Business Investor Category Visa
opening on the 24th of November 2025
The Business Investor Category Visa will allow individuals to buy existing New Zealand Businesses. The Key requirements are that the minimum purchase price of the business is $1 million (NZD). The business also needs to have been in operation for at least 5 years, and it employs at least 5 full time employees.
The principal applicant must meet the general English requirement of IELTS 5.0 or similar. The principal applicant must also demonstrate they have relevant Managerial or Business experience.
The Visa may be granted of up to 4 years.
If the purchase price for the investment of an existing business was $1 Million (NZD) then the principal applicant will fall under the 3-year work to residence pathway. However, if the purchase price for the investment of an existing business was $2 Million (NZD), the principal applicant will fall under the 12-month fast track to residence pathway.
Like all other business categories, nominated funds to purchase this business will need to be legally acquired. The funds will also need to be transferred to NZ within INZ’s requested timeframe otherwise it could impact the application.
Although this new category from INZ allows applicants to purchase businesses in New Zealand, INZ does require the applicant to complete full due diligence on the business prior to acquiring it. Documentation of such will need to be provided and approved by INZ.
Davidson Legal can assist you in navigating the process not only from an Immigration perspective, but our firm also provide a wide range of commercial advice which will be beneficial for this category.
For further updates and information please keep an eye out on our website in the coming year or feel free to contact us.