Attract Investment through New Zealand Investor Visas
Turning international interest into local impact
Connecting with qualified global investors is a great way to bring capital, expertise and new jobs into your business. We match investor migrants with New Zealand businesses and manage the visa, compliance, and settlement process end to end.
Is this for you?
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You want to sell or scale an established New Zealand business.
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You’re seeking a strategic co-owner who brings capital and know-how.
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You advise high net worth clients or business owners and want a compliant investor pathway.
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You’re exploring capital options that also secure leadership talent and long-term commitment to New Zealand.
Investor visa pathways for businesses at a glance
New Zealand has two main investor categories that can support business growth and ownership transition. Both lead to residency for the investor and long‑term benefits for the business.
Business Investor Visa (BIV)
Designed for investors who will purchase and grow an existing New Zealand business.
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NZD 1m investment: residence after 3 years of running the business.
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NZD 2m investment: fast‑track residence after 12 months.
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The business must have traded for at least 5 years, employ 5 or more staff, and meet set financial thresholds.
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Excluded sectors include adult entertainment, convenience stores, fast food, gambling, franchises and immigration services.
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Investor applicants must be 55 or younger, have relevant business experience, and create at least one new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident.
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Meet English language requirements, IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
What this means for businesses
A BIV investor can acquire and actively operate your company, bringing capital plus hands‑on leadership to strengthen and expand what you’ve already built.
Active Investor Plus Visa (AIP)
For larger, diversified investment into New Zealand’s growth economy.
Growth investment – minimum NZD 5 million
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Focus on direct investments into New Zealand businesses and managed funds.
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3‑year investment term.
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At least 21 days spent in New Zealand over the 3‑year period.
Balanced investment – minimum NZD 10 million
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Diversified portfolio options including bonds, equities, property developments, and philanthropy.
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5‑year investment term.
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At least 105 days spent in New Zealand over 5 years (with reductions possible for higher Growth investments).
What this means for businesses
AIP investors can participate in funding rounds, co‑invest with funds, or back expansions that create jobs and productivity improvements.
How we help businesses and partners
We work with business owners, boards and professional advisers to make investor migration a safe, efficient and value‑adding option.
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Investment readiness review – We assess visa alignment, headcount, financial thresholds and sector eligibility so you know where you stand.
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Investor matching – We introduce suitable, pre‑qualified investor migrants aligned to your strategy, size, sector and location.
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Immigration strategy and documentation – Licensed Immigration Advisers prepare and manage every step of the application for the investor and their family.
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Coordination and due diligence – We liaise with your legal, accounting and banking partners, and with Immigration New Zealand, to keep the process on track.
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Settlement and onboarding – Our relocation team helps investors and families settle quickly so they can focus on growing the business.
Who we partner with
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Business owners planning succession or a partial/complete sale.
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Founders seeking growth capital and strategic capability.
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Private equity and venture investors seeking compliant co‑investment.
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Banks, accountants, lawyers, and corporate finance advisers with investor clients.
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Regional economic development agencies aiming to attract productive investment and jobs.
Residency and citizenship pathway
The Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa grants residency from day one for qualifying investors. By maintaining the investment and meeting stay requirements, applicants may progress to permanent residency and eventually citizenship under standard criteria.
The Business Investor Visa (BIV) is a work-to-residence pathway. Successful applicants first receive a work visa linked to their investment, and once they meet the required conditions, they may apply for residency, and later permanent residency and citizenship.
Proven experts in investor migration
Since 1998 we’ve worked alongside Immigration New Zealand to connect global investors with opportunities here and to manage the entire visa process. Trusted by business leaders and industry associations, our team speaks more than 20 languages and has helped thousands of people secure their future in New Zealand while contributing to local enterprises.
Meet your Investor Visa team
Petra Lipoth
Relationship Manager – Corporate Services (IAA License #201002540)
Petra is a Licensed Immigration Adviser who specialises in Investor and Business Visa categories and provides strategic, personalised advice to high net worth individuals relocating to New Zealand. She holds a law degree and serves as Auckland’s Honorary Consul of Hungary.
Aaron Chen
Relationship Manager – Corporate Services (IAA License #201801080)
Known for clear communication and a strong track record with complex applications, Aaron is a Licensed Immigration Adviser with expertise in Investor and Business Visa pathways.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the process take?
Does our business need to meet specific employment thresholds?
Are any sectors excluded?
What role does the investor play day to day?
What support do you provide after approval?
Get in touch
If you’re exploring capital and capability via investor migration, we can assess your eligibility and outline a clear pathway.
Talk to our investor visa team. We’ll review your situation, confirm the most suitable visa pathway and coordinate introductions to qualified investors where appropriate.
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