Immigration · Invest — New Zealand

Build a business here — or back one.

Two routes for investors who want a future in New Zealand: buy and run an established business, or commit capital to the country's growth. We help you choose the right one — and build the case around it.

Book a confidential consultation → Business Investor · Active Investor Plus
Two routes

Choose how you invest.

One route asks you to run the business you buy. The other asks only that your capital stays at work. Select a route to see what it involves.

Route A — Business Investor Work Visa

For owners who intend to run what they buy.

Purchase an established New Zealand business, run it hands-on and grow it. A work visa of up to four years that can lead to residence — sooner, the more you invest.

The road to residence

Measured from visa grant
All applicantsKey milestones
9 monthsBusiness purchased and operating 4 yearsWork visa ends · one renewal available
NZ$2mFast-track
12 monthsCan apply for residence
NZ$1mStandard
3 yearsCan apply for residence

On either path, you must run the business for at least three years across your work and resident visas, spend at least 184 days a year in New Zealand, keep five full-time-equivalent roles, and create — and maintain for at least 12 months — one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Key terms

Investment
NZ$1m or NZ$2m in an established business — excluding property, GST and fees
Reserve funds
NZ$500,000 on top of the investment, to support you and your family
Business experience
At least 3 years in self-employment or senior management, at the required scale
English
Required — shown through citizenship, work, study or a test (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent)
Age
55 or younger when you apply
Time in New Zealand
At least 184 days a year, while running the business
Visa length
Up to 4 years — one renewal of up to 2 years is available
Family
Partner and dependent children can be included

The business you nominate

  • →Trading lawfully in New Zealand for at least five years
  • →A purchase of at least NZ$1m, giving you at least 25% ownership
  • →At least five full-time-equivalent staff
  • →Independent valuation and financial due diligence by a statutory accountant
  • →Legal due diligence by a New Zealand lawyer
  • →Excludes certain types — including fast food outlets, convenience stores, labour hire and home-based businesses

Summarised from Immigration New Zealand criteria, reviewed November 2026. Settings change — verify current criteria before acting. No outcome is guaranteed.

How we help

Capital is the start. Strategy is the case.

Investor applications are decided on evidence — of funds, of experience, of a business that stands up to scrutiny. We build it with you, from first model to final visa.

01 — Route

Choose the right route

Business or capital, NZ$1m or NZ$2m, Growth or Balanced. We weigh each option against your funds, family and timeline before you commit a dollar.

02 — Evidence

Prove every dollar

Source of funds is where investor cases are won or lost. We assemble a clear, complete trail across every jurisdiction your wealth has passed through.

03 — Stewardship

Carry it to residence

Conditions run for years — jobs, days in New Zealand, investments held. We track each one, so the final application rests on solid ground.

Our conviction
Strategy is what turns a maybe into a yes.
Success Global — Boutique Immigration & Advisory

Before you invest.

Which route is right for me?
If you want to own and run a business day to day, the Business Investor route fits. If you would rather invest capital and keep your time flexible, Active Investor Plus may suit — provided you can commit at least NZ$5 million. Some investors qualify for both; the right choice turns on your funds, age, English and plans.
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included on either route. On the Business Investor route, a partner may receive a work visa and dependent children a student or visitor visa.
How much time must I spend in New Zealand?
On the Business Investor route, at least 184 days a year while you run the business. Under Active Investor Plus, at least 21 days over three years in the Growth category, or 105 days over five years in the Balanced category.
Which businesses are excluded, and can I borrow to invest?
On the Business Investor route, excluded businesses include fast food outlets, convenience stores, discount stores, labour hire companies, home-based businesses, and businesses involved in gambling, drop-shipping, adult entertainment or manufacturing tobacco and vaping products. Investment funds must be your own and lawfully acquired — not borrowed or secured by a loan, except in limited circumstances.
Will I speak with a senior adviser?
Always. Boutique by design means you work directly with a senior, licensed adviser from your first consultation to your final application.

Investing in Australia? Business and investor pathways there have been restructured — ask us about the current options.

Speak with an adviser →
Begin

Every strong investment begins with a conversation.

Speak with a senior adviser about your capital, your timeline and the route that fits — in complete confidence.

Book a confidential consultation →