Business Visa NZ & Investment Visas: Key Changes & Requirements
Changes to Investment Visas
On 9 February 2025, the Government announced changes to the Active Investor Plus Visa to encourage economic growth and make investing in New Zealand more attractive.
The changes, which take effect on 1 April 2025, will replace the existing weighting system with two simplified categories – The growth category and the balanced category.
The English language requirement will be removed and there will be less restrictive immigration requirements for migrants who choose more active investments.
The New Investment Visas Policy
New investor visa settings will be in place from 1 April 2025. The key changes are,
New investment categories
Two simplified investment categories will be introduced — Growth and Balanced. A minimum investment amount of NZD $5 million will be required for Growth category investors over a 3-year investment term. A minimum investment amount of NZD $10 million will be required for Balanced category investors over a 5-year investment term.
Increasing the scope of acceptable investments
The scope of acceptable investments for Balanced category will be broadened to include bonds and property investments. Property investments will be limited to new residential developments that increase the housing stock in New Zealand and new or existing commercial or industrial developments which add value, such as earthquake strengthening. Investments from the Growth category can be included as part of the Balanced category. Equities and philanthropy will continue to be acceptable investments.
Time to spend in New Zealand over the investment term
If you apply under the Growth Category, you are required to spend 21 days in New Zealand over the investment term.
If you apply under the Balanced category, you must spend 105 days in New Zealand over the investment term. However, you may be eligible for a reduction of time spent in New Zealand depending on the amount you invest.
Changes to investment timeframes
Under both categories all investments must be completed within 6 months of the date of approval in principle. However, applicants may request a one-off 6-month extension if they can provide evidence they have tried and been unable to transfer and invest their funds.
English language requirements removed
The English language requirements introduced in 2022 will be removed.
At Access NZ we understand the needs of business migrants and investors. We will work closely with Immigration New Zealand and our business partners including the local Chamber of Commerce, Priority One (Business Organization), business brokers and financial institutions to ensure that you get the best advice and assistance available.
Igniting Economic Growth Through Investment Visas
Experience the evolution of investment visas in New Zealand. The updated settings in Active Investor Plus category signal a transformative shift. With a focus on acceptable investments and fostering active investment, this update aligns with New Zealand’s ambition for a thriving economy. These changes promise a future where New Zealand companies flourish, creating high skilled jobs and propelling the nation toward greater economic heights.
Business Visa NZ (Entrepreneur – WORK Visa)
The NZ business visa for entrepreneurs is for people who are experienced in business and who want to work in their own business in New Zealand. Applicants can buy or set up a business in New Zealand, and operate their business successfully for a certain period of time before being able to qualify for New Zealand residence. Applicants can include their partner, and dependent children aged 19 and under, in the visa application.
Requirements for this type of business visa NZ include:
- minimum capital investment of NZ$100,000 (excluding working capital)
- 120 points or more, with points awarded for factors about the likely success of the business and its value to New Zealand
- clear business plan
- clean recent history of bankruptcy, business failure and fraud
- health, character and English language requirements.
This 3-year work visa is structured in two stages:
- Start-up stage: If your application is approved, you will initially be given a 12-month work visa, enabling you to buy or establish your business in New Zealand.
- Balance stage: Once you have proven that you have taken steps to establish your business, you are granted the remaining 24 months of your visa.
Business Visa NZ (Entrepreneur – RESIDENT Visa)
This visa is for people who are already in New Zealand on an Entrepreneur Work Visa or another visa that allows self-employment, and they want to live in New Zealand on a permanent basis. If granted this visa, applicants will be able to continue operating their business in New Zealand and stay here indefinitely.
There are two ways to qualify for residence under this category,
- Entrepreneur Residence Category (2 years) – Requires you to have successfully established or purchased a business in New Zealand and have been self-employed in that business for at least two years, and for your business to have significantly benefited New Zealand.
- Entrepreneur Residence Category (6 months) – This option provides a faster track to residence if you have invested at least NZ$500,000 in your business and have created a minimum of three new full-time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents.
Under both options, you need to meet health, character and English language requirements.
Empowering Economic Growth: New Zealand’s Dynamic Business Visa Opportunities
In conclusion, New Zealand’s business visa programs, including investor visas and entrepreneur options, offer active investors diverse opportunities to engage with the country’s economy. By participating in the Zealand Debt Securities Market and making acceptable investments through managed funds in New Zealand companies, these visas contribute to growth investments and the advancement of local businesses.
This reflects New Zealand’s dedication to fostering high-value investors and strengthening its economy. With clear eligibility criteria and the inclusion of family members, these programs foster economic growth, job creation, and innovation. As part of New Zealand’s commitment to a prosperous future, these initiatives also align with the NZ government’s goals, making it an attractive and lucrative venture for international investors and entrepreneurs.
Our expertise in catering to business migrants and investors ensures a seamless journey. Contact us today.