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New Business Investor Visa Opens Pathway to Residence in New Zealand

21/10/2025

New Zealand is introducing an updated pathway for experienced investors and entrepreneurs to live and work in the country. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released the detailed requirements for the Business Investor Work and Resident Visas, ahead of applications opening on 24 November 2025.

A New Investment Pathway

Announced in August 2025, the Business Investor Work Visa aims to attract migrants who will invest in, operate, and grow established businesses in New Zealand. The programme provides two distinct routes to residence:

$1 million investment in an existing business → 3-year work-to-residence pathway
$2 million investment in an existing business → 12-month fast-track to residence

Key Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, the business must:

Have been operating for at least five years
Employ a minimum of five people
Fall outside the list of ineligible business types as defined by INZ
Applicants must also meet business experience, English language, health, character, and age requirements.

Pathway to Residence

Holders of the Business Investor Work Visa can transition to the Business Investor Resident Visa once they:

Remain actively involved in running the business
Maintain their ownership share
Spend adequate time in New Zealand
Continue to employ at least five people and create one new job for a New Zealand citizen or resident

This initiative highlights New Zealand’s focus on attracting genuine business investors who can contribute to sustainable growth and employment.

For full details and official requirements, visit here.

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Updates from INZ - New Business Investor Visa Replaces Entrepreneur Work Visa

27/8/2025

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The New Zealand Government has announced the closure of the Entrepreneur Work Visa and the introduction of a new Business Investor Visa, aimed at attracting experienced investors who will actively grow the New Zealand economy through business investment.

About the Business Investor Visa

Applications for the Business Investor Work Visa will open in November 2025, offering two clear investment pathways:

NZD $1 million investment in an existing business → 3-year work-to-residence pathway
NZD $2 million investment in an existing business → 12-month fast-track to residence pathway

Applicants can either:

Purchase a business outright, or
Acquire at least 25% ownership of an existing business, provided the minimum $1m or $2m investment thresholds are met.

Both visa options provide a pathway to apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa.

This new category complements the Active Investor Plus Visa, refreshed in April 2025, and forms part of a broader update to business immigration policies to strengthen investment, talent attraction, and international business connections.

Closure of the Entrepreneur Category

The Entrepreneur Category is now closed to new applications for the Entrepreneur Work Visa.

Pending Applications: If you have already applied, your application will continue to be assessed under the rules that were in place at the time of submission.
Withdrawals: If you withdraw your application, any fees or levies paid are non-refundable.
Current Visa Holders: Entrepreneur Work Visa holders may still apply for the Entrepreneur Resident Visa. If more time is needed to meet residence requirements, a renewal of the Entrepreneur Work Visa remains available.

Key Takeaway

If you are looking to invest in New Zealand and gain residence, the new Business Investor Visa presents a fresh opportunity with clearer, faster pathways depending on the level of investment you choose.

If you would like to understand how these changes may affect your immigration options, we encourage you to book an appointment with our licensed adviser by clicking on the button below.

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From 18 August 2025: All NZ International Student Visas Moving to Enhanced Immigration Online System

14/8/2025

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A Major Update for International Students Applying to Study in New Zealand

From 18 August 2025, all international student visa applications will transition to Immigration New Zealand’s enhanced Immigration Online system, also known as ADEPT. This upgrade is part of the Government’s Our Future Services programme — a seven-year initiative aimed at streamlining visa processing, improving communication, and reducing application wait times.
While several visa categories, including Visitor Visas and Accredited Employer Work Visas, have already made the shift since 2021, this will be the first time student visas are fully migrated to the new system.

Student Visa Types Affected by the Change

From 18 August, applicants will be automatically directed to the new Immigration Online form if applying for:

English Language Studies Visa
Exchange Student Visa
Fee Paying Student Visa
Pathway Student Visa
NZ Government Scholarship Student Visa
Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

Key Dates and Transition Details

Applications on the old form submitted by 17 August 2025 → Will be processed as usual. Applicants can still upload documents and respond to Immigration New Zealand until a decision is made.
Draft applications not submitted by 17 August → Can be completed and submitted until 17 September 2025, or restarted in the new system.
After 17 September 2025 → All remaining drafts in the old system will be deleted. Applicants must restart using the new online form.

Important Note for Students During Peak Season

This change is happening during the peak period for student visa applications. Immigration New Zealand encourages applicants not to delay their submission in anticipation of the new form. It’s still recommended to apply at least three months before the intended travel date to avoid processing delays that could affect study start dates.

Why the Move to ADEPT Matters

The enhanced Immigration Online system is designed to provide:

Faster processing times
Clearer application status updates
Improved self-service features
A more user-friendly experience for both applicants and staff

This aligns with New Zealand’s long-term goal of delivering a trusted, world-class immigration service.

Need Help With Your Student Visa Application?

Navigating visa changes can be stressful — especially during peak processing times. Immigration Trust’s licensed immigration advisers help international students prepare strong, compliant applications and avoid costly delays.

Book an appointment

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INZ Hub:INZ Updates​ & ​Visa FAQs

New Business Investor Visa Opens Pathway to Residence in New Zealand

Updates from INZ - New Business Investor Visa Replaces Entrepreneur Work Visa

From 18 August 2025: All NZ International Student Visas Moving to Enhanced Immigration Online System

INZ Hub:
INZ Updates & Visa FAQs