New Zealand work visa opens for global investors
New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Work Visa (BIV) aimed at attracting international investors who wish to invest in existing local businesses rather than establishing new ones. The program, set to open on November 24, 2025, provides a clear pathway to permanent residence for eligible investors.
Under the new visa, applicants can choose between two investment options: a NZD 1 million investment offering a three-year route to residence, or a NZD 2 million investment that provides a fast-track pathway to residency within 12 months. Investors must also maintain at least NZD 500,000 in reserve funds to support living expenses for themselves and their families.
To qualify, investors are required to be actively involved in the business, ensure it remains financially stable, and create at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident. Only businesses operating for a minimum of five years are eligible for investment. The government has excluded certain sectors such as convenience stores, fast-food outlets, home-based or franchised businesses, and immigration consultancy services.
Officials say the visa is designed to help sustain New Zealand’s ageing private-business sector, many of which are seeking succession investment. The policy aims to boost foreign capital inflow, encourage job creation, and support long-term economic growth.
Immigration experts believe the visa will attract high-net-worth investors, especially from regions like India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. However, they caution that applicants must be prepared for stringent financial and character checks before approval.
With this initiative, New Zealand positions itself as a premier destination for global investors seeking both business opportunities and permanent residency through a structured and transparent immigration pathway.