New Zealand’s Immigration Service has expanded opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs applying for a Business Investor Work Visa. The changes took effect on July 6, 2026, and pertain to the list of eligible business types, transaction structures, and sources of investment capital.
Applicants are now permitted to acquire franchise businesses that meet the established requirements. Previously, franchises were not considered an acceptable investment vehicle under this program.
Investors are also now permitted to purchase a business of their choice through a New Zealand-registered legal entity that is a tax resident of the country. Additionally, gifted funds or assets may now be used to finance the purchase, provided their lawful origin is verified.
Authorities explain the changes as an effort to align immigration requirements with standard commercial practices and expand the range of available investment opportunities. The reform is expected to make it easier to attract foreign capital, management expertise, and international business connections to New Zealand companies.
The Business Investor Work Visa was introduced on November 24, 2025, for entrepreneurs willing to acquire and personally manage a business already operating in New Zealand. The visa is valid for up to four years and may serve as a basis for subsequently obtaining resident status.
The program offers two investment options. With an investment of at least 1 million New Zealand dollars, an investor may apply for a resident visa after three years of managing the business. An investment of at least 2 million New Zealand dollars allows the investor to take advantage of an expedited process and apply for resident status after 12 months. In this case, the entrepreneur must continue to manage the acquired business for at least three years, including the period after receiving the resident visa.
In addition to the main investment, the applicant must confirm the availability of at least 500,000 New Zealand dollars in reserve funds for living expenses and family support. The applicant must be 55 years of age or younger. They must also have at least three years of relevant business experience or experience in a managerial position and be proficient in English. The application fee starts at 12,380 New Zealand dollars.
The business being acquired must have been operating in New Zealand for at least five years and have at least five full-time equivalent employees. The transaction value, excluding the cost of real estate and GST, must be at least 1 million New Zealand dollars, and the investor’s stake in the company must be at least 25%.
After the acquisition, the entrepreneur is required to actively participate in management, retain at least five jobs, and create at least one additional permanent job for a New Zealand citizen or resident. To transition to a resident visa, the investor must be present in the country for at least 184 days per year.
The value of real estate owned by the company does not count toward the minimum investment amount. This means that purchasing a business along with an expensive building or plot of land does not, in and of itself, guarantee that the program’s financial requirement will be met. The value of the operating business is assessed separately.
According to the industry publication *Investment Migration Insider*, which cites a representative of a New Zealand immigration firm, only one Business Investor Work Visa was approved between November 2025 and March 2026.
The Business Investor Work Visa differs from the Active Investor Plus program. The former is designed for entrepreneurs who purchase and personally manage an existing company. Active Investor Plus is intended primarily for high-net-worth investors and requires an investment of at least 5 million New Zealand dollars in the Growth category or 10 million New Zealand dollars in the Balanced category, without the requirement to actively manage a specific business.
