The Business Investor Visa offers an opportunity for you to sell your existing business or attract an overseas investor hoping to settle in New Zealand.
The visa aims to attract experienced businesspeople ready to invest in and actively operate established businesses in Aotearoa.
It replaces the now-closed Entrepreneur Work Visa and is part of a broader refresh of business immigration settings aimed at boosting economic growth and international connections.
Two investment pathways
Visa applicants have two investment options:
- NZD $1 million investment in an existing business, offering a 3-year work-to-residence pathway.
- NZD $2 million investment, enabling a 12-month fast-track to residence.
Both options require applicants to either purchase a business outright or acquire at least 25% ownership, with a minimum investment threshold.
Business types that don’t qualify
There are some types of businesses that are not acceptable under the visa.
These are:
- businesses involved in:
- drop-shipping
- gambling
- manufacturing tobacco or other nicotine-based products, including vaping
- adult entertainment
- convenience stores (for example, corner dairies)
- businesses that offer immigration advisory services
- discount or value stores (for example, NZD $2 shops)
- fast food outlets
- franchised businesses
- home-based businesses (businesses only operating from a residential address)