JAKARTA - Immigration New Zealand said on July 6 that Business Investor Work Visa applicants can now invest in eligible franchise businesses, purchase businesses through a New Zealand resident entity and use gifted capital where the funds were lawfully earned.
The agency said the changes took effect on July 6 and broaden how business people can structure investments in New Zealand. Franchise businesses must still meet the visa’s existing requirements, and purchases through resident entities are meant to reflect standard commercial practice, according to Immigration New Zealand.
The Business Investor Work Visa is for experienced business people who want to invest in and actively run an established New Zealand business. The visa page says applicants must show they can invest at least NZD $1 million in an acceptable established business and hold at least NZD $500,000 in reserve funds to support themselves and included family members.
“Designed to attract experienced business people, the Business Investor Work Visa supports growth by enabling capital, expertise and global connections to flow into New Zealand businesses,” Immigration New Zealand said.
The visa may be granted for up to four years. It includes an establishment stage of up to 12 months, during which the applicant must buy and start running the nominated business. Immigration New Zealand says visa holders must provide evidence within the first nine months that they have purchased and started operating the business, or the visa expires after the establishment stage.
The route opened for applications on November 24, 2025. Immigration New Zealand listed two investment options at launch: NZD $1 million for a three-year work-to-residence pathway, and NZD $2 million for a fast-track pathway to residence after 12 months. Fast-track applicants must still actively run the business for at least three years across both visas.
The nominated business must have traded for at least five years, operate lawfully in New Zealand, comply with immigration, employment and business standards, employ at least five full-time-equivalent staff and have a purchase price of at least NZD $1 million, excluding property value and GST. The purchase must also give the applicant at least 25% ownership.
The franchise change reverses one earlier limit. When the visa was announced on August 27, 2025, franchised businesses were listed among unacceptable business investments.
