Prime Highlights
- New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Visa, replacing the Entrepreneur Work Visa, to attract foreign investors and boost the economy.
- The scheme offers two routes — NZD $1 million for a three-year work-to-residence visa and NZD $2 million for a one-year fast-track to residence.
Key Facts
- Applicants must invest in businesses that create at least five full-time jobs, with visa costs set at NZD $12,380 (₹6.4 lakh).
- Eligibility requires investors to be aged 55 or younger, prove NZD $500,000 in settlement funds, meet English (IELTS 5.0) standards, and avoid restricted businesses such as fast-food chains, convenience stores, and franchised outlets.
Background
New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Visa that gives foreign investors a chance to gain residency while helping boost the local economy. The programme has been initiated to bring into the country experienced business owners and investors who can get jobs and expand businesses in the country.
The Entrepreneur Work Visa will be replaced by the new visa, which is scheduled to open in November 2025. Under this scheme, applicants must invest between NZD $1 million and $2 million (₹5–10 crore) in businesses that can generate at least five full-time jobs.
It has two investment routes. Investment of NZD 1 million offers a three-year work-to-residence visa, and an investment of NZD 2 million offers a one-year fast-track to residence. Applicants have the option to purchase a business at full ownership or acquire 25 percent of the ownership, as long as they have the required amount of investment. Both of these eventually result in being eligible for a Business Investor Resident Visa.
The visa will be granted for up to four years. Spouses and dependent children may also be included by the applicants. The total cost of the visa is NZD $12,380 (₹6.4 lakh), which covers both the application and immigration levy.
To qualify, investors must prove they have at least NZD $500,000 to support themselves and their families while the business is set up. They also need to be aged 55 or younger, meet English language requirements (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent), and satisfy health, character, and business experience conditions.
Certain types of businesses will not be permitted under this visa. They consist of convenience stores, fast food chains, discount stores, franchised locations, home-based enterprises, and businesses connected with immigration advisers.
The scheme complements New Zealand Active investor Plus Visa that was last updated in April 2025, and wider changes to attract more international investment and skill labour.
