New Zealand’s Immigration Service has expanded the options available to foreign entrepreneurs applying for a Business Investor Work Visa. The changes came into force on 6 July 2026 and relate 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 specified requirements. Previously, franchises were not considered an acceptable investment under this programme.
Investors have also been granted the right to purchase a selected business through a legal entity registered in New Zealand that is a tax resident of the country. Furthermore, donated funds or assets may now be used to finance the purchase, provided their lawful origin is confirmed.
The authorities explain the changes as a move to bring immigration requirements more into line with standard commercial practice and to broaden 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 24 November 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 programme offers two investment options. For an investment of NZ$1 million or more, the investor may apply for a residence visa after three years of managing the business. An investment of NZ$2 million or more allows the investor to take advantage of a fast-track procedure and apply for resident status after 12 months. However, the entrepreneur must continue to manage the acquired business for at least three years, including the period following the granting of the resident visa.
In addition to the main investment, the applicant must demonstrate that they have at least NZ$500,000 in reserve funds to cover living expenses and support their family. The applicant must not be over 55 years of age. They must also have at least three years’ relevant experience in running a business or holding 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 staff members. The value of the transaction, excluding the cost of property and GST, must be at least NZ$1 million, and the investor’s share in the company must be at least 25 per cent.
Following the acquisition, the entrepreneur must actively participate in the management of the business, retain at least five jobs and create at least one additional permanent job for a New Zealand citizen or resident. To qualify for a residence visa, the investor must be present in the country for at least 184 days a year.
The value of property owned by the company is not counted towards the minimum investment threshold. This means that purchasing a business together with an expensive building or plot of land does not, in itself, guarantee that the programme’s financial requirement will be met. The value of the operational business is assessed separately.
According to the specialist publication *Investment Migration Insider*, which cites a representative of a New Zealand migration 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 scheme. The former is designed for entrepreneurs who purchase and personally manage an existing company. Active Investor Plus is primarily intended for high-net-worth investors and requires an investment of at least NZ$5 million in the Growth category or NZ$10 million in the Balanced category, without the requirement to actively manage a specific business.