Investor Residency Pathways in New Zealand 2026: Where the Business Investor Visa Fits

New Zealand's immigration settings for investors and business owners have recently undergone significant reform --- and for good reason. The long-standing Entrepreneur Work Visa category has closed to new applications and been replaced by a clearer Business Investor Visa that offers a defined work-to-residence pathway in exchange for investing in and actively running a business in New Zealand. Working with an experienced Immigration Lawyer in NZ  can help you understand how these changes affect your long-term plans.

Understanding how the Business Investor Visa fits into the broader suite of investor options --- including the Active Investor Plus Visa --- can help prospective applicants choose the most suitable path for their goals.

What Is the New Business Investor Visa?

The Business Investor Visa is a work-to-residence pathway aimed at experienced investors who wish to buy or take significant ownership in established New Zealand businesses.

There are two investment options under this visa:

1. NZD $1 million option --- Standard Pathway

• Invest at least NZD $1 million in an existing New Zealand business.

• You must actively run the business and demonstrate employment outcomes.

• After 3 years of actively operating the business, you may be eligible to apply for a Business Investor Resident Visa.

2. NZD $2 million option --- Fast-Track Pathway

• Invest at least NZD $2 million.

• After 12 months of active operation, you may apply for residence sooner, although you must still meet the minimum 3-year operational requirement overall.

The visa is valid for up to 4 years and allows you to include a partner and dependent children in your application.

Key criteria include:

✔ Active role in the business

✔ Business employs at least 5 full-time equivalent staff

✔ At least 184 days per year spent in NZ while on the work visa

✔ Entrepreneurial/business experience

✔ Health, character, and financial requirements are met.

How Residence Works With Business Investment

Once you've completed the required period running your business:

Business Investor Resident Visa

• Standard pathway (NZD $1 m): must have actively run the business for 3 years.

• Fast-track (NZD $2 m): must have actively run it for 12 months, but complete at least 3 years total of business operation.

Meeting factors like job creation and staff retention is essential. After holding the resident visa for at least 2 years and meeting all conditions, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residency. For some applicants, parallel family pathways such as a partnership residence visa in NZ or parent resident visa NZ may also be part of the long-term plan.

Comparing With Other Investor Visas

Visa Category.	Main Feature.	Investment Required.	Residency Timeline.	Key Focus.
Business Investor Visa	Work-to-residence via running a business	NZD $1m / NZD $2m	3 yrs / 1 yr fast-track (plus total 3 yrs)	Active business operation
Active Investor Plus Visa	Direct investment into NZ economy	From NZD 5m	Varies — 3–5 yrs	Passive and direct investments (capital)

Alongside these investor pathways, some migrants consider more relationship- or family-based options such as a partnership work visa nz, a partnership visa nz or parent visa NZ for their loved ones, which can complement a business or investment strategy.

Business Investor Visa --- Real-World Example

Imagine Anna, an experienced software entrepreneur from Singapore.She invests NZD $1 million to acquire a 30% stake in a NZ tech firm employing 10 staff. She moves to NZ on the Business Investor Work Visa, actively helps grow the business, and complies with employment and residence obligations.

After 3 years, because she's met operational and job creation requirements, Anna applies for the Business Investor Resident Visa and begins her path toward long-term residence. This pathway capitalises on her business skills as much as her capital.

Active Investor Plus Visa --- Another Route

In contrast, Michael, a California investor, chooses the Active Investor Plus Visa. He invests NZD 5 million in a diversified NZ portfolio of growth sectors (not necessarily tied to business operations). His path to residency is based on capital investment over time, not day-to-day business involvement.

Want Help Choosing the Right Investment Path?

Choosing between Business Investor, Active Investor Plus, or other residency pathways depends on your goals, experience, and investment vision. At McSweeney Immigration Law, we can help you navigate these options and prepare a successful application that aligns with your aspirations in New Zealand.

Talk to our experienced Auckland-based immigration law team about the best investor residency strategy for you. Take the first step toward your New Zealand move - Book an online consultation with McSweeney Immigration Law (MILNZ).