Investor Category Visas

1. Active Investor Plus Visa

This visa is designed for migrants able to make significant investments in New Zealand.

Growth category:

• Minimum investment of NZD 5 million
• Investment period of at least 3 years

Balanced category:

• Minimum investment of NZD 10 million
• Investment period of at least 5 years

All investments must meet Immigration New Zealand’s acceptable investment criteria for the relevant category.

2. Business Investor Visa Pathway

This pathway involves two stages:

• Business Investor Work Visa, followed by
• Business Investor Resident Visa

Business Investor Work Visa

This visa allows applicants to remain in New Zealand for up to four years to purchase and actively operate an existing business.

Key requirements include:

• Demonstrated experience as a businessperson
• Investment in and active management of an acceptable existing New Zealand business
• Sufficient funds to support the applicant and any accompanying family members
• Ability to operate the business in compliance with immigration, employment, and business regulations
• Evidence, within the first 9 months, that the business has been purchased and is being actively operated
• Demonstrated experience as a businessperson

Business Investor Resident Visa

Applicants may apply for residence once the required investment amount and business operation timeframe have been met.

Investment and timeline options include:

Standard pathway:

• Invest NZD 1 million and actively operate the business for 3 years

Fast‑track pathway:

• Invest NZD 2 million and operate the business for 12 months

Applicants must demonstrate ongoing active involvement in the business and full compliance with all regulatory and employment obligations.

Additional Requirements (All Investor Categories)

• All investment funds must be transferred to New Zealand through the formal banking system
• Applicants must demonstrate that funds have been lawfully acquired
• All applicants must meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements