New Zealand Business Investor Visa: A Pathway to Residency
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What is the New Zealand Business Investor Visa?
- The New Zealand Business Investor Visa is designed for investors seeking residency in New Zealand through investment in an established, operating business.
- The minimum investment is NZ$1 million (approximately US$568,000).
- In the first stage, you and your family may be granted visas valid for up to 4 years, allowing you to manage and grow the business in person.
- There are 2 investment options: NZ$1 million or more, with a pathway to a Resident Visa after 3 years; or NZ$2 million or more, with a fast-track pathway to a Resident Visa after 12 months.
- Once you hold a Resident Visa and have lived in New Zealand for the required period, you may become eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship.
Business Investor Visa benefits
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Bring your family to New Zealand
You, your spouse or partner, and your dependent children can live, study, and work in New Zealand together, subject to visa conditions.
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Access to public healthcare
Your family may be able to access New Zealand's public healthcare system, subject to the entitlements and eligibility rules for each visa or residence status.
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Education for your children
Your children can attend public schools through the end of secondary school, with entitlements based on your family's visa or residence status.
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A pathway to a Resident Visa
You may be eligible to apply for a New Zealand Resident Visa after at least 12 months or 3 years of running the business, depending on your investment pathway and whether you meet the requirements.
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A pathway to New Zealand citizenship
- Once you hold a Resident Visa and meet the physical presence requirements, you may apply for New Zealand citizenship.
- Once you become citizens, your family can hold New Zealand passports and travel internationally more easily; the number of visa-free or eVisa destinations may change over time.
Key advantages of the Business Investor Visa
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A fast-track pathway to a Resident Visa
On the NZ$2 million pathway, you may apply for a Resident Visa after 12 months of running the business, provided you meet the program requirements.
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A lower entry point than the Active Investor Plus Visa
At NZ$1 million, the minimum investment is lower than that required under the Active Investor Plus Visa.
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Hands-on control of your investment
You are directly involved in managing and growing the business in New Zealand, which gives you more control over operating strategy and how capital is deployed.
New Zealand Business Investor Visa requirements
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Main applicant requirements
- Under 55 years of age.
- A minimum English level of IELTS 5.0 or an equivalent test score.
- Relevant experience managing and running a business.
- Meet health and character requirements, including police clearance certificates.
- Demonstrate that your investment funds come from a lawful source.
- Have at least an additional NZ$500,000 in funds to support yourself and your family during your initial period in New Zealand.
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Business requirements
- Invest in an established business operating in New Zealand.
- Buy the business outright or acquire at least a 25% ownership stake.
- The business must meet the program's requirements on trading history, legal standing, financial position, and operational capability.
- The business must maintain at least 5 full-time jobs.
- Create at least 1 new job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
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Investment pathways
- Standard pathway: invest at least NZ$1 million.
- After running the business and meeting the requirements for 3 years, you may apply for a Resident Visa.
- Fast-track pathway: invest at least NZ$2 million.
- After running the business and meeting the requirements for 12 months, you may apply for a Resident Visa.
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Operating and residence requirements
- You must be directly involved in managing and growing the business in New Zealand.
- Spend at least 184 days a year in New Zealand.
- Operate the business in line with the approved business plan.
- Meet requirements for maintaining existing jobs, creating new jobs, complying with the law, and meeting your financial and tax obligations in New Zealand.
How the Business Investor Visa process works
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Business search and due diligence
Identify a suitable operating business in New Zealand to invest in, then carry out detailed due diligence on its finances, legal standing, and operating potential.
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Prepare your application
Gather your personal documents, evidence of your business experience, and English test results. Prepare evidence of the source of your investment funds and of the funds to support your family, along with your business plan.
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Submit the Business Investor Work Visa application
Submit a complete application to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for a Business Investor Work Visa valid for up to 4 years.
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Receive approval and complete the investment
Once your application is approved, follow the instructions provided to complete your investment and have your visa granted.
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Move to New Zealand and run the business
Arrive in New Zealand and begin running the business yourself.
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Apply for a Resident Visa
After 12 months on the fast-track pathway, or 3 years on the standard pathway, you may apply for a Business Investor Resident Visa if you meet all requirements.
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Pathway to citizenship
After maintaining your residence status and physically living in New Zealand for the required period, you may apply for New Zealand citizenship.
New Zealand Business Investor Visa FAQs
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