Invest or Build a Business in New Zealand
New Zealand offers visa pathways for investors and entrepreneurs ready to contribute capital or build a business here. These categories have significant financial thresholds, detailed evidence requirements, and longer processing timelines than most visa types. We'll tell you upfront whether you qualify — and if so, build the strongest possible application.
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Investor Visas
New Zealand has two investor visa categories, both designed to attract capital and business expertise:
- Active Investor Plus: Invest $5M or more over 4 years into acceptable New Zealand investments. This is the more flexible category — you choose from a range of approved investment types and there's no requirement to run a business day-to-day.
- Active Investor: Invest $1M or more over 4 years, but you must also establish and actively manage a business in New Zealand. This category suits people who want to be hands-on.
Entrepreneur Visa
The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for people who want to start or buy a business in New Zealand. You'll need a detailed business plan, sufficient capital to establish the business, and a concept that benefits New Zealand. After running the business successfully for three years, you can apply for Entrepreneur Residence.
How It Works
- Initial assessment — We review your financials, experience, and goals to identify the right category
- Visa application — Prepare and submit your application with a detailed investment or business plan
- Establish operations — Arrive in New Zealand and begin investing or building your business
- Apply for residence — After meeting your visa conditions, apply for permanent residence
Watch Out For
- Conditional visas: You don't get residence automatically — you must meet investment or business conditions first, and INZ will verify compliance.
- Financial evidence: Requirements are extensive. INZ needs to see the full source and history of your funds, not just a current bank balance.
- Processing times: These applications typically take 6–12+ months. Start early and plan for the long timeline.
What We Help With
- Assessing which investor or entrepreneur category fits your situation
- Preparing business plans and investment proposals that meet INZ standards
- Compiling financial evidence packages
- Managing the application through to residence
This information is general in nature. Immigration policy changes regularly. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.
Ready to Start Your New Zealand Journey?
Free consultation. No obligation. We'll tell you where you stand.