New Investor Visa to Support Local Businesses in New Zealand
Applications are now open for the Business Investor Visa, a new immigration pathway aimed at attracting experienced businesspeople to invest in and develop established businesses in New Zealand.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated that the visa is intended to bring practical skills and capital into the economy. She emphasized that the program seeks investors who actively contribute to business growth, support job creation, and bring valuable experience to local communities.
Investment Options
The Business Investor Visa provides two investment options for applicants:
- Invest $1 million in an existing business for a three-year work-to-residence pathway.
- Invest $2 million in an existing business for a 12-month fast-track to residence.
Ms Stanford highlighted that the visa aims to maintain business continuity as local owners retire. By allowing overseas investors to acquire and support these businesses, the government intends to protect jobs and attract capital and expertise to vital small enterprises.
She further noted that this initiative is part of a broader update to the Government’s business visa policies to foster economic growth. Since the introduction of the Active Investor Plus visa in April, New Zealand has received over 440 applications, representing a potential $2.63 billion investment in the national economy.
According to Ms Stanford, attracting investment is essential to enhance economic growth and expand opportunities for New Zealanders.