New Zealand RBI - Business Investor Visa

Q: What is the minimum investment required?

The minimum investment for the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa starts from NZD 1 million, with a fast-track New Zealand residency by investment option available at NZD 2 million.

Q: Can I include my family in the application?

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your New Zealand investor visa application, and they will receive visas aligned with your application.

Q: Do I need to actively manage the business?

Yes, applicants must be actively involved in the day-to-day operations and decision-making of the business. This is a key requirement of the New Zealand business investor visa.

Q: When can I apply for residency?

You can apply for residency after 3 years with a NZD 1 million investment, or after 12 months with a NZD 2 million investment, subject to meeting all conditions of the New Zealand investment visa.

Q: What type of business can I invest in?

You must invest in an existing, actively operating New Zealand business that meets immigration, investment, and employment requirements under the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa program.

Invest in an existing business through the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa and gain a clear pathway to New Zealand residency by investment.

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At a glance

Quick facts

Minimum investment: NZ$1,000,000; Currency: NZD

Typical timeline: 2 months; From application start

Highlights

New Zealand RBI
Business Investor Visa

Program

Program specifics

Route type: Residency By Investment / Business Investor Visa; Eligible residency pathway

Last updated: Mar 18, 2026; Subject to regulatory change

Information is indicative and may change; confirm current terms with an advisor.

Program overview

The New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa allows experienced entrepreneurs to invest in and actively manage a business in New Zealand. This New Zealand investor visa requires a minimum NZD 1 million investment and offers a clear pathway to New Zealand residency by investment, with a faster option available at NZD 2 million.

Eligibility

Minimum investment of NZD 1 million (or NZD 2 million for fast-track residency eligibility) under the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa
Maintain an additional NZD 500,000 in funds for personal living expenses
Be 55 years or younger and demonstrate at least basic English language proficiency
Funds must be legally earned, owned by the applicant, and meet New Zealand investor visa requirements
Must invest in and actively manage an existing business in New Zealand as part of the New Zealand business investor visa

Key benefits

Lower investment threshold of NZD 1–2 million under the New Zealand business investor visa
Include partner and dependent children in the New Zealand investor visa application
Live in a stable and business-friendly economy in New Zealand
Flexibility to work, run a business, and access education benefits
Clear pathway to permanent residency and citizenship under the New Zealand residency by investment route

Checklist

Document checklist

7 total items

Documents vary by profile and family composition; we'll tailor your final list.

Identity & Civil

1 item

Valid passport and identity documents

Identity verification

Investment & Funds

2 items

Proof of legally earned funds and investment source documentation
Financial statements and bank confirmations for investment and reserve funds

Proof of funds

Experience

1 item

Evidence of business or senior management experience

Professional background

Language Requirements

1 item

English language test results (IELTS or equivalent)

Language eligibility

Police & Health

1 item

Medical and character clearance certificates

Health and character

Business Investment

1 item

Business purchase agreements and due diligence reports

Business and investment details

Snapshot

Eligible dependents

3 of 4 categories included

IncludedNot included

Spouse: Included
Yes
Children: Up to 25 years25
Yes
Parents: From 0+ years0+
Yes
Siblings: Not included
No

Application process

Process

How it works

7 steps

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment
Initial eligibility assessment and profile evaluation for the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 2: Business Selection
Identification and selection of a suitable existing business in New Zealand.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 3: Due Diligence
Completion of financial, legal, and operational due diligence for the selected business.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 4: Visa Application
Submission of the New Zealand investor visa application with all required documentation.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 5: Investment Execution
Transfer of funds and purchase of the business within 9 months as per program requirements.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 6: Business Operation
Active operation and management of the business while meeting employment and performance conditions.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
Step 7: Residency Application
Apply for New Zealand residency by investment after 1–3 years, depending on the investment amount and fulfillment of all visa conditions.
GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

Disclosure

Risk & compliance

Please read carefully. These notes are informational and do not constitute legal or financial advice.

Risk notes

2 items

Requires active business management under the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa
Strict timelines and conditions must be met for New Zealand investor visa eligibility

Compliance

2 items

Clear rules under the New Zealand investor visa ensure transparency
Ongoing business and investment conditions must be maintained under the New Zealand business investor visa

Cost estimator

Calculator

Cost estimator

Indicative estimate. Excludes exchange/transfer charges and third-party legal costs. Official fees may change without notice.

Choose a base option

Minimum Investment (NZD 1M)NZ$1,000,000Fast-Track Investment (NZD 2M)NZ$2,000,000

Family size

Adults (incl. principal)

Children (<18)

Government & due-diligence fees

Reserve Funds (NZD 500K)
NZ$500,000
1 × NZ$500,000 = NZ$500,000

Summary

Minimum Investment (NZD 1M)

fixed • Qty 1

NZ$1,000,000

Reserve Funds (NZD 500K)

fixed • Qty 1

NZ$500,000

Estimated total

NZ$1,500,000

Frequently asked questions

The minimum investment for the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa starts from NZD 1 million, with a fast-track New Zealand residency by investment option available at NZD 2 million.

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your New Zealand investor visa application, and they will receive visas aligned with your application.

Yes, applicants must be actively involved in the day-to-day operations and decision-making of the business. This is a key requirement of the New Zealand business investor visa.

You can apply for residency after 3 years with a NZD 1 million investment, or after 12 months with a NZD 2 million investment, subject to meeting all conditions of the New Zealand investment visa.

You must invest in an existing, actively operating New Zealand business that meets immigration, investment, and employment requirements under the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa program.

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