New work visa for investors in New Zealand has begun accepting applications

The Active Investor Plus visa is now open to experienced entrepreneurs looking to invest in New Zealand, providing a pathway to permanent residence and supporting investment in established businesses nationwide.

From 24 November 2025, applications are open for the Active Investor Plus visa to support investment in established New Zealand businesses. The visa is valid for a maximum of 4 years and allows candidates to bring their legal partner and dependent children.

There are two investment options:

• NZ$1,000,000: provides a pathway from work to permanent residence in 3 years.
• NZ$2,000,000: provides a fast-track pathway to permanent residence after 12 months.

Requirements for the Active Investor Plus visa

To be eligible for the Investor Resident Visa, applicants must:

• Invest in a business that has been operating for at least 5 years
• Meet a minimum investment threshold of NZ$1,000,000 or NZ$2,000,000
• Demonstrate at least NZ$500,000 in settlement funds to support themselves and their family
• Provide evidence of business experience, such as owning a business with at least five full-time employees or generating annual revenue of NZ$1,000,000
• Be 55 years of age or younger
• Meet English language requirements, and
• Pass health and character checks.

Eligibility for the Investor Resident Visa

Once the business has been successfully operated for the required period, applicants may apply for the Investor Resident Visa.

To be eligible, they must:

• Be actively involved in the management of the business in New Zealand
• Continue to meet the same level of ownership
• Maintain at least five full-time equivalent jobs
• Create and maintain at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident for at least 12 months
• Prove the business is solvent
• Meet the time requirement in New Zealand (184 days in each year of the previous 3 years), and
• Meet health and character requirements.