New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa
New Zealand has introduced the Business Investor Work Visa, formally replacing the previous Entrepreneur Visa. The new framework is designed for experienced business owners who intend to relocate to New Zealand and actively operate a qualifying business, rather than pursue a passive investment strategy.
Two visa pathways:
- NZD 1 million investment with a three-year work-to-residence pathway
- NZD 2 million investment with potential residence eligibility after twelve months
Investment must be made into a New Zealand business operating for at least five years
Key Features
- Visa valid for up to four years
- Partner and dependent children can be included
- Minimum NZD 500,000 in reserve funds required
- Must have 3 years of business experience
- Applicants must spend 184 days per year in New Zealand
The Business Investor Work Visa is designed for applicants who plan to relocate to New Zealand, actively manage a business, and spend significant time in the country. For investors seeking a flexible Plan B residency with minimal stay requirements, the Active Investor Plus Visa remains the more suitable option.
Does New Zealand offer a Golden Visa Program?
The phrase “Golden Visa” is essentially a term commonly used to describe a number of residency and citizenship by investment programs. Each country offering such programs usually has an official name for their offering. New Zealand’s program is officially called the New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa, which offers permanent residency and in essence can be classed as a Golden Visa program.
Can dependents be included in my New Zealand Active Investor Plus Visa?
Yes, dependents such as partners and dependent children, may be included. Proof is required that you have lived with your spouse for at least 12 months. Only children up to the age of 24 years old can be included. Families must come to New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being granted.
Do I have to stay in New Zealand to become a permanent resident?
During New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa, minimum stay requirements apply based on visa category. For the Growth category visa, this is 21 days over 3 years and for the Balanced category, this is 105 days over 5 years.
Can I get New Zealand citizenship through the Golden Visa?
Successful applicants can apply for New Zealand citizenship five years after obtaining their permanent residency visa according to the country’s naturalisation laws. Applicants must meet the necessary residency and character requirements.
Does New Zealand have a ‘Digital Nomad’ visa?
New Zealand does not have a specific Digital Nomad visa. As of 27th January 2025, visitor visa holders can work remotely for an overseas company during their stay. This is not a suitable option for those looking to stay permanently as the maximum length of a visitor visa is 90 days.
What is the difference between the Business Investor Work Visa and the Active Investor Plus Visa?
The Business Investor Work Visa is designed for applicants who plan to relocate to New Zealand, actively manage a business, and spend significant time in the country. It requires hands-on involvement, and a minimum physical presence of 184 days per year.
The Active Investor Plus Visa, by contrast, is a passive investment residency route. It offers significantly lower physical presence requirements, flexible investment options, and is better suited to global investors seeking long-term security and a Plan B residence without the need to run a business in New Zealand.
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