How to Obtain New Zealand Permanent Residency Through Investment
New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Work Visa that will replace the Entrepreneur Work Visa from 24 November 2025.
The new scheme is intended to attract high-net-worth investors by directing foreign capital into established New Zealand companies rather than start-ups. Applicants must invest in a business that has operated for at least five years, a shift designed to reduce risk and support stable economic growth.
The visa runs for up to four years and is divided into two stages. During the 12-month Establishment stage, applicants must purchase their chosen business and begin managing it.
The following three-year Operating stage requires investors to show ongoing involvement and evidence that the business is developing. If an investor cannot demonstrate a purchase and operational activity within the first nine months, the visa will end when the Establishment stage concludes.
Two investment options are available. An investment of NZD $1 million provides a three-year work-to-residence pathway, while NZD $2 million offers eligibility for permanent residence after 12 months.
Applicants must also show at least NZD $500,000 in personal funds and have prior business experience, including ownership of a company with at least five full-time staff or annual revenue of NZD $1 million. The visa also sets employment obligations. Investors must maintain a workforce of at least five full-time employees and create one new role for a New Zealand citizen or resident, with the position lasting at least 12 months.
Residency requirements apply throughout the Operating stage, including spending a minimum of 184 days in New Zealand in each of the previous three years. The government says the new approach aligns with broader efforts to strengthen domestic enterprises by attracting experienced investors.
