NZ
New Zealand · Entrepreneur · apply mail
Work visa for people aged 55 or under who buy at least 25% of an established New Zealand business and run it. NZD 1 million leads to a resident visa after 3 years. NZD 2 million leads to a resident visa after 12 months, with conditions through 3 years.
| Type | Tier / zone | Min amount | USD equivalent | Holding | Returnable | Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business | Standard (3-year) | NZD 1,000,000 | $580,000 | 3 yr | Yes | Optional |
| Business | Fast-Track (12-month) | NZD 2,000,000 | $1,160,000 | 1 yr | Yes | Optional |
The visa is open and lasts up to 4 years: a 12-month establishment stage, then an operating stage. One renewal of up to 2 years is available. Reserve funds are NZD 500,000 on top of the purchase. The applicant needs 3 years of business experience and English at IELTS 5.0 or an equivalent test, or through specified citizenship and study. The principal must stay self-employed in the business type on the visa. A partner can receive an open work visa. The business must keep 5 full-time jobs and the buyer must create 1 new full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident, held for at least 12 months. Presence is at least 184 days a year. The fee is NZD 12,380, about USD 7,400. The resident visa costs from NZD 14,890. A Permanent Resident Visa is available 2 years after the resident visa if conditions are met, so the fast-track minimum is 3 years and the standard pathway is 5. Citizenship is 5 years as a resident after that visa, so 6 years on the fast track and 8 on the standard pathway, and only with the ordinary presence test. The paper form INZ 1394 is posted or couriered to Immigration New Zealand in Manukau. A New Zealand lawyer and a statutory accountant must complete due diligence. An immigration adviser is optional.
New Zealand also offers a digital nomad visa for remote workers
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 10, 2026 Source
citizenship language set to a basic conversation. Unpublished processing times removed (https://www.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Passports-citizenship-and-identity/Application-for-NZ-citizenship-adult.pdf).
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