New Zealand welcomes entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to the economy through business creation, capital investment, and job generation. This guide covers the current pathways in 2026 — the Entrepreneur Work Visa (and its residence pathway) for people running a business, and the Active Investor Plus Visa for high-net-worth investors.
What's changed: the old Investor 1 and Investor 2 categories closed in 2022, the Global Impact Visa has also closed, and the Entrepreneur Work Visa is currently closed to new applications (renewals only). If you've seen these described as open, the information is out of date.
The Two Current Pathways
| Pathway | For | Minimum | Cost (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Work Visa → Resident | Running a NZ business | NZ$100,000 capital | NZ$12,380 (work) |
| Active Investor Plus | Passive / portfolio investors | NZ$5M (Growth) or NZ$10M (Balanced) | NZ$27,470 |
Entrepreneur Work Visa
For people who want to establish or buy and actively run a business in New Zealand. It allows a stay of up to 3 years (a 12-month start-up phase, then 24 months once the business is established) and leads to the Entrepreneur Resident Visa.
Closed to new applicants: INZ is currently accepting renewal applications only for the Entrepreneur Work Visa. Check the INZ entrepreneur work visa page for the latest status before planning around it.
Requirements
- Capital: minimum NZ$100,000 investment (this may be waived for science, ICT, or high-value export businesses showing strong innovation or export potential)
- Business plan: a detailed plan no more than 3 months old; you must establish the business within 12 months of approval
- Points: at least 120 points on the entrepreneur points scale (awarded for capital, business experience, benefit to NZ, job creation, age, and location)
- Benefit to NZ: the business must benefit New Zealand and not exist primarily to facilitate immigration
- Good health, character, and English language (around IELTS 4)
Cost
From NZ$12,380 (application fee plus immigration levy).
Pathway to the Entrepreneur Resident Visa
After successfully operating your business, you can apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa (from NZ$14,890):
- Fast track (6 months): if your business has invested NZ$500,000+ and created 3+ new full-time jobs for New Zealanders.
- Standard (24 months): after two years of running a business that is trading successfully, benefiting New Zealand, and under your active management.
Active Investor Plus Visa
For high-net-worth individuals investing in New Zealand. Since the April 2025 reset it has two categories and no Expression of Interest stage — you apply directly.
| Category | Investment | Period | Days in NZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Growth | NZ$5 million | 3 years | 21 days |
| Balanced | NZ$10 million | 5 years | 105 days |
- Acceptable investments must be approved by Invest New Zealand. Growth focuses on higher-risk direct investments and managed funds (philanthropy capped at 20%); Balanced adds listed equities, bonds, and commercial/industrial property developments.
- Cost: from NZ$27,470 (application fee plus immigration levy), for either category.
See the full Active Investor Plus guide for the detailed rules.
Source-of-Funds Evidence
Both pathways require rigorous evidence that your capital is lawfully sourced. Be ready to document the full trail — tax returns, business sale records, inheritance documents, property sale proceeds, or investment statements. INZ scrutinises source-of-funds evidence closely, and incomplete records are a common cause of delay or decline.
Costs Overview
| Pathway | Cost (from, NZD) |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | $12,380 |
| Entrepreneur Resident Visa | $14,890 |
| Active Investor Plus (Growth or Balanced) | $27,470 |
Figures are INZ application fees plus immigration levy. They exclude the investment itself, medical examinations, police certificates, and adviser fees.
Tips for Success
- Confirm the visa is open — the Entrepreneur Work Visa is currently renewals-only; check current settings before planning.
- Develop a genuine, current business plan — officers assess viability critically.
- Document every dollar — be ready to evidence the lawful source of all funds.
- Plan for the long term — these visas involve multi-year commitments and ongoing compliance.
- Get professional help — business and investor applications are complex and high-stakes.
Planning a business or investment immigration pathway? Find a licensed immigration adviser who specialises in business immigration and can guide your strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Entrepreneur Work Visa and the Active Investor Plus Visa?
The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for people who actively start or buy and run a New Zealand business — typically requiring NZ$100,000+ in capital and a viable business plan. The Active Investor Plus Visa is for passive or portfolio investors placing NZ$5 million (Growth) or NZ$10 million (Balanced) in qualifying NZ assets, without running a business day-to-day.
Is the Entrepreneur Work Visa open to new applicants?
No — INZ is currently accepting renewal applications only. Confirm the latest status on the INZ website before planning around this visa.
Is there an EOI for the Active Investor Plus Visa?
No. The current Active Investor Plus has no Expression of Interest stage — applications are lodged directly. (The Investor 2 EOI process referenced in older guides ended when that category closed in 2022.)
Do I need to live in New Zealand to hold these visas?
Both have time-in-NZ requirements. Entrepreneur visa holders are expected to be genuinely operating their business. Active Investor Plus requires 21 days (Growth, over 3 years) or 105 days (Balanced, over 5 years).
What evidence do I need for the source of my investment funds?
Documentation tracing the full source of your funds — tax returns, business sale records, inheritance documents, property sale proceeds, or investment account statements. INZ scrutinises this carefully; funds must be legitimate.
Can my family get residence through a business or investor visa?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included once you meet the business or investment requirements, and they receive the same residence rights as you.