New Zealand is opening its doors wider to global investors with the introduction of a Business Investor Work Visa, set to officially launch on 24 November 2025.
This new visa category is designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs and investors who are ready to put their money and expertise into established New Zealand businesses. It’s not just about funding; it’s about helping grow real companies, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s long-term economic goals.
For business-minded people looking for a pathway that combines investment, work, and residency, this could be a major opportunity. Here’s everything you need to know about how the visa works, who can apply, and what makes it different from New Zealand’s other investment visa options.
What the New Visa Offers
The Business Investor Work Visa gives eligible investors the right to live and work in New Zealand while managing or investing in an existing local business. It’s valid for up to four years and allows applicants to include their partner and dependent children, making it an attractive option for families seeking a fresh start abroad.
There are two main investment pathways:
NZD $1 million investment: A three-year work-to-residence route for those looking to build roots gradually.
NZD $2 million investment: A fast-track option, allowing investors to qualify for residence in just 12 months.
In essence, the more you invest, the faster you can transition from temporary status to permanent residence, provided you meet all operational and performance requirements.
Who Can Apply
To qualify for the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must meet several financial, professional, and personal criteria. This isn’t a visa for beginners; it’s built for experienced business owners or executives who can prove a successful track record.
Here’s a breakdown of the main requirements:
Investment Target: Must invest in a business that has been operating in New Zealand for at least five years.
Minimum Investment Amount: Choose between NZD $1 million or $2 million, depending on your desired pathway.
Reserve Funds: Hold at least NZD $500,000 for personal and family support during your stay.
Business Experience: Must have verifiable experience managing a company with at least five full-time employees or generating annual revenue of NZD $1 million or more.
Age Limit: Applicants must be 55 years or younger.
Other Requirements: Must meet English language, health, and character standards as set by New Zealand Immigration.
These criteria ensure that only serious, experienced investors who can make a meaningful contribution to the local economy are granted access.
Businesses That Don’t Qualify
Not every business will count toward this visa, and New Zealand has made that clear. The government wants to steer investment into sustainable and growth-oriented sectors, not short-term or high-risk ventures.
Excluded business types include:
Convenience or discount stores
Drop-shipping and fast-food operations
Gambling or tobacco-related enterprises (including vaping)
Adult entertainment businesses
Home-based or franchised operations
Immigration advisory services
By eliminating these sectors, the government is ensuring that approved investors contribute to real job creation, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
Pathway to Permanent Residence
The end goal of this visa isn’t just temporary work rights, it’s permanent residence for those who meet New Zealand’s business and employment standards.
To transition from the Business Investor Work Visa to the Business Investor Resident Visa, applicants must:
Remain actively involved in managing their business.
Maintain their ownership stake in the company.
Continue to employ at least five full-time equivalent workers.
Create and sustain one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident for a minimum of 12 months.
Prove that the business is financially stable and contributing to the economy.
Spend at least 184 days per year in New Zealand for each of the previous three years.
Continue to meet health and character standards.
In summary, if you successfully run a legitimate, job-creating business over several years, New Zealand rewards that commitment with permanent residency and, potentially, a pathway to citizenship later on.
How It Differs from the Active Investor Plus Visa
It’s important not to confuse this new visa with the Active Investor Plus Visa, which remains available for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The Active Investor Plus option caters to investors willing to commit larger sums, such as:
NZD $5 million in the Growth category (for three years) — involving higher-risk investments like managed funds or direct equity.
NZD $10 million in the Balanced category (for five years) — allowing a mix of investments in equities, bonds, property developments, or philanthropic contributions.
In contrast, the Business Investor Work Visa focuses more on hands-on participation in existing businesses. It’s meant for entrepreneurs who want to be directly involved in operations, job creation, and innovation — not just invest money from a distance.
Why This Matters for Global and Nigerian Entrepreneurs
New Zealand has long been one of the most attractive destinations for entrepreneurs due to its transparent business environment, low corruption, and strong work-life balance.
This new visa highlights a shift in immigration strategy: New Zealand wants active contributors, not passive investors. It’s about people who can grow existing companies, mentor local teams, and drive productivity — the kind of real-world impact that keeps an economy dynamic.
For Nigerian business owners or investors looking to expand globally, this visa could open doors to:
A stable economy with strong international trade links.
Access to skilled labour and advanced business infrastructure.
The chance to gain permanent residence for you and your family.
A platform to diversify your portfolio in a first-world market.
New Zealand’s upcoming Business Investor Work Visa represents more than just another immigration pathway — it’s a signal of intent. The country wants to partner with skilled, experienced investors who bring more than capital: they bring creativity, leadership, and a growth mindset.
For serious entrepreneurs ready to take their business experience global, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. With the official launch coming up on November 24, 2025, now is the time to start preparing — reviewing your eligibility, gathering documentation, and planning the type of business you’d want to invest in once the doors open.
- Visit New Zeland Immigration page for more information.
