Business Investor Work Visa
Work-to-residence visa for investors who actively run an established NZ business.
Official New Zealand pageWho this route is for
Experienced investors who invest in and actively operate an established New Zealand business; replaces the closed Entrepreneur Work Visa.
Eligibility requirements
- Invest at least NZD $1 million in an established business (3-year work-to-residence pathway) or NZD $2 million (12-month fast-track pathway)
- Purchase the business outright or acquire at least 25% of it
- Ensure the business employs at least 5 full-time-equivalent staff and create at least 1 new full-time job for a NZ citizen or resident
- Have at least NZD $500,000 to support yourself and any family included, and be aged 55 or younger
Requirements reviewed July 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.
Recent changes & caveats
Opened 24 November 2025 after the Entrepreneur Work Visa closed to new applicants. Valid up to 4 years (renewable up to 2 years); age limit 55 or younger; partners and dependent children can be included.
Other New Zealand routes
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
PermanentPoints-based residence for skilled workers, scored against the NZ median wage.
Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
PermanentImmediate residence for people with a Tier 1 Green List job offer.
Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2)
PathwayResidence after 24 months working in a Tier 2 Green List role.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
TemporaryNew Zealand's main employer-sponsored temporary work visa.