New Zealand actively welcomes entrepreneurs and investors who can contribute to the economy through business creation, capital investment, and job generation. For those with significant business experience or investment capital, dedicated visa categories offer pathways to work, establish businesses, and ultimately gain residence.
This guide covers all business and investor visa categories available in 2026, from entrepreneur visas for active business operators to investor categories for those bringing substantial capital.
Overview of Business Immigration
New Zealand's business immigration framework serves multiple purposes:
- Economic growth: Attracting capital and expertise to grow the economy
- Job creation: Encouraging businesses that employ New Zealanders
- Innovation: Welcoming entrepreneurs who bring new ideas and technologies
- Global connections: Building international business networks
The main pathways fall into two categories: entrepreneur visas for those starting or buying businesses, and investor visas for those investing capital.
Entrepreneur Work Visa
For entrepreneurs who want to establish or purchase a business in New Zealand, the Entrepreneur Work Visa creates a pathway from business plan to operation.
How It Works
- Develop business plan: Create a comprehensive plan meeting INZ criteria
- Apply for visa: Submit application with business plan and capital evidence
- Operate business: Run your business in New Zealand for minimum period
- Apply for residence: After successful operation, apply for Entrepreneur Resident Visa
Requirements
Business Plan Standards Your business must:
- Be beneficial to New Zealand (not primarily serving overseas markets)
- Demonstrate genuine innovation or export potential
- Create employment for New Zealanders (preferred)
- Not be a business type on the excluded list
Capital Requirements
- Minimum NZ$100,000 investment capital
- Higher capital or employment creation = higher chances of approval
- Funds must be legitimately sourced
Business Experience
- Demonstrated senior business or management experience
- Expertise relevant to the proposed business
- Track record of business success
Other Requirements
- Good health and character
- English language ability (minimum IELTS 4)
- Points-based assessment (120 points threshold)
Points Factors
| Factor | Points Available |
|---|---|
| Capital Investment | Up to 80 |
| Job Creation | Up to 80 |
| Export Potential | Up to 40 |
| Business Experience | Up to 40 |
| Age | Up to 30 |
| Location (regional) | Up to 40 |
Visa Duration
Entrepreneur Work Visas are granted for 12-36 months depending on the business plan timeline. Extensions may be possible for businesses progressing toward goals.
Entrepreneur Resident Visa
After successfully operating your business in New Zealand, you can apply for Entrepreneur Residence.
Six-Month Pathway (High Value)
Faster residence if your business achieved:
- NZ$500,000+ investment, or
- 3+ full-time jobs created, or
- Significant export earnings
Standard Pathway (24 Months)
After operating for 24 months with:
- Business trading profitably (or progressing well)
- Business beneficial to New Zealand
- Your active involvement in management
Active Investor Plus Visa (Investor 1)
For high-net-worth individuals, the Active Investor Plus visa offers a streamlined pathway based primarily on investment size.
Investment Levels
Direct Investment (Minimum NZ$5 million) Investment in:
- New Zealand businesses (excluding residential property)
- Private equity funds
- Venture capital
- Managed funds meeting criteria
Higher Investment Options Larger investments may qualify for:
- Reduced minimum stay requirements
- Faster processing
- Greater flexibility
Key Features
- No upper age limit for higher investment tiers
- Minimum English language requirement (IELTS 3)
- Investment period of 4 years
- Residence path upon successful investment completion
Stay Requirements
During the 4-year investment period:
- 117 days in New Zealand required
- Higher investment = reduced stay requirements
- Active participation encouraged but not mandatory
Investor 2 Visa Category
The standard investor visa for those with significant capital but less than required for Investor 1.
Requirements
- Investment: NZ$3 million+ for 4 years
- Age: Under 65 at application
- Business experience: 3+ years in qualifying business/investment
- English: IELTS 3+
- Settlement funds: NZ$500,000 for settlement
- Stay requirement: 438 days over 4 years
Expression of Interest Pool
(Note: Investor 2 was discontinued in 2022 and replaced by Active Investor Plus) The old Investor 2 operated through an EOI pool:
- Submit EOI (NZ$780)
- Selection based on factors including investment amount
- Invitation to apply
- Submit full application
Higher investment amounts are selected preferentially.
Global Impact Visa
For entrepreneurs in high-impact sectors, the Global Impact Visa offers an alternative pathway focused on innovation rather than capital.
Target Sectors
- Technology and software
- Research and development
- High-growth export businesses
- Sustainability and clean technology
Requirements
- Partnership with approved New Zealand accelerator or incubator
- Compelling business proposition with global potential
- Commitment to establishing in New Zealand
Excluded Businesses
Certain business types don't qualify for entrepreneur visas, including:
- Small retail operations
- Residential property investment
- Passive investment operations
- Businesses primarily serving overseas clients remotely
Investment Requirements
Acceptable Investments
- Active business shareholdings
- Private equity funds (approved)
- New Zealand government bonds (limited proportion)
- Equity investments meeting criteria
Non-Qualifying Investments
- Residential property (generally)
- Owner-occupied homes
- Personal assets
- Bank deposits (beyond settlement funds)
Costs Overview
| Category | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur Work Visa | NZ$3,770 |
| Entrepreneur Resident Visa | NZ$3,310 |
| Active Investor Plus (fmr. Investor 2) EOI | NZ$780 |
| Active Investor Plus Application | NZ$4,745 |
| Active Investor Plus | NZ$4,745+ |
Tips for Success
- Develop genuine plans: Immigration officers assess business viability critically
- Document capital sources: Be prepared to explain and evidence all funds
- Consider location: Regional businesses may score additional points
- Plan for the long term: These visas require multi-year commitments
- Get professional help: Business visa applications are complex—use advisers
Planning a business or investment immigration pathway? Find a licensed immigration adviser who specializes in business immigration and can guide your strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Entrepreneur Work Visa and the Investor Visa in New Zealand?
The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for people who want to start or buy and run a business in New Zealand — typically requiring NZ$100,000+ in business funds and a viable business plan. The Investor Visa (Active Investor Plus) is for passive or portfolio investors who want to invest NZ$5 million+ in qualifying NZ assets without necessarily running a business day-to-day.
Do I need to live in New Zealand to maintain a business or investor visa?
Yes, both categories have time-in-NZ requirements. Entrepreneur visa holders are expected to be genuinely operating their business. Active Investor Plus requires 117 days in NZ over 3 years. Failure to meet time requirements can affect your residence status.
Can I buy an existing business for the Entrepreneur Work Visa?
Yes. You can purchase an existing New Zealand business as long as it meets the viability requirements — it must generate sufficient income and employment, and you must play an active role in its management. Passive ownership or absentee ownership does not qualify.
What evidence do I need to prove the source of my investment funds?
You must provide documentation tracing the full source of your funds — tax returns, business sale records, inheritance documents, property sale proceeds, or investment account statements. INZ will scrutinise source-of-funds evidence carefully. Funds must be legitimate and not derived from criminal activity.
Can my family get residency through a business or investor visa?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in your residence application once you have met the investment or business performance requirements. They receive the same residency rights as you.