Business Investor Visa

Standard pathway

• You must successfully operate your business for at least 2 years in New Zealand.

• The business must be viable and provide clear economic benefit such as job creation, exports, or innovation.

• There is no fixed minimum investment requirement, but the business must meet the commitments made in the business plan approved under the Entrepreneur Work Visa.

Fast track pathway

• You may apply for residence after only 6 months of operating the business.

• You must invest at least NZD $500,000 into the business.

• The business must create at least 3 full time jobs for New Zealand citizens or residents.

For the Entrepreneur Work Visa and related investor style visas, there are no specific countries that are automatically excluded. In principle, applicants from any nationality can apply as long as they meet the requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.

However, there are a few practical limitations that can affect eligibility:

• Sanctions and financial restrictions – Applicants from countries subject to international sanctions or banking restrictions may struggle to transfer investment funds or prove lawful source of funds.

• Character and security checks – All applicants must pass police and security checks, and applications can be declined if Immigration New Zealand considers there to be security risks.

• Source of funds verification – Applicants must prove their investment capital was obtained legally and can be transferred through recognised financial systems.

Yes. Under the Entrepreneur Work Visa and related investor or entrepreneur pathways administered by Immigration New Zealand, family members can generally be included or supported through the main applicant.

• Partner or spouse can apply for a partner visa, which usually allows them to live and work in New Zealand while the main applicant runs the business.

• Dependent children (typically aged 24 or under and financially dependent) can apply for student or visitor visas, allowing them to live and study in New Zealand.

The application process for the Entrepreneur Work Visa through Immigration New Zealand typically follows these stages:

• Prepare a business plan and investment evidence, outlining the proposed or purchased business, the capital to be invested, expected economic benefit to New Zealand, and proof of relevant business experience and available funds.

• Submit the visa application to Immigration New Zealand, including the business plan, financial evidence, English language results, police certificates, health checks, and supporting documents for any partner or dependent children.

• Establish and operate the business in New Zealand, first during the 12 month start up stage and then the remaining work visa period, after which the applicant may become eligible to apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa if the business is successful.

Typical required documents include:

• Passport and identity documents, including copies of passports for the applicant and any accompanying family members.

• Detailed business plan, outlining the business model, investment amount, projected financial performance, and the economic benefit to New Zealand such as job creation or innovation.

• Proof of investment funds, showing access to at least NZD $100,000 investment capital (unless waived) and evidence the funds were obtained legally.

• Evidence of business experience, such as CVs, references, company ownership records, or financial statements from previous businesses.

• English language evidence, usually IELTS or another accepted test if required.

• Police certificates, from countries where the applicant has lived for more than 12 months to meet character requirements.

• Medical certificates, including health examinations to meet New Zealand’s health standards.

• Evidence of additional personal funds, typically showing around NZD $500,000 available for living expenses and settlement.

If family members are included, marriage certificates, birth certificates, and dependency evidence may also be required.

Key residence requirements include:

• Operate the business successfully in New Zealand, usually for at least 2 years under the standard pathway, or 6 months under the fast track pathway if higher investment and job creation thresholds are met.

• Meet investment and economic contribution commitments, including investing at least NZD $500,000 and creating 3 full time jobs for New Zealanders if applying through the fast track option.

• Demonstrate the business is viable and delivering economic benefit, such as job creation, innovation, export growth, or contribution to the local economy, while complying with New Zealand laws and tax obligations.

Once these conditions are met, the applicant may apply for residence and later progress to permanent residence after meeting New Zealand’s residency conditions.

Yes. After obtaining residence through visas such as the Entrepreneur Resident Visa a person can eventually apply for New Zealand citizenship if they meet the requirements under Citizenship Act 1977, administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Key citizenship requirements include:

• Holding a resident visa for at least 5 years, usually progressing to a Permanent Resident Visa before applying.

• Meeting physical presence requirements, typically being in New Zealand for at least 240 days in each of the last 5 years and 1,350 days total over those five years.

• Demonstrating good character and English ability, and showing an intention to continue living in New Zealand.

Once approved, the applicant attends a citizenship ceremony and receives New Zealand citizenship, which provides full rights including the ability to obtain a New Zealand passport.

Yes, our team assists with preparing documentation, coordinating with immigration advisers and legal professionals, and ensuring that applications are complete and aligned with Immigration New Zealand requirements. We also support practical aspects of relocation, including business setup, housing search, schooling options, and settling into local communities.

By managing both the immigration process and the logistical aspects of relocating, Milford Relocations offers a streamlined experience for investors, entrepreneurs, executives, and their families looking to establish themselves successfully in New Zealand.