Breaking News! New Zealand Business Investor Visa Now Open-Act Fast, Don't Miss Out!

New Zealand, hailed as "the last pure land on the Planet", has opened its doors on November 24, 2025 to business elites and investors globally after months of anticipation and speculation. The brand-new Business Investor Visa has officially been available for applications. It is not only a simple continuation of former policies, but an innovation for investors who wish to allocate their assets to this stable and pristine country. However, this unprecedented opportunity also means higher requirements and explicit plans.

Picture Source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/business-investor-work-visa/

I. Why? The Unique Charm of New Zealand's Business Investor Visa

Among various immigration countries, why has the business investment visa of New Zealand always been ranked at the top?

The scarcity of "the last pure land on the planet": The magnificent natural scenery, stable social security, and highly transparent government make New Zealand the preferred choice of a high-quality life and a "doomsday safe haven" for global wealthy. Holding a New Zealand green card is an insurance for oneself and family.

Stable and transparent business environment: New Zealand has been rated as one of the most corrupt-free and best business environments in the world for consecutive years. Simple tax system, efficient government services, and respect for the spirit of contract allow entrepreneurs to focus on their business rather than dealing with complex administrative relations.

A fertile ground for innovation and talents: Despite a limited population, New Zealand has world-class innovation capabilities in agriculture technology, film production, IT, and renewable energy. It also boasts a highly qualified workforce and top universities in New Zealand, which can provide fresh blood for your business.

A stepping stone to global markets: New Zealand has free trade agreements with several major economies. Establishing a business here means you can enter the markets of Australia, Asia-Pacific, and Europe with a low threshold.

Humanized IRRV (Indefinite Returning Resident Visa): This is the highest-level advantage of New Zealand's immigration policy. Once the conditions are met and you obtain permanent residency, there are no traditional "immigration supervision" requirements. You can freely travel between New Zealand and your original country without worrying about losing your identity due to insufficient residence time. Truly achieving "immigration without relocation".

Superior education and welfare: Children can enjoy free quality public education, the whole family can be included in the world-leading public healthcare system, and the complete welfare system provides a solid guarantee for life.

For these reasons above, New Zealand's immigration policies have attracted thousands of high-net-worth individuals’ attention worldwide.

Picture Source: https://www.newzealand.com/cn/feature/ten-unmissable-experiences-in-wellington/

II. Who? Two Paths, Precisely Matching Shareholders or Senior Managers

Considerable validity& flexible travel Arrangements

Business Investor Work Visa grants a validity period of up to 4 years, divided into two stages:

Establishment stage: The first 12 months, completing business purchase and start operation

Operation stage: The remaining 3 years, continuing to operate and develop the business

Two immigration fast lanes, choose as you like

This is the core attraction! You have two clear paths to permanent residency depending on the investment amount, :

➢ Standard path: Invest 1 million NZD, operate for 3 years to apply for residency

➢ Fast path: Invest 2 million NZD, operate for only 12 months to apply for residency

Yes, you read that right - you can secure residency qualifications in at least ONLY ONE YEAR as long as the investment amount met the requirement. 

Attention Please: Even if one takes the fast path, the business must be maintained for at least three years. The immigration authority will impose conditions on the permanent residency visa.

One person’s application benefits the whole family.

The applicant’s spouse could obtain a work visa, and the eligible children can receive free primary and secondary education.

Investment threshold details: Is your capital sufficient?

Minimum Investment: Investing 1 million NZD in a mature enterprise that has been operating in New Zealand for more than 5 years and has at least 5 full-time employees, with a shareholding ratio of ≥ 25%

Living Reserve Fund: Preparing an additional 500,000 NZD as a living reserve fund. 

Funding Legality: All funds must be proven with a legal source (tax documents, asset sale certificates, company dividend payments, etc.)

Special Note: The investment funds cannot be borrowed or have any collateral; GST, property value, and transaction costs are not included in the investment amount.

Target Groups, Who Can Apply?

Shareholders: Have at least 3 years of experience as a company shareholder, with a company annual turnover of 1 million NZD or more, or employing 5 full-time employees.

Executives: Have at least 3 years of senior management experience in a company with an annual turnover a company annual turnover of 5 million NZD or more, and have direct management responsibility for more than 5 employees..

Application Requirements: Have you met the criteria?

● Age: Under 55

● English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent English proficiency

● Business Experience: At least 3 years of business experience (shareholder or senior management)

● No bankruptcy or business failure in the past 5 years

● Healthy body, no criminal records

Business Selection: Paramount Importance!

Not all businesses can meet the requirements. The Immigration Department has set strict standards:

Must operate in New Zealand for at least 5 years

Purchase price of at least NZD $1 million (excluding property and GST)

Must employ at least 5 full-time employees

You must obtain at least 25% of the shares

The business cannot be a family business, nor has it been used by other immigration applicants in the past 10 years.

Prohibited Investment Industries Include:

● businesses directly involved in:

undefined drop-shipping

undefined gambling

undefined the manufacturing of tobacco or other nicotine-based products, including vaping

undefined adult entertainment

● convenience stores (for example, corner dairies)

● businesses that offer immigration advisory services, or that were purchased from a  Licensed Immigration Adviser, or where a Licensed Immigration Adviser is materially involved

● discount or value stores (for example, NZD $2 shops)

● fast food outlets

● franchised businesses

● home-based businesses (businesses only operating from a residential address).

Criteria for Maintaining Business Operation

During the period of holding a work visa, you must:

● Complete the purchase of the business and operate for the required period

● Live in New Zealand for at least 184 days each year

● Continuously hold the same percentage of shares (≥25%)

● Create at least 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident (for at least 12 months)

● Maintain an employee size of 5

● Prove good business operation and legal business operation

● Healthy body, no criminal record

III. How? Action Guide to Take the Lead

For those who are considering applying, here are crucial steps as follows:

Self-assessment and path selection: This is the first and most important one. Carefully examine your asset situation, business experience, future plans, and personal intentions, and choose the path that suits you best. Avoid making impulsive or imitative decisions.

Funding Preparation and Source Explanation: Ensure that the investment funds are in place and can provide clear, legal, and complete proof of the source. This is the cornerstone of the entire application and must withstand the most rigorous examination.

Professional Team Support (Highly Recommended): Applying for a New Zealand Business Investor Visa is a complex process involving immigration law, company law, taxation, finance, etc. It is strongly recommended that you seek a New Zealand licensed immigration consultant and experienced lawyers and accountants. They can help you with precisely identifying the most suitable application pathway and preparing impeccable application materials.

Long-term Planning, Patience: Immigration is a long-term decision, not a momentary impulse. Please consider family, career, children's education, etc. comprehensively. At the same time, be patient and prepare for a potentially lengthy process.

Conclusion

The opening of the New Zealand Business Investment Visa undoubtedly provides a strong boost for high-net-worth individuals seeking global asset allocation and lifestyle transformation in the post-pandemic era. It is no longer a door that can be opened simply by having money, but rather a endeavor that requires wisdom, vision, and genuine capability.

The New Zealand immigration system has recently undergone a major reform, a significant event that occurs roughly once a decade. The new Business Investor Visa category is currently in a favorable "window of opportunity". This typically means a small backlog of cases, and a smoother approval process. The applicants can prepare the materials without hesitation or guesswork and expect a faster processing speed.

In addition, currently, the exchange rate between the NZD and CNY is at a historically low level  relatively. This financial fluctuation presents a direct "price discount": with the same investment amount, you can now exchange for more NZD, which effectively lower the overall investment threshold and capital cost indirectly. Whether for financial investment or starting a business, funds in New Zealand can achieve greater purchasing power and potentially acquire higher-quality assets.

Now, this opportunity door has been opened. Will you choose to wait and see or take immediate action to plan a future that is more stable, pure, and free for your family?

If you are interested in New Zealand immigration, please click the "Read More" at the end of the article to contact GlobeVisa for a consultation!