New Zealand offers dedicated visa pathways for investors and entrepreneurs who want to build a business or deploy capital in the country. The Investor visas require significant financial commitment but offer a streamlined path to residence, while the Entrepreneur visa targets individuals who want to establish and actively manage a business. These pathways are ideal for high-net-worth individuals and experienced business operators seeking a high quality of life in one of the world’s most business-friendly economies.
Not sure which NZ visa is right for you? Take our 2-minute New Zealand Visa Match quiz to see all NZ immigration routes you qualify for.
Investor Visa Options
Active Investor Plus Visa (Investor 1 Replacement)
Replaced the old Investor 1 and 2 categories in 2022. This is now the single investor residence pathway.
- Minimum investment: NZD $5 million over 4 years in acceptable NZ investments
- Weighted investment system: Investments are weighted based on their benefit to NZ. Direct investments in NZ businesses count for more than passive listed investments. A NZD $5M direct investment satisfies the requirement faster than $5M in listed equities.
- Minimum time in NZ: 117 days over the 4-year investment period
- English language: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent (or purchase English language tuition)
- No age limit
- Character and health requirements
Investment Weighting Examples
- Direct investment in NZ private business: Weight 3× (NZD $1.67M effectively counts as $5M)
- Managed funds focused on NZ companies: Weight 2×
- Listed NZ equities, bonds, philanthropy: Weight 1×
This means savvy investors who put money directly into NZ businesses can meet the threshold with as little as NZD $1.67 million in effective capital.
Entrepreneur Work Visa
For individuals who want to start or purchase a business in New Zealand.
- Business plan: Must submit a detailed business plan demonstrating innovation, export potential, or high growth.
- Capital: Must have sufficient capital to invest in the business (no fixed minimum, but typically NZD $100,000+).
- Business experience: Relevant experience in the type of business you plan to establish.
- English: IELTS 4.0 or equivalent.
- Points-based assessment: Evaluated on business experience, capital investment, job creation, export potential, and age.
- Visa duration: Up to 3 years initially.
Entrepreneur Residence Visa
After successfully operating your business for 2+ years on the Entrepreneur Work Visa:
- Business has been operating for at least 2 years
- Business is trading profitably (or on a clear path to profitability)
- Business benefits New Zealand (job creation, innovation, or export revenue)
- You’ve been actively involved in management
Fast-track (6 months): If you invest NZD $500,000+ and create 3+ full-time jobs for NZ workers, you can apply for residence after just 6 months.
Costs and Fees
- Active Investor Plus application: NZD $4,745
- Entrepreneur Work Visa: NZD $3,710
- Entrepreneur Residence: NZD $3,310
- Investment capital: NZD $5 million (investor) or NZD $100,000+ (entrepreneur)
- Business plan preparation: NZD $2,000-$10,000
- Medical and police: NZD $500-$900
Timeline
- Active Investor Plus: 3-9 months processing + 4-year investment period = ~5 years to full residence
- Entrepreneur: 3-6 months work visa processing + 2 years operating (or 6 months fast-track) + residence processing = 3-4 years total
Tips
- For investors: Leverage the weighting system. Direct investment in NZ businesses maximizes your points per dollar. Consider working with NZ venture capital or private equity funds that specialize in immigrant investor placements.
- For entrepreneurs: NZ values innovation, export potential, and job creation. A business that creates jobs for New Zealanders and brings in export revenue scores highest.
- Use a licensed immigration adviser. Business migration applications are complex, and the financial stakes are high. A specialist adviser helps avoid costly mistakes.
- Entrepreneur fast-track is worth considering. If you can invest $500K and create 3 jobs quickly, you get to residence in under 2 years — one of the fastest business migration pathways anywhere.