• Business Investor Visa

Business Investor Work Visa

Am I eligible for a Business Investor Work Visa?

The Business Investor Work Visa will open for applications in November 2025 and offer 2 investment options:

  • NZD $1 million investment in an existing business, for a 3-year work-to-residence pathway
  • NZD $2 million investment in an existing business, for a 12-month fast-track to residence pathway

Applicants can purchase a business outright on either visa pathway or acquire at least 25% of the business, provided they meet the minimum $1 million or $2 million investment thresholds.

Both options lead to eligibility to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.

The Business Investor Work Visa complements the Active Investor Plus Visa, which was refreshed in April 2025, and is part of a broader update to business immigration settings to attract investment, talent, and international connections.

Entrepreneur Category closure

The Entrepreneur Category is now closed to new applications for the Entrepreneur Work Visa.

If you have applied for an Entrepreneur Work Visa

If you have recently submitted an application for an Entrepreneur Work Visa, we will process it following the rules that were in place when you applied.

If you withdraw your application, you will not be eligible for a refund of any fees or levies already paid, regardless of the reason for your withdrawal.

The Entrepreneur Work Visa is now closed to applications from new migrants. This is part of a refresh of our business visa settings.

As you have an application for an Entrepreneur Work Visa already in progress, it will continue to be processed based on instructions that applied at the time you made the application.

If you choose to withdraw your application, you will not be eligible for a refund of any fees or levies already paid. This applies regardless of the reason for withdrawal.

New Business Investor Visa launching
The Government has announced a new Business Investor Visa, which provides a pathway to residence for migrants who are ready to invest in, operate and grow established businesses in New Zealand.

The Business Investor Visa opens for applications in November 2025.

Book a consultation to discuss your options
What does an Entrepreneur Work Visa offer?

If granted, an Entrepreneur Work Visa gives the holder permission to live in New Zealand and to work in the business specified in their visa application, as well as the right to undertake up to 3 months of study in any 12-month period.

Applicants are permitted to include their partner and/or dependent children in their application, providing that they also meet the identity, character and health requirements.

Holders of this visa are permitted to travel to and from New Zealand freely for the duration of their visa.

An Entrepreneur Work Visa is valid for an initial period of 12 months, extendable for a further 24 months on the condition that the holder proves that they have set up their business in New Zealand or will do within a reasonable time. In order to remain in New Zealand beyond the maximum three years of this visa, holders may want to consider applying for another work visa, or a residence visa such as the Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

How do I apply for an Entrepreneur Work Visa?

Once you have gathered your supporting evidence and information, applications for an Entrepreneur Work Visa can be submitted online. Around 80% of applications receive a decision within ten months.

How much your application will cost depends on your nationality, and can range from zero up to NZD $12380.

Mohamed Anas Sirajur Raheem

Barrister and Solicitor, New Zealand
Australian Lawyer

Mohamed Anas Raheem is a New Zealander of Sri Lankan origin, born in Germany and raised in Canada during his formative years, he holds degrees in Law and Political Studies from both the University of Auckland and Victoria University of Wellington.
With extensive experience in New Zealand’s immigration landscape, Mohamed has served as an Immigration Officer (Visa Services) in Wellington and as a Border Officer at Auckland International Airport. His career spans several years in various government departments, where he has honed his expertise in regulatory knowledge, public policy, immigration policy and practice. Additionally, he has worked as a Licensed Immigration Adviser at a prominent New Zealand immigration firm and in a self-employed capacity, providing guidance and support to those navigating the complexities of immigration processes.
Inspired by his own migration experiences, Mohamed is passionate about helping others achieve their dreams in New Zealand. His unique background and professional journey enable him to empathize with clients, ensuring they receive the best possible advice and support.

Mohamed is a New Zealand Immigration Lawyer with VisaEnvoy and an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand. He is also admitted as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Book with Mohamed

Marney Richardson

  • Senior Immigration Consultant
  • Registered Migration Agent No. 1576670
  • New Zealand Migration Adviser: 202505791

Marney Richardson offers friendly and trustworthy migration advice for investors, businesspeople, skilled professionals, and companies looking to establish in Australia or New Zealand.

Marney has over 10 years’ migration experience in commercial and government sectors. She was the former Manager of Migration Queensland, the Queensland government agency responsible for business and skilled visas and part of Trade and Investment Queensland. She was responsible for state nominated visa policies and creation of Queensland Government visa programs such as the 491 Small Business Owners (SBO) program, Business Innovation and Investment Program – Entrepreneur Stream and the National Innovation Visa (NIV).

Marney specialities include (but are not limited to):

Book a consultation with Marney here.

Book with Marney