Business Investor Work Visa in New Zealand

Business Investor Work Visa · New Zealand visa route

investment · last reviewed 2026-08-08 · all New Zealand routes

A route for experienced business people who invest in and actively run an established New Zealand business.

Route overview

Typical timeline / duration: Up to 4 years

Important notes

Invest at least NZD 1 million in an established business, or NZD 2 million under the fast-track option.
Show at least NZD 500,000 in reserve funds, business experience, English, and fit-and-proper, health, and character evidence.
Actively participate in operating the business and meet the current residence-transition conditions.
Standard and fast-track investment options have different residence timelines.

Preparation checklist

Passport and application
Business and investment evidence
NZD 500,000 reserve-funds evidence
Business experience and English evidence
Health, character, and fit-and-proper documents

Official source

Official source: Immigration New Zealand

Also look at similar visas from these countries

Higher rating for quality of life

Thailand SMART Visa: Investor A SMART Visa route for investors putting qualifying capital into a Thailand-based, technology-driven business in a targeted industry. Open this route → Malaysia Investor Pass A business-focused pass for investors exploring or managing Malaysian investment activity. Open this route →

More accessible countries

Ecuador Temporary residence visa for investors A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements. Open this route → Hungary Guest investor or business route A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements. Open this route →

More affordable countries

Egypt Long-stay residence A longer-stay route based on its specific eligibility requirements. Open this route → India Business visa Not an employment visa, but useful for real business activity. Open this route →

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Visa rules change frequently. This page is a research guide, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with the official source before applying.