Own a New Zealand Business. Build a Pathway to Residence.
A work-to-residence pathway for hands-on business owners. Acquire an established New Zealand business, run it, grow it — and build your route to residence for you and your family. Two streams, from NZD $1M.
Fixed-fee private strategy consultation — AUD $330. One conversation to map your eligibility, stream and timeline.
Choose your pathway to New Zealand residence
The Business Investor Visa has two streams. Both require you to buy and actively run a qualifying New Zealand business — they differ in the capital you commit and how quickly you can reach residence.
- NZD $1 million into an established NZ business
- Pathway to residence after 3 years of active operation
- Minimum 25% ownership stake
- A cleaner post-grant position — no Section 49 conditions
- Ideal for the committed owner-operator
- NZD $2 million into an established NZ business
- Eligible for residence after just 12 months of operation
- Minimum 25% ownership stake
- Residence up to 2+ years sooner than the Standard stream
- Ideal for those who want speed to residence
Looking at the passive $5M / $10M Active Investor Plus route instead? See that pathway →
Could this be you?
The Business Investor Visa is built for genuine, hands-on business people. Here are the headline requirements — we'll confirm the full picture against your situation in your consultation.
Aged 55 or younger
You must be 55 or younger at the date of application.
Business experience
3+ years as a business owner or in senior management of a qualifying enterprise.
English language
An acceptable standard of English for the principal applicant (broadly IELTS 5.0 or equivalent).
Investment capital
NZD $1M (Standard) or $2M (Fast-Track) in lawful, unencumbered funds.
Settlement funds
A further NZD $500,000 in reserve funds for living costs, on top of your investment.
A qualifying business
Established 5+ years, 5+ staff, and a genuine going concern — not a start-up or franchise.
Why business owners choose New Zealand
Beyond the visa, you gain a stake in one of the most stable, safe and admired countries on earth — and a business and a home for your family.
Top-Tier Stability
A safe, politically stable, English-speaking democracy with strong rule of law — a genuine future for your family.
Residency for the Family
Your partner and dependent children are included — with access to world-class healthcare and education.
Own a Real Business
Your capital buys an operating enterprise that generates income and value — not a sunk government fee.
A Faster Pathway
The Fast-Track stream can deliver residence in as little as 12 months of operation — quicker than many comparable routes.
Built for hands-on business people
If you've built or run a business and you want to own and operate one in New Zealand — while building a pathway to residence for your family — this is one of the most practical routes available.
- Business owners in Dubai & the GCC seeking a stable second home
- Australian residents & entrepreneurs wanting to buy a business across the Tasman
- Experienced operators who want to run, not just invest passively
- Families prioritising safety, education & a Plan-B lifestyle
"They turned a complex, high-stakes business migration into a clear, step-by-step plan. Every question answered, every milestone managed — exactly what you want when this much is on the line."
— Verified client, business migration applicant
How the pathway works
From first consultation to confirmed residence, we manage every stage on your behalf.
Consultation & Strategy
We assess your eligibility, recommend the right stream — $1M or $2M — and build your plan.
Approval & Establishment
We secure in-principle approval, then guide your funds transfer and the business purchase within the establishment window.
Operate & Grow
You actively run the business and meet the operating, staffing and presence requirements. We keep you compliant.
Residence
You apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa once your stream's requirements are met.
The 2026 Guide to the NZ Business Investor Visa
A clear, plain-English overview of both streams — what they cost, who qualifies, and the timeline to residence. Everything you need to decide whether to take the next step.
- The $1M vs $2M streams, side by side
- The four requirements every applicant must meet
- What makes a business qualify — and what to avoid
- The mistake that derails most applications
Get the free guide
Enter your details and we'll email your copy straight away.
NZ Business Investor Visa Seminar — Brisbane
Join us in person at our Brisbane office for a focused session on the $1M and $2M streams: how the pathway works, who qualifies, and how to choose a business. Bring your questions — and get answers from a Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Business Investor Visa FAQs
What's the difference between the $1M and $2M streams?
Do I have to actively run the business?
What kind of business can I buy?
Can my family be included?
I'm in Australia — can I do this from here?
What does the consultation cost?
Why do I need a Licensed Immigration Adviser?
Ready to own a business and build your pathway to residence?
Book a private, confidential consultation. We'll review your eligibility, recommend the right $1M or $2M stream, and outline your exact route to New Zealand residence.
Confidential · Fixed fee · Advised by a Licensed Immigration Adviser