Business and investment visas in New Zealand
New Zealand has a new Business Investor pathway. The old Entrepreneur visas have closed and have been replaced by the Business Investor Work Visa and the Business Investor Resident Visa.
These visas are for experienced business people who want to buy or grow a New Zealand business, create jobs and spend real time in the country. INZ looks at your investment, business plan, job creation and English ability, as well as standard health, character and bona fide requirements.
Who is the Business Investor pathway for
This pathway may be suitable if you
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Have owned or managed businesses before
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Can invest significant capital into a New Zealand business
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Are willing to be actively involved in the business, not just a passive investor
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Can help maintain or grow local jobs and economic value
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Plan to live in New Zealand for a meaningful amount of time, not just visit periodically
We help you understand if the Business Investor Work Visa and Resident Visa settings match your real plan and risk level.
Business Investor Work Visa overview
What this visa allows
The Business Investor Work Visa lets you
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Come to New Zealand to buy or invest in an eligible business
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Work in the business you have invested in
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Include your partner and dependent children if they meet the rules
INZ will assess your business and investment plan, the source of your funds, your previous business experience and how the business will support jobs and growth in New Zealand.
Key checks on the work stage
At the work stage, INZ focuses on
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The type and size of the business you are buying or investing in
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How much you will invest and how funds are transferred and documented
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How involved you will be in day-to-day or strategic management
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Whether your plan is realistic based on the sector and location
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Your English, health, character and bona fide intentions
Business Investor Resident Visa overview
Moving from work to residence
If you hold a Business Investor Work Visa and meet the policy over time, you may be able to apply for residence under the Business Investor Resident Visa. INZ looks at:
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Whether you have maintained the required level of investment
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How many jobs have been created or preserved
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How much time you and your family have actually spent in New Zealand
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Whether the business is trading in line with your plan and obligations
Why timing and evidence matter
Residence assessment is based on what has actually happened in your business, not just the original plan. We help you track key milestones and keep your evidence in order so that when you reach the right point, your file is decision-ready for residence.
What Immigration New Zealand looks at
For business and investment visas, INZ will review
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Your business and management track record
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The nature of the business and sector risk
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Investment structure, source of funds and supporting documents
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Job creation, payroll and compliance records in New Zealand
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How your business supports wider economic outcomes
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Standard health, character and bona fide requirements
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Missing or weak evidence on any of these points can lead to long delays, extra questions or refusal.
How we support Business Investor applicants
Step 1 Assess your plan
We check whether the Business Investor Work Visa and Resident Visa settings fit your real situation, including your business experience, capital level, family needs and risk tolerance. If the settings do not match, we tell you early.
Step 2 Align business and visa strategy
We work with your accountant, business broker or advisor to align the business purchase or investment structure with the visa rules. Our role is immigration law. We do not sell investments but we help you make sure your immigration pathway is realistic and compliant.
Step 3 Prepare and respond
We prepare decision-ready applications, explain your plan clearly to INZ and stay with you through questions, updates and the later residence stage if you decide to proceed.