Business and investment migration
New Zealand Business & Investor Visas
Investing capital and actively operating a business are different migration objectives. New Zealand has separate categories for these activities, with requirements that go beyond having funds available.
Enquire About Business or Investor Pathways
Active Investor Plus Visa
The Active Investor Plus Visa is a residence category with Growth and Balanced investment options. The published minimums are NZD 5 million for Growth and NZD 10 million for Balanced, subject to acceptable-investment, lawful-funds and other requirements.
The investment periods differ: three years for Growth and five years for Balanced. Time-in-New-Zealand and ongoing conditions also need to be checked. Approval of a visa is not an assurance of investment performance.
Business Investor Work Visa
The Business Investor Work Visa is designed for eligible applicants investing in and actively operating an acceptable established New Zealand business. The standard pathway requires at least NZD 1 million of qualifying investment; a NZD 2 million pathway can provide an earlier residence application opportunity, subject to the rules.
Applicants also need reserve funds and must meet the relevant age, experience, English, business and other requirements. The fast-track residence option does not remove the obligation to operate the business for the required overall period.
Separate immigration and commercial due diligence
Before committing to a transaction, obtain appropriate business, legal, tax and financial advice as well as an immigration assessment. Check what you are buying, how the business operates and which amounts count under the visa requirements. A seller's statement that a business is suitable for migration is not an independent assessment.
Prepare a clear record of the source and ownership of funds, the proposed transaction and any family members involved. Keep the original records supporting transfers, asset sales or business earnings. Avoid moving money solely to create a misleading snapshot for an application.
Compare the practical commitments
Consider how much time you can spend in New Zealand, whether you intend to manage a business personally and how your family will be supported. Budget separately for professional advice, transaction costs and ongoing living expenses.
Do not treat a New Zealand business purchase as an automatic route to residence or citizenship. Each immigration stage remains subject to its own requirements.
Common questions
Are these Australian subclass 188 or 888 visas?
No. These are New Zealand categories with different purposes, investment definitions and ongoing conditions.
Does any property purchase count as an acceptable investment?
No. Check the exact acceptable-investment rules for the category before committing funds. Do not assume a personal property purchase qualifies.
Does this page recommend an investment?
No. It explains immigration categories only. Investment suitability, risk and tax consequences require separate professional advice.
General information checked 18 September 2026. Amounts are in New Zealand dollars. Sources: Active Investor Plus Visa and Business Investor Work Visa. No immigration or investment outcome is guaranteed.