Question 1

What is the difference between the $1 Million and $2 Million Business Investor Visa pathways?

Accepted Answer

The $1 Million Standard Pathway requires NZD $1 million investment in an approved business, a 3-year work visa, and 3 years of business operation before applying for permanent residency. The $2 Million Fast-Track Pathway requires NZD $2 million investment, a 12-month work visa, and only 12 months of business operation before applying for permanent residency. Average approval time for both is 35 working days.

Question 2

What kind of business experience do I need for the Business Investor Visa?

Accepted Answer

You must have at least 3 years of relevant business experience either as self-employed with at least 5 full-time employees or annual revenue of at least NZD $1 million, or at senior management level in a business with at least 5 full-time employees under your direct management and annual turnover of at least NZD $5 million.

Question 3

What types of businesses are excluded from the Business Investor Visa?

Accepted Answer

Excluded business types include residential property investment, purchasing existing rental properties, money lending or financial services, speculative share trading, gambling or gaming businesses, adult entertainment venues, tobacco manufacturing or sales, certain import/export businesses, businesses that do not create genuine employment, businesses that do not contribute to the NZ economy, and businesses that breach NZ law or values.

Question 4

How long does it take to get New Zealand residency through the Business Investor Visa?

Accepted Answer

Through the $1 Million Standard pathway, you need 3 years of business operation before applying for permanent residency. Through the $2 Million Fast-Track pathway, you only need 12 months of business operation. Initial application processing takes approximately 35 working days on average.

Question 5

Can my family come with me on the Business Investor Visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Your spouse or partner gets an open work visa and can work for any employer. Dependent children under 24 can attend school at domestic fees or study at university at international fees until residency is granted. All family members must meet health and character requirements.

Question 6

What is the Active Investor Plus Visa and how does it differ from the Business Investor Visa?

Accepted Answer

The Active Investor Plus Visa is a direct permanent residency pathway with no work visa stage and no age limit. It has two investment categories: Growth ($5M) and Balanced ($10M). Family members get immediate permanent residency. Unlike the Business Investor Visa which is a work-to-residency pathway requiring you to operate a business, AIP investors simply invest in approved investments.

Question 7

What are the differences between the Growth and Balanced categories of the AIP Visa?

Accepted Answer

The Growth Category requires NZD $5 million minimum investment and 117 days presence over 4 years, focusing on high-growth investments. The Balanced Category requires NZD $10 million minimum investment with a mix of growth and stable investments. Both categories offer direct permanent residency and include family members.

Question 8

How popular is the Active Investor Plus Visa programme?

Accepted Answer

As of February 2026, the AIP programme has received 589 applications with 1,891 total applicants including family members, representing a potential NZD $3.47 billion investment into the NZ economy. Asia accounts for 60% of new applications with Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea showing the fastest growth. Average approval time is 35 working days.

Question 9

Is the New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa truly permanent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, New Zealand permanent residency is genuinely permanent with no time limit and no requirement to renew. You can stay indefinitely, work in any job for any employer, access most government services, and apply for NZ citizenship after 5 years of residence. There is no use-it-or-lose-it rule.

Question 10

I am in Australia and my business visa options have closed. Can I apply for a New Zealand investor visa?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If you are an Australian entrepreneur affected by the closure of Australia business visas (BIIP closed July 2024), the NZ Business Investor Visa is an excellent alternative. You can leverage your proven business experience and available capital, with New Zealand only 3 hours from Australia. Your family can join you with work and study rights while you build a new business in a stable English-speaking country.

Turn Your Investment Into New Zealand Residency

Explore the $1M and $2M investor pathways designed for business owners ready to live and grow in New Zealand.

Licensed Immigration Adviser –

License No. 20260073

Turn Your Investment Into New Zealand Residency

Explore the $1M and $2M investor pathways designed for business owners ready to live and grow in New Zealand.

Licensed Immigration Adviser – License No. 20260073

Frequently Asked Questions