startup while contributing your global expertise to the local economy.
The duration of your work visa and your speed to permanent residency are determined by the amount of capital you commit to your New Zealand business.
- The Standard Pathway ($1 Million): Invest at least NZD $1 million to establish a three-year work-to-residence pathway. You must actively operate the business for three years before applying for residency.
- The Fast-Track Pathway ($2 Million): By investing NZD $2 million or more, you can apply for your Resident Visa after just 12 months of active business operation.
Both pathways grant an initial work visa for up to four years, providing ample time to complete your business acquisition and meet residency requirements.
To ensure the success of both the investor and the local business, Immigration New Zealand has set specific criteria for 2026 applicants:
- Age: You must be 55 years or younger at the time of your application.
- Business experience: You must demonstrate at least 3 years of experience as a business owner (running a company with $1M+ turnover) or in a senior management role (managing 5+ staff).
- Reserve funds: You must show at least NZD $500,000 in settlement funds to support your family, separate from your business investment.
- English language: Applicants must meet a modest English requirement (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).
Not every business qualifies for this visa. The government’s goal is to support high-value industries that provide sustainable employment.
- Qualifying businesses: The company must have been operating in New Zealand for at least 5 years and employ at least 5 full-time staff.
- Job creation: You must commit to maintaining the existing 5 staff and creating at least one additional full-time role for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Exclusions: Speculative or low-impact businesses such as convenience stores, fast food outlets, drop-shipping, and home-based franchises are generally excluded from this category.
The 2026 policy introduces mandatory due diligence to protect your investment. Before your visa is approved, you must provide formal reports from New Zealand-based professionals:
- Financial valuation: A report from a qualified New Zealand statutory accountant confirming the business’s value and solvency.
- Legal review: A New Zealand lawyer’s confirmation of the legal standing and compliance of the acquisition.
- Time-in-country: Once operating, you must spend at least 184 days per year in New Zealand to demonstrate active management.
Our team coordinates these professional reports and manages your “Source of Wealth” documentation to ensure a seamless transition from work visa to permanent residency.
