New Zealand investor visa: Business Investor Work Visa

INZ has closed the Entrepreneur Work Visa, which required NZD 100,000 and 120 points, to new applications; only existing holders can renew it. The Business Investor Work Visa is now the route for people who want to own and run a business in New Zealand. It targets established businesses rather than start-ups.

The business you nominate must have traded for at least 5 years, operate lawfully in New Zealand, comply with immigration, employment and business standards, cost at least NZD 1 million (excluding property and GST) for at least a 25% stake, employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff, not already be owned by you or your family, and not have been used for a business investor or entrepreneur visa in the last 10 years. You must carry out due diligence, intend to be actively involved and create at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Personally you must be 55 or younger, show 3 years of business experience (for example self-employment in a business with 5 full-time staff or NZD 1 million revenue, or senior management of teams in larger businesses), speak and understand English through citizenship, work, study or a test no older than 2 years, hold NZD 500,000 in reserve funds, and be a fit and proper person of good health and character.

The visa lasts up to 4 years. In the establishment stage, within the first 12 months, you buy the nominated business and start running it; within the first 9 months you must give INZ evidence that you have done so, after which the visa remains valid for the rest of the period. The operating stage covers the remaining time. One renewal of up to 2 years is possible if you need more time to qualify for residence.

With an investment of at least NZD 1 million you may qualify for the Business Investor Resident Visa after running the business for 3 years (standard pathway). With at least NZD 2 million you may apply after 12 months (fast-track pathway), but you must still run the business for at least 3 years across both visas, which INZ secures through conditions on the resident visa.