New Zealand: New Business Investor Visa Introduced, Entrepreneur Work Visa Closed

The situation

The New Zealand government has confirmed that the Entrepreneur Work Visa will be phased out and replaced with the Business Investor Visa. This new visa reflects a strategic shift in business immigration policy aimed at attracting higher-value investment and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

A closer look

• Visa pathways. The Business Investor Work Visa will open for applications in November 2025, with two investment options:
  • NZD 1 million investment in an existing business, providing a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
  • NZD 2 million investment in an existing business, providing a 12-month fast-track to residence.

Applicants may purchase a business outright or acquire at least a 25% shareholding, provided they meet the minimum investment thresholds.

• Eligibility. To qualify for the Business Investor Work Visa, applicants must:
  • Meet the minimum investment threshold;
  • Demonstrate access to at least NZD 500,000 for settlement and living costs (for themselves and accompanying family);
  • Be age 55 or younger at the time of application;
  • Meet English language requirements (International English Language Testing System score of 5.0 or equivalent);
  • Satisfy health and character requirements;
  • Meet business experience requirements; and
  • Invest in a business that meets the financial threshold and employs at least five full-time equivalent staff.
• Business investment requirements. Under the Business Investor Visa, certain types of businesses are not considered acceptable investments. These include franchises, drop-shipping operations, gambling businesses, and the manufacturing of tobacco or nicotine-based products such as vaping, among others. In addition, businesses that provide immigration advisory services or that were purchased from a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), or where an LIA is materially involved are not eligible under this visa category.
• Visa validity. A Business Investor Visa may be granted for up to four years.
• Costs. The visa will cost NZD 12,380, inclusive of the application fee and immigration levy.
• Dependent inclusion. Applicants may sponsor a partner and dependent children in their application.
• Alignment with other visas. This new pathway complements the Active Investor Plus Visa, refreshed in April 2025, and is part of a broader update to immigration policy aimed at attracting investment, talent, and global connections.
• Closure of the Entrepreneur Work Visa. The New Zealand government has closed the Entrepreneur Category to new applications for the Entrepreneur Work Visa. Applications that have already been submitted will continue to be processed under the rules in place at the time of submission. However, if an applicant chooses to withdraw their application, no refund of fees or levies will be available, regardless of the reason for withdrawal.

Impact

The Business Investor Visa will provide clear residence pathways for foreign investors committed to actively running businesses in New Zealand, offering both standard and fast-track options depending on the level of investment.

Current Entrepreneur Work Visa holders will still have a pathway to residence through the Entrepreneur Resident Visa, which remains open. Those who require additional time to meet the residence requirements may continue to apply for an Entrepreneur Work Visa renewal to maintain their eligibility for residence.

Background

Previously, New Zealand offered the Entrepreneur Work Visa under the Entrepreneur Category, which allowed foreign nationals to establish and operate businesses in the country. However, this pathway has now been closed, with the government introducing the Business Investor Visa as a replacement. By shifting the focus from smaller entrepreneurial ventures to higher-value investments, the government aims to attract experienced investors who can create jobs, drive sustainable economic growth, and align with New Zealand’s broader objectives of strengthening its business environment and global investment appeal.

Looking ahead

The introduction of the Business Investor Visa marks a significant shift in New Zealand’s approach to business immigration, with a clear emphasis on attracting investors who can make a measurable impact on the economy. As this new framework takes shape, investors and employers alike will need to carefully evaluate how the changes may influence long-term business and migration strategies.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].