Which Visa Is Best for Doing Business in New Zealand: Active Investor Plus or Business Investor Visa?

iclegalnz
2 hours ago
3 min read

New Zealand continues to stand out as a top global destination for high-net-worth investors and entrepreneurs seeking stability, innovation, and long-term opportunities. Through the Active Investor Plus Visa and the Business Investor Visa, the country offers two distinctive pathways to contribute to, and benefit from, its thriving economy.

In this guide, we provide an in-depth exploration of both visa categories, eligibility criteria, investment requirements, and how each option aligns with different investor profiles.

Understanding New Zealand’s Investment Visa Pathways

New Zealand offers two core routes for foreign investors and business owners:

Active Investor Plus Visa - tailored for those looking to invest significant funds in New Zealand’s businesses and managed funds.
Business Investor Visa - designed for entrepreneurs who wish to manage and grow an existing New Zealand business while working towards residency.

Both pathways enable investors to include their partners and dependent children in their applications, fostering long-term settlement opportunities.

Active Investor Plus Visa: Empowering Strategic Growth in New Zealand Businesses

Investment Categories and Thresholds

To qualify for the Active Investor Plus Visa, applicants must invest a minimum of:

NZD $5 million under the Growth category for at least 3 years, or
NZD $10 million under the Balanced category for at least 5 years.

Each category supports different risk appetites and investment strategies.

Growth Category

The Growth category focuses on higher-risk, higher-return investments, such as:

Direct investments in New Zealand businesses
Managed funds specializing in innovation and expansion

Balanced Category

The Balanced category enables a diversified investment portfolio with lower-risk options, including:

Managed funds
Direct investments
Listed equities
Bonds and philanthropy
Property developments (residential, commercial, or industrial)

Residence and Stay Requirements

Growth investors must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand during the 3-year period.
Balanced investors must spend at least 105 days over 5 years.

These conditions encourage investors to remain actively connected to New Zealand’s economic ecosystem.

Visa Benefits

Immediate Resident Visa status
No age, business experience, or English requirements
Indefinite stay rights, with eligibility for a Permanent Resident Visa after 3 or 5 years (depending on the investment category)

Business Investor Visa: Building and Managing a New Zealand Business

The Business Investor Work Visa offers an ideal option for experienced entrepreneurs seeking to establish and manage an existing business in New Zealand.

Visa Structure and Pathways

This visa is divided into two stages:

Business Investor Work Visa: a 4-year temporary visa allowing business operation.
Business Investor Resident Visa: available after fulfilling specific operational and investment conditions.

Investment Options

Investors must commit capital into an existing business:

NZD $1 million or more for the 3-year residence pathway
NZD $2 million or more for the 12-month fast-track pathway

Certain industries are excluded from eligibility, including gambling, tobacco, fast food, and franchise operations.

New Zealand Business Investor Visa Key Requirements

Criterion	Details
Business Operation	Must actively run and grow the business
Job Creation	Maintain 5 full-time roles and create at least 1 new job for a New Zealand citizen or resident
Minimum Stay	184 days per year from the first day of business operation
Age Limit	55 years or younger
Settlement Funds	Minimum NZD $500,000
English Requirement	IELTS 5.0 or equivalent
Visa Duration	Up to 4 years

Upon meeting all conditions, applicants can transition to the Business Investor Resident Visa, gaining permanent residence in New Zealand.

Comparing Active Investor Plus Visa and Business Investor Visa

Feature	Active Investor Plus Visa	Business Investor Work Visa
Ideal For	Passive investors focusing on capital growth	Hands-on entrepreneurs running businesses
Minimum Investment	NZD $5M (Growth) / NZD $10M (Balanced)	NZD $1M (3-year) / NZD $2M (12-month)
Visa Type	Resident Visa	Work Visa leading to Residence
Job Creation Requirement	Not required	Maintain 5 jobs + create 1 new job
Age Limit	None	55 years or under
English Requirement	None	IELTS 5.0 or equivalent
Length of Stay	Indefinite	Up to 4 years
Residence Eligibility	3 years (Growth) / 5 years (Balanced)	12 months or 3 years, depending on investment
Cost	NZD $27,470	NZD $12,380 (Work Visa) + NZD $14,890 (Resident Visa)

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Both visa types offer direct or progressive routes to New Zealand residence and eventual permanent residence.

For Active Investor Plus Visa Holders

Eligible to apply for a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa after maintaining the investment for the required duration (3 or 5 years).
Must meet time-in-country and investment compliance criteria.

For Business Investor Work Visa Holders

Apply for a Business Investor Resident Visa after:
- 12 months (fast-track) with a NZD $2 million investment
- 3 years with a NZD $1 million investment
Must demonstrate business growth, employment creation, and financial stability.