New Zealand has announced a new Business Investor Work Visa, which is being described as a fresh “golden visa” program. This visa is designed to attract foreign investors who want to live, work, and grow businesses in New Zealand. By investing in local companies, international investors can work toward getting residency in the country.
The program gives applicants two investment options.
The first option allows investors to put NZD 1 million into a New Zealand business. This choice provides a three-year pathway, where the applicant works in the business and can then apply for residency after completing the required period.
The second option is faster. It requires an investment of NZD 2 million and offers a one-year track to residency, allowing investors to settle in New Zealand much sooner if they choose to invest more.
Along with the main investment, applicants must show they have at least NZD 500,000 saved for their own living costs and for their family’s support while staying in New Zealand. This requirement ensures that investors can handle daily expenses without financial pressure.
Applicants must also prove that they have real business experience. This can include owning a company that earns NZD 1 million or more in annual revenue or running a business that has five or more full-time employees. These conditions help New Zealand make sure that the people applying have the skills to contribute to the economy.
The visa also allows investors to bring their spouse and dependent children, giving families the chance to start a new life together in the country. However, New Zealand has placed restrictions on where the investment money can go. Sectors such as gambling, fast food, and tobacco-related businesses are excluded from the program, as the country wants to encourage investment in healthier and more sustainable industries.
This new visa works alongside New Zealand’s already existing Active Investor Plus Visa, which requires much larger investments of NZD 5 to 10 million. While the Active Investor Plus Visa offers permanent residency to investors and their families, it targets high-net-worth individuals. The new Business Investor Work Visa fills the gap by creating a more affordable and flexible pathway for mid-level investors who want to run businesses actively.
New Zealand’s Immigration Minister, Erica Stanford, said that the main goal of the program is to attract motivated entrepreneurs who want to play an active role in the country’s business environment. She explained that New Zealand aims to build a stronger economy by bringing in people who have both investment capital and hands-on business skills.
The government is also working on new visa options that will support startup founders, small business builders, and digital nomads who want short-term or flexible stays in the country. These upcoming visa types are expected to help New Zealand stay competitive as more countries introduce programs for remote workers and young entrepreneurs.
Applications for the Business Investor Work Visa will open on November 24, 2025. This program gives global investors a clear and structured pathway to move to New Zealand, start or support local businesses, and eventually work toward permanent residency for themselves and their families.
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