New Zealand Launches a New Golden Visa: A Fresh Pathway to Residency for Global Investors

New Zealand, one of the world’s most desirable destinations, has officially joined the roster of countries offering a Golden Visa – and global investors are paying attention. Known for its pristine landscapes, thriving innovation ecosystem, and high quality of life, New Zealand has long been attractive to those seeking a secure, stable long-term base.

Now, with the introduction of the Business Investor Work Visa (launching 24 November 2025), relocating to New Zealand has become significantly easier for individuals who can meet the investment and business participation criteria.

This newly unveiled programme not only grants temporary residency for up to four years but also offers the ultimate prize: a direct pathway to permanent residency.

Here’s everything investors need to know.

A New Investment Migration Route: Two Tracks to Residency
The Business Investor Work Visa comes with two investment tiers, offering applicants flexibility depending on how quickly they want to reach residency:

1. Standard Track – NZD $1 Million Investment (approx £432,860)

• Requires a commitment of NZD $1 million invested into a qualifying New Zealand business
• Leads to permanent residency eligibility after three years

2. Fast-Track – NZD $2 Million Investment (approx £865,900)

• Requires NZD $2 million
• Offers an accelerated route to permanent residency in just one year

Both pathways require applicants to actively participate in the business they invest in—this is not a passive investment programme. Investors must help operate, guide, or oversee the business, demonstrating genuine involvement.

In addition to the investment amount, applicants must pay a NZD $12,380 application fee (approx £5,359).

Eligibility Requirements: Who Can Apply?
New Zealand has set clear guidelines to ensure applicants are experienced, economically self-sufficient, and suited to contributing to the country’s business ecosystem.

Minimum Personal Funds

Applicants must show at least NZD $500,000 (approx £216,475) in available funds to support themselves and their dependants.

Bring Your Family

The visa allows applicants to include:

• A spouse or partner
• Dependent children

Proving Business Capability

Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuinely “business savvy.” This includes providing evidence of one or more of the following:

• Owning a business generating minimum annual revenue of NZD $1 million, or
• Employing at least five full-time staff, or
• Equivalent business experience demonstrating managerial or entrepreneurial acumen

This criterion is designed to ensure that participants have the skills needed to meaningfully contribute to the New Zealand business community.

Restrictions and Investment Limitations
Not all businesses qualify. To maintain ethical standards and economic stability, New Zealand has outlined certain restrictions:

Approved Business Types Must Be:

At least five years old
In compliant, productive sectors that support New Zealand’s economic goals

Prohibited Industries Include:

Gambling & betting enterprises
Tobacco-related businesses
Fast food franchises
Any business conflicting with public health or social policy measures
This is a curated programme designed to attract serious investors who will contribute positively to the country’s economic landscape.

Residency Pathway: Temporary Visa → Permanent Residency
The Business Investor Work Visa grants residency for:

Up to four years, during which the applicant must maintain their investment and business involvement
After fulfilling either the one-year fast track or the three-year standard track, applicants may apply for the Business Investor Resident Visa, granting the right to:

Live in New Zealand indefinitely
Continue to operate their business
Access long-term residency benefits for their family
This makes New Zealand’s new visa one of the world’s clearest, most structured pathways to permanent residency through business investment.

Why This Matters for Global Investors
With many countries tightening their residency-by-investment programmes, New Zealand’s new Golden Visa arrives at a pivotal moment. Investors gain:

A foothold in a politically stable, high-income country
Access to strong education, healthcare, and lifestyle standards
A diversified economic environment with strong tech, agriculture, biotech, renewable energy and tourism sectors
Long-term residency in one of the safest, cleanest countries globally
For entrepreneurs seeking a fresh start or families looking for long-term relocation options, New Zealand’s programme is a compelling new entry on the map.

How Knightsbridge Group Can Assist
Navigating a new immigration programme requires expert guidance. Knightsbridge Group assists investors with:

Full eligibility assessments
Selection of qualifying businesses for investment
Regulatory compliance and documentation
Visa filing and ongoing application management
Structuring your global assets and business footprint ahead of relocation
Multi-jurisdiction planning for families and entrepreneurs
Our global immigration specialists are ready to help you determine whether New Zealand’s new Golden Visa aligns with your goals.

Contact Knightsbridge Group today to begin your assessment and explore the world’s newest pathway to residency in New Zealand.